Billy Crystal has created one of the most versatile and prolific careers in the entertainment industry, finding success in front of the camera as a performer in film and television, and behind the scenes as a writer, director, and producer.

His family owned and operated the legendary Commodore label and record store, so Crystal grew up in New York surrounded by music and musicians. His father, Jack, produced concerts by the era's great jazz performers, including the legendary Billie Holiday. It was his exposure to these stars that helped Crystal develop a knack for stand-up comedy, incorporating his gifts for mimicry and satire, as well as his ability to create enduring characters who are funny, human, and touching.

After touring with such stars as Billy Joel, Barry Manilow, Neil Sedaka, and Sha Na Na, he became a regular on the popular series Soap, playing the first openly gay character on a network television series.

During the 1984-85 television season, Crystal met with national success on Saturday Night Live. He created many memorable characters and catch lines, including his classic imitation of Sammy Davis, Jr., Fernando ("You look mahvelous!") or Willie the Masochist who would hurt himself and claim, "I hate when that happens."

He has moved between successes on television and film. He created, wrote, and produced the critically acclaimed HBO series Sessions, and became the first comedian to perform in the former Soviet Union with his special Midnight Train to Moscow, one of three one-man specials he did for HBO.

He has hosted the Grammy Awards three times and the Academy Awards seven times. He has starred in Running Scared, Throw Mama from the Train, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, City Slickers I and II, Mr. Saturday Night, Forget Paris, Hamlet, Deconstructing Harry, Father's Day, My Giant, and Analyze This with Robert DeNiro.

His recent work includes the film 61* for HBO films, as both director and executive producer, and America's Sweethearts, starring Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta Jones, where he served as producer, writer, and actor.

A dedicated human rights activist, Crystal has co-hosted with Robin Williams and Whoopi Goldberg all eight Comic Relief telethons on HBO which have brought the plight of the nation's homeless to the public and raised over 40 million dollars for housing and medical care for these needy people.

He has won six Emmy Awards, six American Comedy Awards, and seven Cable Ace Awards.