Billy Crystal Recreates Iconic ‘When Harry Met Sally’ Pose In 75th Birthday Post

Apr 06, 2023

There’s no doubt that Billy Crystal’s character in “When Harry Met Sally...” is one of his most memorable roles to date. So when he decided to recreate his iconic pose from the film in celebration of his 75th birthday, he naturally delighted his fans – not to mention, making headlines in the process.

Born on March 14, 1948, William Edward Crystal, more popularly known as Billy Crystal made a mark in the entertainment industry through the various roles he has portrayed on both film and television over the years. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades including winning six out of 21 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, a Tony Award and a Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. He was also honored in 2022 with the Critics Choice Awards Lifetime Achievement Award.

While he successfully made his way as an actor, he first started as part of a comedy trio with two of his friends. But surprisingly, he had another job while performing in colleges and coffee houses. 

Having worked as a substitute teacher in Long Island before he entered show business, his first screen appearance was in an episode of the American television sitcom “All in the Family.” But it wasn’t until he appeared on “Saturday Night Live” where he did a monologue of an old jazz man that he became known as "Bill Crystal." Since then, he has appeared in several other TV shows including a role in “Soap” where he played Jodie Dallas, arguably one of his earliest prominent roles. His first film role came in 1978 when he starred alongside Joan Prather in “Rabbit Test.” 

Then in 1982, Crystal was given the chance to host his own variety show called “The Billy Crystal Comedy Hour” on NBC. Sadly, it was canceled after the first two episodes aired. While it clearly wasn’t a good start for his solo television career, he thrived in other areas of his career, specifically on the big screen, after taking on roles in “Running Scared” and “The Princess Bride.”

But Crystal doesn’t only appear on screen to earn money, he also does it for other people. In fact, he started hosting “Comic Relief” in 1986 with the late Robin Williams and Whoopi Goldberg. The main goal of the show was to raise money for homeless people in the United States.

He also famously voiced Mike Wazowski in Pixar's "Monsters Inc." and "Monsters University."

Perhaps the most memorable character was Harry Burns in the 1989 film “When Harry Met Sally…” where he co-starred alongside Meg Ryan. Directed by Rob Reiner, the film cemented Crystal and his co-star Ryan in pop culture. The film follows the story of the titular characters, Harry and Sally, from the moment they meet to their many chance encounters in New York City over the years.

In December 2022, the film was among the 25 selected films for preservation in the United States National Film Registry as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

While there could be many possible reasons for Crystal to love the film, he admitted the process of making it was one of his favorites.

“I just felt so plugged into the process of making the movie,” Crystal told the National Library of Congress in an interview. 

“Not that anything is ever easy, but it was just such a joy to see it come to life,” he added. 

Crystal believes the secret to the enduring romance of the film is its modern-day romance plot which remains relevant up to this day.

“The movie is beautiful and simple and appropriate and every shot is just right,” Crystal said. “The timing, which is in the hands of Rob, who is, for this movie, a modern-day Billy Wilder … and it’s New York, it's the fall, it’s the music.” 

In 2019, Crystal and Ryan reunited at the Turner Classic Movies Classic Film Festival in Hollywood. The film marked its 33rd anniversary in July 2022.

To mark his 75th birthday on March 14, 2023, Crystal shared a selfie of himself. It wasn’t an ordinary photo though as it was clearly his way of honoring his character from “When Harry Met Sally....”

In his post, he shared side-by-side photos recreating his iconic pose from the film where he wore a large white sweater, blue jeans and white sneakers as well as a photo of him from that moment in the film.

“Thank you all,” he simply tweeted. 

Meanwhile, several celebrities including fellow comedians Ben Stiller and Richard Lewis responded to his tweet to honor him.

“Lots of love and respect @BillyCrystal,” Stiller wrote.

“Finally, you’re my age. You’re a blessed artist. I’m proud to have started our comedic journey together. I started reading your accomplishments 17 weeks ago and I’m just about halfway done. Far and away your greatest success is your wondrous family. Love from the Lewises,” Lewis wrote.

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