Along with being a veteran actor and comedian, Billy Crystal is most known for his affable hosting abilities, a groundbreaking role on television, and his impressions. One of the few to make a successful career from standup comedy to the movies, the sincere Crystal has hosted the Academy Awards six times and the #Comic Relief festivals (which he also co-directed) since 1986. He has been nominated 12 times for an Emmy and has won three of them.
In 1976, Crystal was cast in the recurring role as Rob Reiner's %Meathead's best friend on #All in the Family. He made history when he was cast as the first gay character to appear on television on #Soap, %Jodie Dallas. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force drew Crystal's name into controversy for promoting stereotypes and right-wing conservatives and religious groups damned the network for airing the show at all. Once the sensationalism died down and he refined his characterization, %Jodie became a favorite among viewers.
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