Podcast Summary: Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Episode: Billy Crystal
Host: Sona Movsesian
Guest: Billy Crystal
Timestamp Range: [01:05] – [73:36]

Introduction and Early Connections

[01:05] Billy Crystal: "Hi, my name is Billy Crystal and I'm just not sure about being Conan O'Brien's friend."
The episode kicks off with Billy Crystal introducing himself with a touch of humor, acknowledging the show's premise of Conan seeking genuine friendships beyond his professional relationships.

Billy Crystal's Introduction to Comedy

[13:13] Billy Crystal: "Sid Caesar was there, and I got to walk up to him and tell him how much he meant to me."
Billy reminisces about his early days in comedy, highlighting his first encounter with Sid Caesar during the filming of 10 from Youm Show of Shows. This pivotal moment ignited his passion for comedy.

Family Influence and Early Career

[14:25] Billy Crystal: "My parents were comedy just mavens. My mom, for a little while, was the voice of Minnie Mouse in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parades."
Billy discusses the significant influence of his family, especially his parents, in shaping his comedic talent. His mother's role as Minnie Mouse and his father's involvement in the jazz music business provided a creative environment that fostered his growth.

Challenges on Saturday Night Live (SNL)

[27:06] Billy Crystal: "When my sketch was on at 12:55, you think all it takes is for one sketch to run a little long and you're gonna get nudged into... Once it's gone, it's gone."
Billy shares his experience during the early days of SNL, where despite being part of the initial lineup, his sketches often faced cuts. He recounts the uncertainty and anxiety of live television editing.

Memorable Moments on SNL

[35:04] Billy Crystal: "And so we did it. And it was really funny and he was just so delightful and, and real and real."
One of the standout moments Billy describes is when George Carlin's guest performer, Barry Manilow, canceled last minute. Billy spontaneously brought a camera operator, Bobby Ferraccio, on stage to play Manilow, resulting in a memorable and hilarious segment that embodied the show's improvisational spirit.

Friendship with Muhammad Ali and Yogi Berra

[46:11] Billy Crystal: "We would have all of these events over the years. He would be there. He came at my 50th birthday party and surprised me and walked out in front of everybody."
Billy delves into his close friendships with sports legends Muhammad Ali and Yogi Berra. He shares touching anecdotes, including Ali's unwavering support during SNL performances and their deep personal bond that extended beyond professional interactions.

Impact of Early Career Challenges

[31:58] Billy Crystal: "And I thought, Conan, my boy, whatever you're having done, whatever work you're having done, I say 20% more and then stop."
Reflecting on setbacks like being fired from SNL, Billy emphasizes how these challenges shaped his resilience and commitment to his craft. His ability to turn these experiences into learning opportunities contributed to his enduring success.

Success Beyond SNL

[34:41] Billy Crystal: "I've always tried to straddle that. Coming off of three really funny movies in a row... But it was risky because he's not a likable character."
Billy discusses his transition from SNL to film and stand-up comedy, highlighting both his successes in movies like When Harry Met Sally and City Slickers, as well as the risks involved in roles like in Mr. Saturday Night, where he played a more complex, less likable character.

Current Projects and Future Endeavors

[60:34] Billy Crystal: "I'm so excited about this. And it's the most difficult part I've ever had to play."
Billy shares insights into his recent work, including his Apple TV+ series Before. He expresses pride in the project's depth and the talent involved, noting the challenges and rewards of portraying a multifaceted character grappling with personal tragedy.

Legacy and Reflections

[71:34] Billy Crystal: "I'm leaving out somebody. Cole Davis. I'll be in the next season."
Concluding the episode, Billy reflects on his legacy and enduring relationships within the entertainment industry. He touches on the timelessness of his work and expresses gratitude for ongoing collaborations and the support of peers and fans alike.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Billy Crystal on Early Career Struggles:
  [27:06] "Once it's gone, it's gone."

• Billy Crystal on Improvisation:
  [35:16] "All the hideaways that we did was so much fun because I wasn't sure what I was going to say until I said it."

• Billy Crystal on Friendship with Muhammad Ali:
  [47:07] "You know, he had the greatest. He's the greatest catcher in the history of baseball."

• Billy Crystal on Current Work:
  [60:22] "It's the most difficult part I've ever had to play. It gets."

Conclusion

This episode of Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend offers an intimate glimpse into Billy Crystal's storied career, his personal relationships, and the moments that defined him both professionally and personally. Through engaging anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Billy shares the triumphs and tribulations that have shaped his legacy in the world of comedy and entertainment.

Note: The timestamps correspond to the transcript's markers but may vary slightly in the actual podcast's runtime.