It was only a matter of time before comedian, actor & icon Billy Crystal would be recognized & honored by the Kennedy Center for his excellence achieved in comedy throughout his long & legendary career. That time finally arrived earlier this month in the prestigious & star-studded ceremony, the 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors.
The annual event, which took place on Sunday, December 3rd in Washington DC, "recognizes and celebrates individuals whose unique contributions have shaped the way we see ourselves, each other, and our world. Recipients have each had an impact on the rich tapestry of American life and culture through the performing arts." Alongside Crystal in this year's honorees were Renée Fleming, Barry Gibb, Queen Latifah, and Dionne Warwick.
Previous recipients in the comedy space include Steve Martin, Carol Burnett, Lorne Michaels, Dick Van Dyke, Lily Tomlin, Mel Brooks & many more household comics just to name a few.
Billy Crystal on this year's Kennedy Center Honors.
Crystal shared before this year's ceremony: “I am overwhelmed to be part of this fantastic group of artists. I started performing when I was five years old, making my parents and family laugh. Those laughs have carried me my entire life and career. I so wish they could be at the Kennedy Center for this glorious occasion. It has been a thrilling lifetime of performing in so many different arenas and my heart is full of gratitude to the Kennedy Center, my wife Janice, my children and grandchildren, our family and friends, and all the amazing people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. And finally, of course, my wonderful fans.”
Who honored Billy Crystal at this year's Kennedy Center Honors?
Crystal's friends & colleagues Rob Reiner, Meg Ryan, Robert DeNiro & Lin-Manuel Miranda attended & did more than just share some honorable affirmations of the multi-talented legend. Some also broke into a song or two accompanied by frequent collaborator & composer Marc Shaiman.
Rob Reiner
In this short tribute by When Harry Met Sally & The Princess Bride collaborator & director, Rob Reiner, it was revealed that Crystal wrote one of the most memorable, greatest & funniest lines spoken in cinema.
Meg Ryan
Crystal's When Harry Met Sally co-star, Meg Ryan, gave a humorous tribute to her friend & colleague looking back on their movie & how it's still managed to remain one of the greatest rom-coms of all time.
Robert De Niro
You know you're a real G.O.A.T. when you've got one of the greatest actors of all actors, Robert De Niro, praising your name as one of the great actors of our time. Saying "you're one of our best comic actors Billy, which is in essence I'm saying simply you're one of our best actors."
Plus, we get a surprise Tony Bennett like musical number from the Taxi Driver himself.
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda got to live his dream of doing a "Billy Crystal style Oscar medley" at this year's ceremony, performing a fun comedic musical tribute to the Kennedy Center honoree.
How to watch the 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors.
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