This Week in Television History: March 2017 PART II

As always, the further we go back in Hollywood history,
the more that fact and legend become intertwined.
It's hard to say where the truth really lies.

March 14, 1948

Billy Crystal is born in Long Beach, California. 

Crystal began performing in comedy clubs as a teenager; after graduating from New York University's film school, he formed his own comedy troupe, 3's Company. As a young stand-up comic, Crystal opened for acts like the singer Barry Manilow and was particularly known for his impression of the sportscaster Howard Cosell interviewing Muhammad Ali. After setting off for Hollywood, Crystal landed the role of Jodie Dallas, one of the first openly gay characters on television, on Soap (1977-81). Though his first film, Rabbit Test (1978)--in which he played the world's first pregnant man--flopped, Crystal's star kept rising. His popular live performances and regular appearances on TV's Saturday Night Live landed him roles in a string of movies, including Rob Reiner's This is Spinal Tap (1984), Running Scared (1986) and The Princess Bride (1987), and Throw Momma From the Train (1987). In 1989, he made his highest-profile star turn yet, playing opposite Meg Ryan in the hit romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally..., also directed by Reiner. 

March 14, 1968

The original Batman series concluded its short run.

To quote the Bicentennial Minute, "And that's the way it was".

Stay Tuned

Tony Figueroa