At a Glance
- Billy Crystal shares parenting philosophy and recent family milestones.
- He was honored as a 46th annual Kennedy Center Honoree and discussed the award on CBS Mornings.
- His Pacific Palisades home, occupied for 46 years, was lost in the January 2025 wildfires.
Why it matters: The actor’s reflections on family, career, and loss offer insight into how public figures navigate personal and professional challenges.
Actor Billy Crystal recently opened up about his approach to parenting, the honor he received at the Kennedy Center, and the devastating loss of his long-time home in the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. His comments touch on the balance between work and family, the impact of fame on his daughters, and the resilience needed to rebuild after tragedy.
Family Foundations
Billy and his wife Janice welcomed their daughters in 1973 and 1977. Their oldest, Jennifer Crystal Foley, was born on January 26, 1973, and their younger daughter, Lindsay Crystal, arrived on October 21, 1977. The family has lived in a Pacific Palisades house since 1979, a home that became a symbol of their shared memories for 46 years.
The couple is also grandparents to four children: Jennifer’s daughters Ella Ryan Foley and Dylan Frances Foley, and Lindsay’s two sons. In a recent interview, Billy said, “I had to explain what I did for a living and I showed them Monsters, Inc. – because I couldn’t show them the orgasm scene from When Harry Met Sally… (laughs).” He added, “I had to be Mike Wazowski every time I saw them for about a year after that. I was Grandpa Mike and I could only talk like him.”
Parenting Philosophy
In a 2013 interview with the U.K. newspaper The Guardian, Billy explained, “We knew we had to be their parents. A lot of parents nowadays try to be friends with their kids, and I don’t think that works.” He continued, “Ultimately you will be friends as they get older, but when they are growing up you really have to know who you are and who they are.” These remarks underscore his belief that parental roles should remain distinct from friendship.
Career Highlights
Billy’s career has spanned decades. In 2023, he was selected as a 46th annual Kennedy Center Honoree. After the ceremony, he spoke to CBS Mornings, saying, “This is what I felt, because looking, I’m wearing the (Kennedy Center Honors) medallion at the dinner. They just put it around your neck. And now, officially being this person, you’re an honoree. And I look out and there’s my two beautiful daughters, Jenny and Lindsay.” He also reflected on the lesson of work, stating, “I always wanted them to know that if I had to be away it was because I was doing what I had to do, and something that made me happy, and that the lesson for your life is whatever you’re doing, be happy in what you’re doing.”
He has appeared in many films and television shows, including City Slickers, Father’s Day, and Parental Guidance (2012). In 2013, he attended the AFI’s 41st Life Achievement Award Tribute to Mel Brooks, sharing the stage with Jennifer.
Jennifer Crystal Foley
Jennifer graduated from Northwestern University in 1994 and has built a career as an actress. She starred as Christie Parker on Once and Again, as Rachael Taub on House, and appeared in the 2003 film They Would Love You in France. In 2001, Billy urged her to audition for the role of Pat Maris in the film 61 (he was starring in it). Jennifer recalled, “I have to give you a shot; I can’t deny you a shot,” my dad said to me, about trying out for the role of Pat, Roger Maris’s wife. She added, “He told me, ‘You have to win this, and all of me is hoping that you’ll be right for it, but do your work and earn it and let’s hope you read well with Barry Pepper, [who had been cast as Maris] and match up.”
Jennifer and her husband Michael Foley, whom she met in college, married in September 2000. They have two daughters, Ella Ryan and Dylan Frances. In 2013, Billy remarked, “When my daughter Jenny was pregnant with our first grandchild, Ella, it was very profound for me because Jenny is my firstborn daughter.”
Lindsay Crystal
Lindsay, like her father and sister, is in the entertainment industry. She made her onscreen debut in City Slickers and its sequel, City Slickers 2. Today she works as a producer and director, having produced The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and worked on projects for HBO, Comedy Central, NBC, the Sundance Channel, and Disney+. She also served as co-executive producer of the politics podcast Pod Save America.
Her documentary My Uncle Berns was an official selection at the Tribeca Film Festival. In 2012, she directed the Funny or Die short When Harry Met Sally 2, featuring her father, Helen Mirren, Jennifer, Mike Tyson, and Maya Rudolph.
Recent Loss
In January 2025, Billy confirmed in a statement to News Of Los Angeles that he and Janice lost their Pacific Palisades home of 46 years in the Los Angeles wildfires. He said, “Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love.” He continued, “Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”
The loss has prompted the family to lean on each other for support, with Billy emphasizing the importance of community during hardship.
Grandchildren and Legacy
Billy’s grandchildren have grown up seeing him on billboards for the Oscars and in family films. He recalled, “But now they’ve seen me on billboards for the Oscars and they’re used to it. They came to see (the 2012 family movie) Parental Guidance and my seven-year-old granddaughter said to my daughter, ‘Mom, do people know Grandma is married to Billy Crystal?'” These moments illustrate how the actor’s legacy extends beyond his own career into the next generation.
Takeaways
- Billy Crystal’s parenting advice emphasizes the distinction between being a parent and a friend.
- His career milestones, including the Kennedy Center honor, highlight his lasting impact on American entertainment.
- The loss of his long-time home underscores the vulnerability of even the most established families to natural disasters.
- Through his daughters and grandchildren, his legacy continues to shape future storytellers.
Key Takeaways
- The actor balances fame with family, teaching his children to pursue happiness in their work.
- His recent wildfire loss reminds us of the importance of community support.
- Billy’s career achievements remain a source of inspiration for aspiring actors and producers.
