In a recent episode of the talk show Conan O’Brien, actor and comedian Billy Crystal shared a heartwarming story about his friendship with the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Crystal revealed that Ali considered him his “little brother” and their bond was formed through a memorable impersonation Crystal did of Ali on a local television special.
The story goes back to the time when Crystal was still a relatively unknown stand-up comedian. He had just performed a three-minute Ali impersonation on a local television special produced by Sport magazine. Little did Crystal know that this performance would lead to a life-changing encounter with the boxing legend.
Dick Shap, a great sports writer and journalist who later became Crystal’s friend, called Crystal’s agent and invited him to a special event for Ali at the Plaza Hotel in New York. This event was organized to honor Ali as the Sport magazine Man of the Year after his historic victory against George Foreman. Shap thought Crystal’s Ali impersonation would be a perfect fit for the occasion.
Excited and slightly nervous, Crystal arrived at the Plaza Hotel with his wife, Janice. Among the attendees were notable figures from the sports and entertainment world, such as Archie Griffin, Gino Maretti, Neil Simon, and George Plimpton. Crystal found himself in awe as he sat between these accomplished individuals, feeling like a newcomer to the big leagues.
As Crystal made his way to the podium to perform his Ali impersonation, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of the moment. However, before he began, he was heckled by one of Ali’s trainers named Drew “Bundini” Brown. Despite the interruption, Crystal delivered a memorable performance, captivating the audience and earning thunderous applause.
After the performance, Ali held Crystal in his arms and whispered, “You’re now my little brother.” This affectionate nickname would stick for the next 42 years of their friendship. Crystal fondly recalled numerous moments spent with Ali, including running on the golf course together. Ali’s house, which Crystal later discovered was used in the Rocky movies, was located not far from where Crystal was sitting during the talk show interview.
Crystal also shared a touching anecdote about attending the funerals of both Howard Cosell and Ali. Ali and Cosell were close friends, and the two meant a great deal to each other. Ali referred to Crystal as his little brother for the entirety of their friendship, which was marked by mutual respect and admiration.
Reflecting on his journey, Crystal expressed gratitude for the lessons he has learned throughout his career. He emphasized the importance of gaining perspective and finding the positives in both success and failure. Despite experiencing setbacks, Crystal has come to appreciate the value of the experiences and the friendships he has made along the way.
The heartfelt story shared by Crystal on Conan O’Brien‘s talk show gives a glimpse into the deep bond he shared with Muhammad Ali. It showcases the impact Ali had on Crystal’s life, as well as the mutual affection and respect between the two. The story serves as a reminder of the enduring power of friendship and the lasting impact of influential figures like Muhammad Ali in the world of sports and entertainment.
