Billy Crystal recently shared some entertaining anecdotes about the late comedian Milton Berle during an appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” As he reminisced, Crystal jokingly noted that he might be “the last one alive to know Milton Berle stories.” The entertainment world has lost a plethora of its giants over the years, but Berle, who passed away in 2002 at the age of 91, remains a towering figure in television history.
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Crystal, a celebrated actor and comedian himself, spoke about Berle’s immense influence on the medium of television. “This was a man who sold more television sets — Milton was Mr. Television for a reason,” he remarked, highlighting how Berle played a significant role in revolutionising entertainment and impacting the film industry by drawing audiences away from cinemas and into their living rooms.
During the show, Crystal recounted two amusing incidents where he found himself on the receiving end of Berle’s playful aggression. The first encounter occurred while recording the last episode of “Tonight Starring Steve Allen,” where Crystal sat on a panel with the legendary Berle and fellow icon Carl Reiner. He described the experience of being sandwiched between these two “bookends” of television, reflecting on the star power they brought to the screen.
As their skit progressed, the production team had to restart the recording due to technical difficulties that left the cameras unable to capture the action. Crystal recalled Berle, animated and ready to entertain, quickly springing into action when the interruption occurred. “Milton turns to me and says, ‘Looks like I’m on,’” Crystal explained, revealing how Berle seized the moment to captivate the audience with an improvised routine that left those present roaring with laughter.
However, the light-heartedness didn’t end there. After Berle concluded his performance and basked in the applause of the audience, he playfully slapped Crystal across the face. Clarifying that the smack was all in good fun, Crystal noted the close bond he shared with Berle, adding that he was later invited to the comedian’s home for a relaxing evening that included “smoking some dope” and viewing Berle’s impression of Jerry Lewis directing a film.
The two comedians nearly crossed paths again while Crystal dined at Spago in Los Angeles with the legendary comedian Alan King. Unbeknownst to Crystal, Berle was making his presence known from behind him, playfully making noises and attempting to be disruptive while maintaining his typical comic flair. It was a testament to Berle’s playful spirit that left Crystal in stitches as he attempted to enjoy his meal.
Eventually, Berle made his way to their table, intent on delivering his impression of Jerry Lewis. “You’re in a hotel all by yourself, right? You have to reach inside yourself, Bill,” he began dramatically, adopting a Jerry Lewis persona. His advice—steeped in the brash humour for which he was known—was to confront one’s loneliness and life’s challenges with a comedic twist.
As the routine came to a close, Berle again caught Crystal off guard with yet another slap across the face, this time “hipping” him into the ground to solidify the act. It’s these fond and often amusing memories that demonstrate the unique camaraderie shared between these two iconic figures of comedy.
Reflecting on his experiences with Berle, Crystal embodies the blend of admiration and laughter that the late comedian inspired. Describing Berle as a significant figure in the television landscape, Crystal ensures that the legend’s legacy continues to be celebrated through such humorous tales.
In this age, as new comics emerge and fresh forms of entertainment take shape, stories like Crystal’s remind audiences of the rich history that shaped the both television and comedy. Milton Berle may no longer walk the stage, but his impact and the memories he created continue to resonate within the industry and beyond.