Billy Crystal Reveals His Honest Reaction When Friend Rob Reiner Finally Offered Him the Part in “When Harry Met Sally” (Exclusive)

**Billy Crystal Reflects on Being Cast as Harry in the Iconic ‘When Harry Met Sally…’**

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine, Billy Crystal recounts the hurdles he faced before securing the role of Harry Burns in the beloved romantic comedy, *When Harry Met Sally…*. The film, directed by his close friend Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron, has since become a classic, but Crystal reveals that he was not initially the top pick for the part.

Crystal, now 78, candidly shares details about the casting process with PEOPLE for their latest cover story. He explains how he was aware that other notable actors were under consideration for the role, including Albert Brooks, Tom Hanks, and Michael Keaton. Reflecting on that period, he admits, “It was difficult in that I was not his first choice for Harry.”

However, Crystal remained optimistic and composed during the casting discussions. “I said, ‘Listen, when he wants me, if he wants me, then he wants me. But I know he’s seeing other people, which he should do,’” he recalls. Despite recognising the talent of those in the running, it wasn’t long before Reiner reached out to him with an offer.

“The call came,” Crystal reminisces, describing Reiner’s reaction as one filled with mixed feelings. Reiner expressed his belief that Crystal was the right choice all along, but he felt it necessary to explore all potential candidates first. “He was almost upset,” Crystal remembers. “I always knew it was you, but you have to see them.”

After agreeing to read the script, Crystal revealed a surprising initial reaction. “I said, ‘Guess what? I don’t like it,’ and then we both laughed,” he commented. This interaction laid the foundation for a collaborative spirit that would define their working relationship.

Crystal’s contributions to the film grew from this robust exchange of ideas. “I have a lot of ideas,” he told Reiner, and the two promptly began to develop the character of Harry together—building on their friendship and shared experiences. The actor recalls, “So he said, ‘Come on, we’ll start tomorrow. Let’s go to work.’”

Despite the challenges of stepping into a role initially envisioned for someone else, Crystal felt reassured by Reiner’s support. “You have to get out of the way so I can then step in and be this guy,” he asserts, capturing the essence of their collaborative dynamic.

In their discussions, many iconic scenes from the film came to life. Crystal shares that their late-night conversations sparked ideas for some of the film’s most memorable moments. One particular bonding experience involved a scene where Harry and Sally watch *Casablanca* together over the phone, reflective of the deep conversations Crystal and Reiner shared during their own late-night chats.

He recounts, “We would be on the phone constantly at night.” Through the banter of these calls, they crafted the famous “24-hour tumour” joke that Crystal cherishes to this day. “Oh, I got a headache, buddy. I got such a headache,” he remembers Reiner saying. Crystal suggested he visit a doctor, to which Reiner humorously quipped that he would simply be told it was nothing. “It’s one of my favourite little exchanges,” Crystal said. “That was pure us.”

The enduring legacy of *When Harry Met Sally…* continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release. The film, which captures the complexity of relationships and the nuances of friendship, remains a pivotal work in the rom-com genre.

For further insights from Crystal about his experiences and the making of this iconic film, readers can grab a copy of PEOPLE magazine on newsstands now.