Billy Crystal Says His Grandkids Used to Call Him to Chat with Mike Wazowski

**Billy Crystal Reflects on Grandfatherhood and New Stage Production on ‘The Tonight Show’**

Billy Crystal, renowned comedian and actor, recently shared insights about his family dynamics and latest theatrical venture during an appearance on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*. The 78-year-old star, celebrated for his iconic characters, discussed the joy he felt in showcasing his new one-man play for his four grandchildren—a milestone moment, as they have never seen him perform live until now.

In his conversation with Fallon, Crystal expressed excitement about the opportunity for his grandchildren to witness not only his acting talent but also the family legacy that they may not fully comprehend. “To have my grandchildren witness my life and the family’s life that maybe they didn’t know all of these little details about right in front of them was really exciting for me,” he shared. The actor fondly recounted how his grandchildren used to phone him, impersonating their favourite characters from his movies, such as Mike Wazowski from *Monsters, Inc.*

Crystal reminisced about the playful exchanges with his grandchildren, where they would call him using the names of his beloved roles. “So I would go, ‘Hello?’ and they would ask, ‘Is Mike there?’ It became a fun routine that lasted for quite some time,” he revealed, demonstrating his ability to switch into character at a moment’s notice.

The actor’s family includes his two daughters, Jennifer and Lindsay, who were born in 1973 and 1977, respectively. Jennifer and her husband Michael Foley have two daughters, while Lindsay, who prefers to maintain a sense of privacy about her family life, is a mother to two boys. At a previous interview, Crystal detailed how he had to introduce his profession to his grandchildren, explaining to them aspects of his career in a way that resonated with their young minds.

“I had to show them *Monsters, Inc.* because there was no way I could explain *When Harry Met Sally…*,” he noted, indicating the challenge of contextualising his more mature work for his grandchildren. “For about a year, I was just Grandpa Mike, and that was the only way they wanted to communicate with me,” he added with a chuckle.

According to Crystal, his grandchildren have slowly acclimatised to their grandfather’s celebrity status, often poking fun at his fame. “Now they’ve seen me on billboards for the Oscars, so they’re getting used to it,” he said, adding a humorous anecdote about a previous family outing. After watching the film *Parental Guidance*, his granddaughter innocently asked her mother, “Do people know Grandma is married to Billy Crystal?” This question exemplifies the novelty of his fame from the perspectives of his young relatives.

Crystal’s relationship with his grandchildren is strong, and he values the special times they share. In a recent appearance on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, he spoke fondly of a significant occasion—the bar mitzvah of one of his grandsons, which coincided with the anniversary of his own bar mitzvah. “It was really cool. It was the 65th anniversary of my bar mitzvah, and we have the same birthday,” he shared, highlighting the synchronicity of the two events.

As he reflected on his life as a grandfather, Crystal emphasised the joy his grandchildren bring him. “It’s really a wonderful experience to be able to pass down stories and laugh together,” he shared, demonstrating his commitment to family and the importance of creating lasting memories.

In conclusion, Billy Crystal’s latest theatrical project not only serves as a platform for his talent but also enriches his family’s understanding of his career and legacy. The laughter and love he shares with his grandchildren continue to bring vibrancy to his life, reaffirming the bond that family can forge, regardless of fame or distance. As he continues his journey on stage, his grandchildren will surely carry the spirit of his iconic characters with them, celebrating the unique connection they share with their beloved grandfather.