Reality TV

Billy Crystal Returns to TV for First Sitcom in 30 Years

Published

12 years ago

March 23, 2015

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 15: Billy Crystal poses on the red carpet for a screening of "The Comedians" at the Vimeo Theater during the South by Southwest Film Festival on March 15, 2015 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Gary Miller/FilmMagic)

Billy Crystal is back — and better than ever!

The 67-year-old actor will appear on TV for his first sitcom role in more than 30 years with a new show, The Comedians, premiering on FX Thursday, April 9.

In the hilarious upcoming series, Billy stars alongside funnyman Josh Gad, 34, as a comedic duo who try to put together a new sketch comedy show.

billy crystal, 'the comedians'

Billy and Josh on 'The Comedians.'

Billy's involvement with 'Comedians' marks his first lead role since he starred on the sitcom 'Soap' from 1977 to 1981. Since then, the iconic actor has chosen to focus on film roles, including 'The Princess Bride,' 'City Slickers' and 'Parental Guidance.'

When asked why this project in particular drew him back to television, the former 'Saturday Night Live' star said, "I saw it as giving me the chance to return to do what I did on 'SNL' and in my stand-up."

billy crystal, 'soap'

Billy as Jodie Dallas (right) on 'Soap' in 1977.

"I'm in a live show, we have a live audience. We have the filmed pieces that roll in. We're creating characters. I come into work and it's, 'How about this character, what about this sketch?'" he told 'E! Online.'