Billy Crystal is wheeled out as Hannibal Lecter in 1992. (Joe Kennedy / Los Angeles Times)
“City Slickers” revenge: Jack Palance used molar-power to pull Oscar on stage at the 1993 Academy Awards as Crystal enjoys the ride. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
Billy Crystal rehearses at the Shrine Auditorium for the 70th Academy Awards ceremony. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
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Billy Crystal opens the 69th Academy Awards March 24, 1997. The show honored the films made in 1996. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Billy Crystal hits the stage for the opening of the show. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
In 1998, the 70th annual telecast dragged but Crystal’s work that year qualified him for the hosting hall of fame. In this photo, he opens the show with a “Titanic” parody. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Host Billy Crystal waves to the crowd and cameras with Faye Wray, who was in the original “King Kong” movie, on Oscar night. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
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The “Analyze This” actor opens the 2000 show. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Billy Crystal and Chris Rock in the opening montage at the 78th Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
The comedian made a cameo at the 83rd Academy Awards with young hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway. He later said that doing the gig made him “itchy” to host again. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
