Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan starred in the 1989 romantic comedy ‘When Harry Met Sally’
Billy Crystal shares one common goal that led to 54-year marriage to ‘extraordinary’ wife
In a joint interview with "Before" co-star Jacobi Jupe, Billy Crystal revealed the secret to his 54-year marriage to his wife Janice, with whom he shares two daughters.
Billy Crystal is reflecting on the time he met the late Princess Diana.
Crystal, 76, shared the story of when he witnessed the late Princess of Wales’ live reaction to the film "When Harry Met Sally" at the 1989 London premiere.
The actor joked that Princess Diana’s reaction to Meg Ryan’s famous fake orgasm scene would ruin the royal’s chances of a second date.
BILLY CRYSTAL SAYS SHARING ONE COMMON GOAL LED TO 54-YEAR MARRIAGE TO ‘EXTRAORDINARY’ WIFE
Actor Billy Crystal recalled the moment he met the late Princess Diana during the 1989 London premiere of the romantic comedy film "When Harry Met Sally." (Getty Images)
"She was unbelievable," he explained on "The View." "We sit together. She’s on my left and Meg is on her left. So, it’s me, [director Rob Reiner], Princess [Diana] and then Meg."
"We sit down together in the balcony in the theater. And the trumpets are blaring as we walk in, which happens in every movie theater. And Meg’s like — she’s so cute — leaning in front like, ‘Do you believe who she is?’ It’s . . . crazy."
The late Princess of Wales meets actors Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan at the premiere of the film 'When Harry Met Sally' in London, UK, November 1989. (Getty Images)
He continued to say that the audience had anticipated the scene where Ryan’s character, Sally, loudly demonstrated how women can fake reaching a sexual climax, in front of Crystal's character, Harry, and all the other patrons at New York City's Katz's Deli.
"And then the deli scene happens, and the whole audience below us is now looking back to see how the princess is going to react to Meg faking the orgasm," he described.
"She starts laughing — a big laugh," Crystal recalled as he mimicked a low, barking chuckle that one wouldn’t expect from Princess Diana.
"[It was] the kind of laugh that if we were dating, I wouldn’t see her again."
— Billy Crystal
WATCH: BILLY CRYSTAL SHARES ONE COMMON GOAL THAT LED TO 54-YEAR MARRIAGE TO ‘EXTRAORDINARY’ WIFE
"[It was] the kind of laugh that if we were dating, I wouldn’t see her again."
"The laugh. She’s beautiful, but the laugh!" he quipped. "But it was a spectacular, spectacular evening, and so great to meet her."
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During a 2019 "When Harry Met Sally" reunion panel with Ryan, Crystal and director Reiner, Reiner explained that the scene required multiple takes and said he stepped in for Ryan at one point to show her how he wanted the moment to play out.
Ryan starred opposite Crystal in the 1989 classic romantic comedy. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
"The first couple of times, it was like, 'I need it more, I need it more.' And then it was, 'Let me show you.' So I sat across from Billy," Reiner remembered.
"He had an orgasm Mighty Joe Young would have been proud of," Crystal joked.
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Ryan's character Sally loudly demonstrated how women can fake reaching a sexual climax in the famous scene featured in "When Harry Met Sally." (Getty Images)
Crystal also recalled how many times Ryan had to act the scene out to get it right. "On the other side of her, I ate 27 pastrami sandwiches," the six-time Emmy Award winner said. "For any Jew, that's a lot."
"When Harry Met Sally" became a box office hit and remains an enduring comedy classic. The part of Sally marked Ryan's first leading role in a movie, and she earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
Crystal’s recent project is an upcoming American drama psychological thriller, titled "Before." Crystal executive produced and starred in the miniseries.
"Before" will premiere on Apple TV+ Oct. 25.
Stephanie Giang-Paunon is an Entertainment Writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to
