Billy Crystal confronts a devastated Howard Cosell on national television

In the 1980s, comedian Billy Crystal guest-hosted The Tonight Show in the United States, a significant opportunity in his burgeoning career. At that time, he was well-known for his roles in Soap and briefly on Saturday Night Live. The night quickly took a turn when legendary sportscaster Howard Cosell knocked on his door, emotionally distressed and sobbing, expressing that everything was wrong in his life. Crystal attempted to console him, hoping that Cosell would recover once they were on air. As the show commenced, Crystal faced escalating tension as Cosell rejected various proposed discussion topics. In a moment of desperation, Crystal flattered Cosell by asking him to share his favorite sports call, which allowed the sportscaster to wax poetic about the famous third fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier from 1975. This led to a remarkable moment on the show, showcasing Cosell's passion for sports and his unique delivery style. Crystal was impressed by the vivid imagery Cosell used, likening it to an aria from an opera. However, after the segment, the situation took an unexpected turn when Cosell leaned over and informed Crystal that he had dominated the conversation, just as he purportedly did with late-night host David Letterman. This exchange emphasized Cosell's strong personality and ego, which often overshadowed others during interviews. Ultimately, Crystal's experience with Cosell highlighted the unpredictability of live television and the challenges of managing emotional guests. Crystal’s storytelling ability also showcased his talent for impersonation and humor, turning a challenging encounter into an amusing anecdote shared on Late Night with Stephen Colbert many years later. This narrative serves as a reminder of the lighter side of broadcasting and the memorable moments that arise in the unpredictable world of late-night television.