During a recent episode of TODAY’s Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist podcast, Billy Crystal recalled his experience as Martin Scorsese’s student at New York University. Martin was a graduate student at the time and doubled as Billy’s film production professor.
Nearly six decades later, Billy says he still fears 82-year-old Martin in the same way as he still has the same intimidating demeanor. The 76-year-old also recalled how difficult it was schooling in New York between 1968 and 1970, which was in the heat of the Vietnam War.
Billy Crystal was scared of Martin Scorsese back in University
Martin’s physical appearance was just as intimidating to Martin, who revealed that he appeared in classes wearing granny glasses, his hair touching his shoulders, and a big beard. Although Martin was in his late twenties at the time, he spoke very quickly and was ever ready to criticize while watching his students work from behind.
Billy described a scenario where Martin asked him to use a wide shot instead, as Howard Hawks would. For 19-year-old Billy, the instruction was even more hilarious because he had no idea who Howard Hawks was. During this period, the legendary director was also doing his first movie, Who’s That Knocking On My Door.
Billy Crystal says schooling was hard in the late ‘60s
Billy said New York’s West Village was a scary place to be during the counter-culture movement area in the late ‘60s. They often came together to protest against the Vietnam War; however, the era also birthed a new wave of creativity in music, poetry, and acting, which still resounds today.
Billy must have made the most of his time under one of Hollywood’s biggest filmmakers, as he emerged as a showbusiness success years later. The father of two has six Emmy awards, a Tony, and multiple recognitions, including 20 Oscar nominations so far.