Billy Crystal Says He No Longer Trusts God After Pacific Palisades Fire and Rob Reiner’s Death
Billy Crystal, the veteran comedian and actor best known for his work on Broadway and in film, revealed in a recent interview that his faith has been shaken following two devastating events in 2025. The loss of his historic Palisades home in a wildfire and the tragic murder of his long‑time collaborator, Rob Reiner, have left the 78‑year‑old star skeptical about trusting God any longer.
The Interview That Changed Everything
In a conversation with CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Tracy Smith, Crystal opened up about a profound shift in his belief system. When Smith asked whether he still spoke to God—a theme he explored in his 2004 Tony‑winning play 700 Sundays and now in his upcoming one‑man show 860—the comedian replied bluntly, “No, ‘cause I don’t trust him. Too many bad things have happened. The Earth is in bad shape. This is a weird, scary time, so no. Not anymore.”
The remarks, which aired last weekend, have sparked conversations about how personal tragedy can reshape even the most deeply held spiritual convictions.
Losing a Home to the Palisades Wildfire
Crystal and his wife, Janice Crystal, purchased their 1930s ranch house in the Pacific Palisades in 1979. The stucco residence, set on a generous lot, raised their daughters Jenny and Lindsay and became a centerpiece of family life. In January 2025, the home was devastated by the Palisades wildfire.
“Not much remained after the blazing devastation, save for some rocks with uplifting engraved words like ‘welcome,’ ‘patience’ and ‘dream’ that the family laid around the garden decades prior,” Crystal shared with People magazine in a cover story published this week.
Lindsay Crystal recounted finding a rock engraved with the word “laughter.” “So the fact that that was the first thing [we found], we’ll be OK,” Crystal said, describing the small reminders as anchors of hope amid the loss.
The Tragic Death of Rob Reiner
Billy Crystal’s professional life has always been intertwined with that of Rob Reiner, a partnership that began in 1976 on the set of the CBS sitcom All in the Family. The two became fast friends, collaborating on projects ranging from television to stage. Reiner’s encouragement helped Crystal write about the loss of his beloved home before Reiner’s own tragic killing in December 2025 alongside his wife, Michele, in Brentwood.
Crystal described their chemistry as “undefinable.” “I knew it from the first time we met. I knew it from that first week: ‘This is going to be a forever thing, I just know it,’” he told People. Their friendship touched everything Crystal created, including the role of Harry in When Harry Met Sally…—a part Reiner famously advocated for Crystal after considering other actors like Albert Brooks, Tom Hanks, and Michael Keaton.
From Personal Pain to the New Show “860”
The Palisades fire became a catalyst for Crystal’s latest Broadway effort. Titled “860” after his home’s address, the one‑man show premieres Oct. 21 at New York City’s Imperial Theatre. In it, Crystal explores themes of luck, fate, and resilience.
“I started thinking about this in a way that I think was separating me from the pain of what was happening. It was healing me at the same time,” he explained to People. The production, which will run through Jan. 3, is not a direct recounting of the fire but rather a journey that highlights “laughter, love, and facing things you never thought were possible,” Crystal said.
The Legacy of “700 Sundays”
Crystal first turned personal trauma into art with his autobiographical play “700 Sundays,” which chronicled the death of his father from a heart attack when Crystal was 15. The work earned a Tony Award for Special Theatrical Event and set the tone for using comedy as a vehicle for deep emotional exploration.
Reflecting on Faith, Family, and the Future
Even as he grapples with a crisis of faith, Crystal remains focused on his family and his craft. “I ran upstairs to the dressing room, and my first thought was: ‘I got to call Rob and tell him,’” he recalled about preparing for the “860” premiere. “I don’t know if I don’t want that to keep happening or I do want it to keep happening.”
The interview has sparked a broader conversation about how public figures navigate grief, spirituality, and the search for meaning in an increasingly uncertain world. As of today, no further statements from Crystal or updates on his spiritual outlook have been released beyond the CBS Sunday Morning segment and the People cover story.
Crystal’s candidness underscores a timeless truth: comedy can be both a shield and a bridge, allowing artists to confront profound loss while inviting audiences to share in the journey toward resilience and, perhaps, a renewed sense of purpose.
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