LINER011 F Context. Comedians often imitate..and he's talking about 50 years ago. Ali could laugh at himself and welcome Crystal as a close and lasting friend. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Imitation is a
Billy's impression of Ali has the audience laughing, not at Billy himself, but at Billy's perfect ability to emulate Ali's poetic humor, making Billy so invisible that you actually think you're laughing at Ali. That is extraordinary talent!
It is extraordinary talent as you put it, and Billy actually became "invisible" as you also put it. That was "quite literally" Muhammad Ali on the stage, not Billy Crystal. Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 27th December 2023.
@@MundiaKamau At Ali's funeral tribute, Billy Crystal said: "....it is one of my favorite performances that I have ever done in my life, I sort of got lost in him and didn't even know where I was at the end of the performance".
One of the most brilliant pieces of work. Who is still admiring this in 2020? I hope that I get to meet Billy Crystal one of these days. Just for the sake of respect for his body of work. Especially this. I truly hope that I get thechance to meet him.
Yes, yes, yes!!! It's mid-2022, and am so delighted that I get to watch this great tribute of a talented actor/comedian Billy Crystal to the Greatest Muhammad Ali. Both great men in their own right. Awesome!!!👏🤗
I was really surprised I have to say. Knew nothing of his relationship with Ali or of his ability from early days to do stand up and impressions. Back in the 70s there were some really good people doing impressions (Mike Yarwood is one name here in the UK that springs to mind), it was popular and you even had whole TV shows based around impressionists. Crystal put in a really good performance. As always it is a lot tougher to do when whoever you are impersonating is sitting right in front of you!
I cried with happiness and laughter. I guess I am getting old at 50 but no one will ever pay a tribute as Billy Crystal did. Ali the greatest sportsman that ever lived. Trust me no one will ever match up to Ali. You know why? Cuz it's 2022 and we live in a horrible world. God bless you Ali. What a massive inspiration to all people Ali was.
Ali held anti-all-white beliefs which make me consider him a racist. Don't get me wrong, he's a hero. Not because he was a racist lmao, but because, yes, he did stand up for he believed in. He caused chaos, conflict. Even if he wasn't right, he prompted discussion using his ol' American freedom of speech. Through that conflict came growth and a societal paradigm shift to the point where we can now assume that a random person on the street is not racist. But don't glamorize the past. Problems exist in all eras, the 70s were not a period where everyone was somehow morally superior. Change is being made, and more problems keep coming up, but it's not a horrible world, it's a beautiful one we are lucky to be part of. And you're right, this is a great video, personally, I think it's the greatest on RUclips. But still don't lose hope. If you want to find good in the world, you can. And in fact, thanks to 2019 (2020) and RUclips, it's not that "Ali was" an inspiration, he still is one. If you want to say, well people are greedier now, or they care only about money and politics and drugs, I would say we as a species have always been the same - we want the same things, we have the same desires. Just the backdrop we've all been born into is different. I will say that I do think that technology has changed us, but that's more psychology than it is the devil. I know you specifically didn't crucify the present day that much, but your comments felt like they were part of the larger common attitude that is taken by people high on nostalgia.
While many people know about Billy Crystal's friendship with Ali, it is worth mentioning that when Crystal was in high school, he played pick up basketball games with a high school mate called Lew Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. They remain friends to this day. Crystal's family ran a jazz store that produced and sold records of great artistes, including Louis Armstrong. Crystal's mother once told Armstrong, "Louis, it's okay. you can spit it out." You know where he gets his humor from! I encourage everyone to read Crystal's autobiography, 'Still Fooling' em'
Learned about him playing with Kareem and his jazz roots in the book 700 Sundays. Currently reading Still Foolin’ ‘Em and learning soooo much more about Billy! It’s such a good book, I’m only 60 pages in right now but I am thoroughly enjoying it.
Oh how did we go from such a noble way of thinking from sone one who did it - to a world of Woke where our young need safe spaces and judge them selves by the colour of their skin.
Ali and Crystal had a long beautiful friendship,.. Ali referred to Crystal as "My Little Brother" and Crystal to Ali as "My Big Brother" ;) -- I have met many famous people, but in general they did not struck me as anything but ordinary people with fame attached to them. When I was a young teen I did meet Mohammed Ali and it was memorable because it was like being struck by a lighting bolt he had so much charisma and charm -- everyone in the room was in awe because it was like the sun had just walked into the room and everyone felt overwhelm by the human warmth he had and how he just shined!!! I never will forget it -- I have never in my 40-years since that day encountered a human with more charisma or shine than him -- a beautiful soul! God bless him and his very special and loverly family, as well. May he RIP. The Greatest -- indeed!
I'm of an age where I remember Ali at his pomp in the 70's. One of the greatest human beings ever to grace this earth. I feel so privileged to have lived at the same time as Ali !
@@llwyde1104 We'll have to agree to disagree, which is ok 🙂. The so called "fight of the Century, the rumble in the jungle, thrilla in Manilla were all in the 70's and are what most people would recognise Ali for. The 60's were mired (IMO) by his stripping of the title. He didn't fight for a large part of the 60's, so for me the 70's were his pomp but it's fine if you believe the 60's were too 😏
@@Nite-owl as a boxer...re watch the great Ali...what made him different. The movement, the speed. Lots of boxers can do the epic and courageous but only Ali could do...'Ali' !!!
By chance, I saw BC at Ali's funeral on U tube. The date 9.23.22. I'm 78, and have never seen the funeral speech. Then 15 rounds came on. Tears of laughter in my eyes. Yes, I watched as many of Ali's fights as I could. To all of us then and now, he will always be the CHAMPION.
The sport of boxing couldn’t really survive Ali’s retirement. Yeah, you had Tyson and a few good years of old man Foreman, Mayweather, Pacqiao, etc, but it was never the same and now it’s pretty much completely dead.
I love the little square in the corner...........the video of Ali watching him doing the whole thing, and just LOVING it. This is the truest example of "Imitation Is The Sincerest Form Of Flattery".......
Muhammad Ali is the Great of All Time for his ability to speak and express himself so eloquently, the way that he carried himself, the way he treated others, standing up for his beliefs despite the consequences, the manner which he addressed adversity in his boxing career. The world has lost a great man.
Over the years I've watched this at least 10 times. Ali and Billy were good friends. I've never seen a better tribute. Billy Crystal's impressions of both Ali and Howard Cosell were immaculate. Btw there was a closeness between Ali and Howard that was very noticeable. A friendship which grew stronger as each year passed. Watching Ali in the background; I seriously doubt he ever laughed as hard or as much in such a short amount of time. The "Rocky" sound track playing at it concluded was sublime. Billy's words and emotions did justice to the great Muhammad Ali and on a level so high I doubt it will ever be matched. One has to wonder just how much effort Billy put into this. I'm sure it was monumental. Everything had to be perfect. I can only imagine how Ali felt. Billy showed so much admiration and respect for his improbable and extraordinary friend, especially so as he ended this impeccable and inspirational homage.
An impeccable tribute it is indeed, and Billy put a lot of work into it, as you also put it. You mention the friendship between Howard Cosell and Muhammad Ali, which I've heard was very good, so much so that Cosell regularly jokingly used the N word on Ali without Ali minding it one bit. Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 27th December 2023.
Well written, both of you. Also Billy’s touching eulogy at Ali’s funeral. It was heartfelt, passionate, and you got the real sense of their close relationship and friendship. The Champ is gone but certainly not forgotten, and to bring this full circle, I’m watching Billy receive his Kennedy Center Honor right now. RIP Champ.
YEAH DAMN! HE WAS IN IT. He went through the whole thing without really even a hiccup... very awesome, especially because it's in front of all those people, including the person he's imitating.. most people take a brake for a few seconds, with the audience, but he kept going... no wonder Billy said he was on another level, watching himself, doesn't even know he did it.
Yep! ....and now it's time to take on the Fight against Climate Change. Ever heard of the Darwin award?...we are in the running...have to wake up!! Fight!...like Muhammad...with fierce intelligence.
This is one of the best pieces of ART, I've ever seen. Beautiful........to do this, amount of practise that he must have gone through. His genuine love for Ali, shows.
@@j.h.lowery7934 I have no doubt and completely agree. Billy Crystal is magnificent. I haven't seen 700 Sundays but would love to. My understanding is that it was only a live performance that he no longer does on tour, so how can we see it?
Didn't realise Billy had such a long friendship with Ali. His eulogy at the funeral, as well as being funny, was also very thought provoking. What a great thing Billy did to remind us of Ali's greatness outside of the ring.
Brilliant piece of work.....I cried and laughed. What a tribute to the greatest boxer ...who ever lived.And Ali...at the time loved the tribute...you could see it on his face.Thank you Mr. Crystal...For a performance that will stand the test of time....❤
Wonderful, wonderful. A brilliant and moving one-man performance by the great Billy Crystal. Terrific just watching Ali's face throughout the piece. And a glorious eulogy by Billy Crystal, capturing the heart and soul of Muhammad Ali. Condolences to Mr. Crystal over the loss of his "big brother".
SO VERY WELL DONE from a comic genius who knew both the man and the legend. It's been a very difficult year for Mr. Crystal - with the loss of his dearest friend, Robin Williams, and now Ali. And yet he was able to rise up on both occasions, and open a door for all of us so that we could catch a glimpse of two special people that he called friend. And when he's not making us laugh, he is working for justice and peace in this world. I'm sure that wherever Mohammed Ali is, he is laughing at his "little brother". God Bless, Billy.
Canuckmom1958 I literally have tears running down my face. Muhammad Ali was my hero, and still today is! He inspired me to start boxing at age 13. I have met him personally on 3 occasions and took pictures with him that I still have today and cherish. May Allah grant you Paradise.
I cried the morning I awoke and heard the Greatest passed. I just saw this on ABC News a minute ago and just could not hold it back.. It's such a beautiful tribute to The Greatest and all of us who go through life facing its trials and tribulations. I pray that God gives his family comfort. RIP my hero .
Like so many others, I had to come back and see this after watching the funeral today. It was a wonderful service for a great, great man. I cried more than once watching it today. I remember listening to the first Liston fight on the radio when I was 13 years old, and grew up watching Ali. He's been a part of my life for over 50 years, and while I've known this day was coming and dreaded it for years, Ali is in a better place now. I'll never forget that first Liston fight, Ali lighting the Olympic flame in Atlanta, and the brave dignity he's shown for the last 32 years with Parkinson's. God bless him.
Had to watch this...AGAIN ! Sheer genius from Billy Crystal...not only brilliant entertainment, but, a powerful piece of inspiration !! God bless Muhammad Ali and Billy !
Mr. Crystal looked so young. He did an awesome joke that started their 40 years friendship. Afterwards, Mr. Ali hugged him and said "you're my little brother..." Classic...
Nah, it was before this a few years, when Crystal did his Kosell/Ali interview sketch and was introduced as Ali's best friend (they'd never met at that stage) Ali came up after it. gave Crystal a bear hug, and said 'you are my little brother'. I just watched Crystal telling the story.
You ARE the greatest of allll times, Billy Crystal. Your performance is simply BEYOND MORTAL. Inspired by a higher power obviously. Beyond awesome. I loved Ali. I was soooooo grateful to have lived through the divinely inspired career of young Cassius Marcellus Clay . WHO could have made up or dreamed up Ali but God? A freak of athleticism, also beautiful, also graced with a soothingly poetic voice and mesmerizing charismatic power of speech. Billy Crystal, you made my old eyes cry. I am soooo delighted that the lightening in a bottle that was Ali lives in your voice and soul. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You ARE the badest….of ALL times.
Guy ... You mentioned an important attribute that Ali had that gets overlooked; the sound of his speaking voice. Billy Crystal understood and copied it perfectly. Ali would be remembered differently in a way, if his voice had not been as unique as it was. A little southern flavor, but distinct in his syntax. Almost childlike, but so very penetrating. He definitely knew what presence that his voice had, and from the time he said - after the firsy Liston fight, "I'm a baaaad man", we knew it was true.
inspired by a higher power "obviously" ? really man. do you have to assume that anyone with a hard-earned ability is simply given it by some higher power, when the more obvious answer is that they have a certain lucky drawing of genes, the right upbringing, and the persistence and hard work necessary to pull off this kind of human achievement? both Billy and Muhammad may have been "inspired" to greatness because of their faith, but that is merely one aspect of humanity. one part of their brain. and it took all aspects of their brains and body to do what they have done. the higher power you talk about is not "obvious" and it is not the defining reason for their success. God is our creation. he does not exist except in our imagination. and a thing of imagination did not make up or dream up Ali. Ali is not a freak. there have been many athletes of his caliber, and many of them above his caliber, and there will continue to be so. he simply did more with his talent and work ethic, and that is what stands out. there are so many false assumptions and such lack of critical thought in your admiration for these two human beings and it's just so insulting when you attribute it all to a fictional idea that was also created by human beings a long time ago. please stop acting like a child who can't think for themselves and can only repeat what their parents told them to say.
I watch this regularly to motivate me. So true those words: "Just need to start all over again". That's life. Life constantly knocks you down. There are those who pout and give up and There are those like Ali, who get back up; dust themselves off; and start all over again. Absolutely amazing performance by Billy. Not many actors in Hollywood these days with that sort of skill.
Watching Ali's funeral and it is so moving. He was, in my opinion, one of, if not THE greatest of all time. I remember watching him fight as a kid and he was an inspiration to me. May he rest in peace.
Don't see why anyone can dislike this video. Truly the greatest, inspirational and motivating. It's people like Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King, Gandhi who have transcended humanity for the better. During their struggles they all were tarnished, yet now they are deemed contemporary heros.
And Malcolm X. His story parallels and intertwines Alis. They both transcended and evolved beyound the civil rights/seperatism that so profoundly influenced their formative years.
I fucking hate it, There's nothing phenominal about it. Big fucking deal! and why are you bragging about Muhammad Ali, MLK and Gandhi for?... If they were so great then how did they get tarnished, why! because there no more special than anyone else. There not my hero's.
Wow! Only a God given treasure like Billy Crystal could radiate such an honest, humble, heart felt tribute to another God given treasure Mohammed Ali and perform it with the perfect balance of humor! Billy was so full of his subject and fully prepared this routine as the professional craftsman his is but, everyone could and can still feel this was beyond a comedy performance...it was and still is a heart cry from a "little brother" honoring his "big brotha!" Two of God's great lighting rods "of all tiiiiimmme!"
watching Ali's funeral right now, and Billy Crystal has just ended and AWESOME tribute. I look forward to watching this clip he's referred to; thanks for posting.
I feel blessed to have met Ali and made him smile and give me an unrequested, personalized autographed copy of something of his...and to have watched many of his fights as C. Clay...and M. Ali ...and feel such happiness to have just now, finally seen this awesome tribute by the brilliant Billy Crystal...after watching his amazing tribute to Ali at his funeral (also here on RUclips...equally unbelievable)!!!
Billy Crystal 15 rounds is A MASTER PIECE...Mohammad Ali was A FIGHTER in & Out of The Ring...He Fought Opponents & Oppression...Grreatest Boxer of All Time..GOD BLESS You.
He fought for common sense. Now oppressed become opressors while those who oppressed from beginning hide outside radar. Like in war rulers don't fight only the ruled fight and die. Name of the game
The first time I saw this, I thought to myself, what a great tribute Billy Crystal performed for Muhammed Ali! Today watching this again, I still think the same way! What a great tribute to the Champ, Muhammed Ali!!!! Just a little bit of trivia. My Best friends Dad brought him home a present from the fights one time, a pair of pro boxing gloves, they were signed by " Cassius Clay"! They sit in a plexiglass cabinet
Fixed Audio:
ruclips.net/video/XSB7qGzOk_c/видео.html
John D'Ark 1
IT is racist when Crystal mocks Ali's voice...... these vid's must all be banned.
LINER011 F Context. Comedians often imitate..and he's talking about 50 years ago. Ali could laugh at himself and welcome Crystal as a close and lasting friend.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Imitation is a
Shaken not stirred you go join your grandmother in hell
That one has no audio for me?
Billy's impression of Ali has the audience laughing, not at Billy himself, but at Billy's perfect ability to emulate Ali's poetic humor, making Billy so invisible that you actually think you're laughing at Ali. That is extraordinary talent!
It is extraordinary talent as you put it, and Billy actually became "invisible" as you also put it. That was "quite literally" Muhammad Ali on the stage, not Billy Crystal. Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 27th December 2023.
@@MundiaKamau At Ali's funeral tribute, Billy Crystal said: "....it is one of my favorite performances that I have ever done in my life, I sort of got lost in him and didn't even know where I was at the end of the performance".
Such Talent🧡
One of the most brilliant pieces of work. Who is still admiring this in 2020? I hope that I get to meet Billy Crystal one of these days. Just for the sake of respect for his body of work. Especially this. I truly hope that I get thechance to meet him.
🙋🏾♀️
Here.
Me
Well, I have a newfound respect for Mr. Billy Crystal, damn!
And this tribute to Ali? Amazing, I never heard about this before and I'm 44.
Me
Who's watching it the first time? A man with a master piece of another man... an expression of real talent and great friendship ...
well, I just did it today. 8/7/2022. It is rather late than never.
@@HiFilover168 My first time ---- 8/19/2022
My first time 9/2/22. So great. Watch B Crystals tribute at Ali’s funeral. Also wonderful.
@@pamelarosenblum835 Thanks for this .....
First here, it's 9/11/2022. This was beautiful
Still to this day , one of the greatest monologues ever performed
True.
Yeah, it makes sense billy became star.
Damn I’m watching this for the first time in 2024 this was done beautifully!!!
Ditto ❤❤❤
I'm over here like literally crying my ass😢😢😢❤
How did no Billy Crystal had it in him to do this man he's one of my favorite actors I like him and Thelma and Louise I mean when Harry met Sally
"It's never too late to start all over again" -greatest message of all time
You should be the top vote getter. This is the real message. Thank you
Yes, yes, yes!!! It's mid-2022, and am so delighted that I get to watch this great tribute of a talented actor/comedian Billy Crystal to the Greatest Muhammad Ali. Both great men in their own right. Awesome!!!👏🤗
Exactly!!!
The best interpretation of the greatest poem ever written, Rudyard Kipling’s “If”…
Thanks I needed that today! Saludos!
Billy Crystal's eulogy at the Muhammad Ali funeral brought me here
Me Too, I never new he did this before the funeral, but I Just saw genuine friendship at it's finest!!!
@@justmyobservation8681 me too! I just watched the Billy's eulogy. I never knew what great love and respect they had for each other.
No one gives a shit about what brought you here.
Me also
Me too.
Billy Crystal himself brought me here when he mentioned this at the funeral service. And I'm not disappointed. This was excellent.
lagerbeer1974 same here! Awesome
Same here. Wonderful to watch that I've first then this.
Same. Here.. I did felt the length of these 2 speeches they flew pretty light into my ears
same here. just excellent
I was really surprised I have to say. Knew nothing of his relationship with Ali or of his ability from early days to do stand up and impressions. Back in the 70s there were some really good people doing impressions (Mike Yarwood is one name here in the UK that springs to mind), it was popular and you even had whole TV shows based around impressionists. Crystal put in a really good performance. As always it is a lot tougher to do when whoever you are impersonating is sitting right in front of you!
Most beautiful tribute I've ever, ever seen. RIP Ali
Was beautiful!
Billy's funeral euolgy..... better.....
He did a final tribute at Mohammed Ali's funeral. Very touching from his "little brother".
"Little brother, you made my life a little better than it was"
"But then, didn't he make all our lives a little better than they were?"
will someone hand him the Oscar for this please … he got me at the end …goosebumps everywhere
Billy indeed deserves an Oscar for his outstanding tribute to Ali above. Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 27th December 2023.
I cried with happiness and laughter. I guess I am getting old at 50 but no one will ever pay a tribute as Billy Crystal did. Ali the greatest sportsman that ever lived. Trust me no one will ever match up to Ali. You know why? Cuz it's 2022 and we live in a horrible world. God bless you Ali. What a massive inspiration to all people Ali was.
Kid mentality humorous athletic and humanitarian of world
Gut tallent
. I'm
Amen to that brother.
" Cuz it's 2019 and we live in a horrible world." 2020 - "Hold My Beer".
Ali held anti-all-white beliefs which make me consider him a racist. Don't get me wrong, he's a hero. Not because he was a racist lmao, but because, yes, he did stand up for he believed in. He caused chaos, conflict. Even if he wasn't right, he prompted discussion using his ol' American freedom of speech. Through that conflict came growth and a societal paradigm shift to the point where we can now assume that a random person on the street is not racist. But don't glamorize the past. Problems exist in all eras, the 70s were not a period where everyone was somehow morally superior. Change is being made, and more problems keep coming up, but it's not a horrible world, it's a beautiful one we are lucky to be part of. And you're right, this is a great video, personally, I think it's the greatest on RUclips. But still don't lose hope. If you want to find good in the world, you can. And in fact, thanks to 2019 (2020) and RUclips, it's not that "Ali was" an inspiration, he still is one.
If you want to say, well people are greedier now, or they care only about money and politics and drugs, I would say we as a species have always been the same - we want the same things, we have the same desires. Just the backdrop we've all been born into is different. I will say that I do think that technology has changed us, but that's more psychology than it is the devil.
I know you specifically didn't crucify the present day that much, but your comments felt like they were part of the larger common attitude that is taken by people high on nostalgia.
I can't believe I've went my entire life without seeing this!
You made it
>I can't believe I've went my entire life without seeing this
+1 (also....)
viva youtube!
Me too I just watched it. This is a masterpiece.
Because it was uploaded by Billy just before/after Ali's demise.
I've just experienced the same emotion these last 12 minutes, having come straight here from Billy's eulogy to "The Greatest".
Dec 2024 just as fresh as ever, miss them both, must be difficult for Billy, to recall this. Plus his missing Robin too, thank you Billy Crystal
While many people know about Billy Crystal's friendship with Ali, it is worth mentioning that when Crystal was in high school, he played pick up basketball games with a high school mate called Lew Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. They remain friends to this day.
Crystal's family ran a jazz store that produced and sold records of great artistes, including Louis Armstrong. Crystal's mother once told Armstrong, "Louis, it's okay. you can spit it out." You know where he gets his humor from!
I encourage everyone to read Crystal's autobiography, 'Still Fooling' em'
Learned about him playing with Kareem and his jazz roots in the book 700 Sundays. Currently reading Still Foolin’ ‘Em and learning soooo much more about Billy! It’s such a good book, I’m only 60 pages in right now but I am thoroughly enjoying it.
Watch his tribute at Ali's funeral. Amazing!
The idea of Billy Crystal playing against Kareem is so incredibly funny.
"Everyone suffers a loss in life it is the one who overcomes his loss and makes a success of himself that is doing something."-Muhammad Ali
Beautiful.
Just the words I needed to hear.
Oh how did we go from such a noble way of thinking from sone one who did it - to a world of Woke where our young need safe spaces and judge them selves by the colour of their skin.
I was at this event. I was 14 years old. A lot of tears that night. What a memory.
Wow. Amazing. Truly blessed.
The smile on Ali face is priceless. 💯 Rest in Power King Ali.
That was sooo brilliant and mesmerizing by Billy Crystal! You can tell how much he admires and respects Ali.
I cried tears of joy when I seen this.Billy Crystal hands down the best
Ali and Crystal had a long beautiful friendship,.. Ali referred to Crystal as "My Little Brother" and Crystal to Ali as "My Big Brother" ;) -- I have met many famous people, but in general they did not struck me as anything but ordinary people with fame attached to them. When I was a young teen I did meet Mohammed Ali and it was memorable because it was like being struck by a lighting bolt he had so much charisma and charm -- everyone in the room was in awe because it was like the sun had just walked into the room and everyone felt overwhelm by the human warmth he had and how he just shined!!! I never will forget it -- I have never in my 40-years since that day encountered a human with more charisma or shine than him -- a beautiful soul! God bless him and his very special and loverly family, as well. May he RIP. The Greatest -- indeed!
seems like you took a lot of things out of Billy's speech at Ali's memorial service and passed it off as your own memory
Steve Beimler, you, Sir, just posted a beautiful tribute to Ali yourself! From all accounts, he was a beautiful soul! Much respect!!!
His eulogy at Ali's service was the most heartwarming of any guest.
I had to watch this after his touching tribute at his Funeral. I've been crying all day.
Me too
+oneraceonedestiny What is wrong with you man?
im still crying its sad to say goodbye
he was bigger than life
so site
Yes he was...
The absolute brilliance and skill in this piece is unbelievable
The most briljant, genius act i have ever witnessed in my 60 years of life! Nobody on this planet has done something like this... ever!!
He is indeed.
Grrr
I'm of an age where I remember Ali at his pomp in the 70's. One of the greatest human beings ever to grace this earth. I feel so privileged to have lived at the same time as Ali !
🌷🌷
His courage was seen in the 70s...his boxing pomp was in the 60s.
@@llwyde1104 We'll have to agree to disagree, which is ok 🙂. The so called "fight of the Century, the rumble in the jungle, thrilla in Manilla were all in the 70's and are what most people would recognise Ali for. The 60's were mired (IMO) by his stripping of the title. He didn't fight for a large part of the 60's, so for me the 70's were his pomp but it's fine if you believe the 60's were too 😏
@@Nite-owl as a boxer...re watch the great Ali...what made him different. The movement, the speed. Lots of boxers can do the epic and courageous but only Ali could do...'Ali' !!!
Me too!!!
Thank you RUclips for making it possible for us to see this. Long live the little brother of the king
What a great performance by Billy Crystal, capturing the essence of Muhammad Ali.
Amazing tribute to truly "The Greatest!"
By chance, I saw BC at Ali's funeral on U tube. The date 9.23.22. I'm 78, and have never seen the funeral speech. Then 15 rounds came on. Tears of laughter in my eyes. Yes, I watched as many of Ali's fights as I could. To all of us then and now, he will always be the CHAMPION.
I got here the same way. Just a month later. 08.09.22 🤣🤣🤣🤣. Greatest in the world!
The sport of boxing couldn’t really survive Ali’s retirement. Yeah, you had Tyson and a few good years of old man Foreman, Mayweather, Pacqiao, etc, but it was never the same and now it’s pretty much completely dead.
I love the little square in the corner...........the video of Ali watching him doing the whole thing, and just LOVING it. This is the truest example of "Imitation Is The Sincerest Form Of Flattery".......
agreed!
Billy’s impressions of Ali were the Greatest of All Time!!!
Muhammad Ali is the Great of All Time for his ability to speak and express himself so eloquently, the way that he carried himself, the way he treated others, standing up for his beliefs despite the consequences, the manner which he addressed adversity in his boxing career. The world has lost a great man.
3 and 1/2 year exile, passport revoked and he was never bitter
August 2022 and still this gives me goosebumps. The greatest tribute of all time
Great job Billy, great Ali impressions, great tribute. Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 27th December 2023.
If you ever need motivation in life you got Muhammad Ali, he will always be there to remind you that nothing is impossible.
true
true, he even encouraged Billy to "stay in the ring" fans cheering. he is truly great man and a good hearted creature.
"If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it, I can achieve it." - Muhammad Ali
Good, that means I can conquer the world.
Precise i want to grow to 6'3
How do you know you've done something extraordinary in your lifetime? You get a standing ovation from Muhammad Ali....
Shut your mouth you lying liberal
Over the years I've watched this at least 10 times. Ali and Billy were good friends. I've never seen a better tribute. Billy Crystal's impressions of both Ali and Howard Cosell were immaculate. Btw there was a closeness between Ali and Howard that was very noticeable. A friendship which grew stronger as each year passed. Watching Ali in the background; I seriously doubt he ever laughed as hard or as much in such a short amount of time. The "Rocky" sound track playing at it concluded was sublime. Billy's words and emotions did justice to the great Muhammad Ali and on a level so high I doubt it will ever be matched. One has to wonder just how much effort Billy put into this. I'm sure it was monumental. Everything had to be perfect. I can only imagine how Ali felt. Billy showed so much admiration and respect for his improbable and extraordinary friend, especially so as he ended this impeccable and inspirational homage.
An impeccable tribute it is indeed, and Billy put a lot of work into it, as you also put it. You mention the friendship between Howard Cosell and Muhammad Ali, which I've heard was very good, so much so that Cosell regularly jokingly used the N word on Ali without Ali minding it one bit. Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 27th December 2023.
Well written, both of you. Also Billy’s touching eulogy at Ali’s funeral. It was heartfelt, passionate, and you got the real sense of their close relationship and friendship. The Champ is gone but certainly not forgotten, and to bring this full circle, I’m watching Billy receive his Kennedy Center Honor right now. RIP Champ.
@@brettlanglois8769Thanks Brett.
Billy Crystal hit it out of the park like nobody ever did. Best bit "EVER"
YEAH DAMN! HE WAS IN IT. He went through the whole thing without really even a hiccup... very awesome, especially because it's in front of all those people, including the person he's imitating.. most people take a brake for a few seconds, with the audience, but he kept going... no wonder Billy said he was on another level, watching himself, doesn't even know he did it.
look at the joy on Ali's face
Did you see how pumped up Ali got when Billy was talking about regaining that title???
Two incredibly talented men. How lucky we are to have lived in their time.
I agree with you.
Yep! ....and now it's time to take on the Fight against Climate Change.
Ever heard of the Darwin award?...we are in the running...have to wake up!!
Fight!...like Muhammad...with fierce intelligence.
Soo lucky
Indeed.
indeed
This is one of the best pieces of ART, I've ever seen. Beautiful........to do this, amount of practise that he must have gone through. His genuine love for Ali, shows.
Yes, I agree. I think that is why it was so good.
Very Good
Go check out his 700 Sundays. Billy Crystal is seriously slept on and he's brillant.
@@j.h.lowery7934 I have no doubt and completely agree. Billy Crystal is magnificent. I haven't seen 700 Sundays but would love to. My understanding is that it was only a live performance that he no longer does on tour, so how can we see it?
@@MsBahbii ruclips.net/video/Xc47bX6g_3s/видео.html
Fantastic performance, Billy! Academy Award winning stuff!
It´s 2021 and I see this for the first time! A mixture of laughing & goosebumps! From today on Billy is the 2nd greatest to me!
This is amazing!! whose here in 2019?
That Rocky music though...
I am !!
@@osman151
Ha ha 2025. Great tribute by Billy. They had a special friendship.
15 October 2019
October 17,2019 fo me
watching the funeral and listening to Billy Crystal speak so eloquently on Muhammad. BEAUTIFUL
Didn't realise Billy had such a long friendship with Ali. His eulogy at the funeral, as well as being funny, was also very thought provoking. What a great thing Billy did to remind us of Ali's greatness outside of the ring.
One of the greatest moments in television history 🙌...Billy Crystal impression was just unbelievably outstanding 👏
Brilliant piece of work.....I cried and laughed. What a tribute to the greatest boxer ...who ever lived.And Ali...at the time loved the tribute...you could see it on his face.Thank you Mr. Crystal...For a performance that will stand the test of time....❤
Wonderful, wonderful. A brilliant and moving one-man performance by the great Billy Crystal. Terrific just watching Ali's face throughout the piece. And a glorious eulogy by Billy Crystal, capturing the heart and soul of Muhammad Ali. Condolences to Mr. Crystal over the loss of his "big brother".
SO VERY WELL DONE from a comic genius who knew both the man and the legend. It's been a very difficult year for Mr. Crystal - with the loss of his dearest friend, Robin Williams, and now Ali. And yet he was able to rise up on both occasions, and open a door for all of us so that we could catch a glimpse of two special people that he called friend. And when he's not making us laugh, he is working for justice and peace in this world. I'm sure that wherever Mohammed Ali is, he is laughing at his "little brother". God Bless, Billy.
He has lost more than these two people.
If he ever retires, he should consider becoming either become a pulpit rabbi or funeral director.
Anyone know the piano song at 8:30?
It's the Theme from the movie "Rocky".
I know it's difficult to recognize it in this stripped-down acoustic piano version, but that's what it is.....
great i love billy
Canuckmom1958 I literally have tears running down my face. Muhammad Ali was my hero, and still today is! He inspired me to start boxing at age 13. I have met him personally on 3 occasions and took pictures with him that I still have today and cherish. May Allah grant you Paradise.
I cried the morning I awoke and heard the Greatest passed. I just saw this on ABC News a minute ago and just could not hold it back.. It's such a beautiful tribute to The Greatest and all of us who go through life facing its trials and tribulations. I pray that God gives his family comfort. RIP my hero .
Wow! First time I ever saw this. What an amazing tribute from a first-class professional to a living legend! Ali 4ever!
Hello Dear, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the Virus??
This was MASTERFUL!!! So glad Billy mentioned this at Ali’s funeral which was also just as timeless.
This tribute to Ali brought tears of joy. RIP in peace the greatest of all time!!!! Thank you for so many beautiful memories.
@les antoine Leon Spinks fans
Like so many others, I had to come back and see this after watching the funeral today. It was a wonderful service for a great, great man. I cried more than once watching it today. I remember listening to the first Liston fight on the radio when I was 13 years old, and grew up watching Ali. He's been a part of my life for over 50 years, and while I've known this day was coming and dreaded it for years, Ali is in a better place now. I'll never forget that first Liston fight, Ali lighting the Olympic flame in Atlanta, and the brave dignity he's shown for the last 32 years with Parkinson's. God bless him.
Had to run here after watching Billy Crystal's tribute. Just Brilliant. I mean Awesomely Brilliant
they were friends, they were brothers, they made each other laugh, we just got a chance to see it all
What a treasure this video is. Billy was on fire.
Seeing Ali laughing made my day. RIP Champ.
Really who are the 20 people who gave it a thumbs down, baffling. Top stand/send up by Billy.
I am shocked that only 20 assholes piled on .
hahahahah... Isn't it shocking!! That's the kind of world we live now..lol
Back to whatever gutter you flowed out of racist troll, for the gentle earth itself recoils from your hateful tread.
Ha ... No . lol
they're racist - the world is ugly and it will anyways be. I just don't understand the hate
Billy is so talented. Just watched his tribute at Ali's funeral and now this one. Good job to both of you...RIP
How are you doing today my name is Bryan cooker
Had to watch this...AGAIN ! Sheer genius from Billy Crystal...not only brilliant entertainment, but, a powerful piece of inspiration !! God bless Muhammad Ali and Billy !
Mr. Crystal looked so young. He did an awesome joke that started their 40 years friendship. Afterwards, Mr. Ali hugged him and said "you're my little brother..." Classic...
Hello Jackie, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the Virus??
@@trevorjennings35Gmail🤡
Don't know how many times I've watched this piece... Still watching.
Well done Billy.
Ali the greatest ❤️❤️
After this Ali forever called Billy Crystal his "little brother."...
True that?
Nah, it was before this a few years, when Crystal did his Kosell/Ali interview sketch and was introduced as Ali's best friend (they'd never met at that stage) Ali came up after it. gave Crystal a bear hug, and said 'you are my little brother'.
I just watched Crystal telling the story.
Not after this. He called him "you are my little brother" long back, 1st time they met.
Listen to Billy's speech on his funeral
You ARE the greatest of allll times, Billy Crystal. Your performance is simply BEYOND MORTAL. Inspired by a higher power obviously. Beyond awesome. I loved Ali. I was soooooo grateful to have lived through the divinely inspired career of young Cassius Marcellus Clay . WHO could have made up or dreamed up Ali but God? A freak of athleticism, also beautiful, also graced with a soothingly poetic voice and mesmerizing charismatic power of speech. Billy Crystal, you made my old eyes cry. I am soooo delighted that the lightening in a bottle that was Ali lives in your voice and soul. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You ARE the badest….of ALL times.
Guy ... You mentioned an important attribute that Ali had that gets overlooked; the sound of his speaking voice. Billy Crystal understood and copied it perfectly. Ali would be remembered differently in a way, if his voice had not been as unique as it was. A little southern flavor, but distinct in his syntax. Almost childlike, but so very penetrating. He definitely knew what presence that his voice had, and from the time he said - after the firsy Liston fight, "I'm a baaaad man", we knew it was true.
Very true!
inspired by a higher power "obviously" ? really man. do you have to assume that anyone with a hard-earned ability is simply given it by some higher power, when the more obvious answer is that they have a certain lucky drawing of genes, the right upbringing, and the persistence and hard work necessary to pull off this kind of human achievement? both Billy and Muhammad may have been "inspired" to greatness because of their faith, but that is merely one aspect of humanity. one part of their brain. and it took all aspects of their brains and body to do what they have done. the higher power you talk about is not "obvious" and it is not the defining reason for their success. God is our creation. he does not exist except in our imagination. and a thing of imagination did not make up or dream up Ali. Ali is not a freak. there have been many athletes of his caliber, and many of them above his caliber, and there will continue to be so. he simply did more with his talent and work ethic, and that is what stands out. there are so many false assumptions and such lack of critical thought in your admiration for these two human beings and it's just so insulting when you attribute it all to a fictional idea that was also created by human beings a long time ago. please stop acting like a child who can't think for themselves and can only repeat what their parents told them to say.
I watch this regularly to motivate me. So true those words: "Just need to start all over again". That's life. Life constantly knocks you down. There are those who pout and give up and There are those like Ali, who get back up; dust themselves off; and start all over again. Absolutely amazing performance by Billy. Not many actors in Hollywood these days with that sort of skill.
I could watch this a million times, and it would never get old. Long live Ali; the greatest OF ALL TIMES!
Watching Ali's funeral and it is so moving. He was, in my opinion, one of, if not THE greatest of all time. I remember watching him fight as a kid and he was an inspiration to me. May he rest in peace.
WOW. Billy Crystal is incredible.
Don't see why anyone can dislike this video. Truly the greatest, inspirational and motivating. It's people like Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King, Gandhi who have transcended humanity for the better. During their struggles they all were tarnished, yet now they are deemed contemporary heros.
Well said..
And Malcolm X. His story parallels and intertwines Alis. They both transcended and evolved beyound the civil rights/seperatism that so profoundly influenced their formative years.
The 2 could be Joe Frazier fans. Ali was very cruel & mean to Joe. Smokin Joe deserved an apology from Ali but NEVER got one
I fucking hate it, There's nothing phenominal about it. Big fucking deal! and why are you bragging about Muhammad Ali, MLK and Gandhi for?... If they were so great then how did they get tarnished, why! because there no more special than anyone else. There not my hero's.
You have a very big hole inside you.
Billy Crystal is one of my favorite actors from the 80s I like him with in that movie with Harry met Sally
Muhammad Ali's reactions are priceless... RIP you beautiful soul !! The world misses you....a lot!
Wow! Only a God given treasure like Billy Crystal could radiate such an honest, humble, heart felt tribute to another God given treasure Mohammed Ali and perform it with the perfect balance of humor! Billy was so full of his subject and fully prepared this routine as the professional craftsman his is but, everyone could and can still feel this was beyond a comedy performance...it was and still is a heart cry from a "little brother" honoring his "big brotha!" Two of God's great lighting rods "of all tiiiiimmme!"
that was truly phenomenal.
wake up bitch
863 florida
?
Absolutely brilliant performance.. Blown away
Absolutely amazing, Billy Crystal did both Ali and Cosell to a T. Thanks for posting this.
Billy you also are one of the Greatest and I enjoyed your tribute to Mohammad Ali
Billy Crystal is a beast
watching Ali's funeral right now, and Billy Crystal has just ended and AWESOME tribute. I look forward to watching this clip he's referred to; thanks for posting.
Me too! I ran in here to watch it. Gumble is on now.
Me too. I immediately wanted to see this piece. Billy spoke beautifully at Ali's funeral. Little Brother!!
Wow me too listening to Gumble ready to watch this when funeral is over
poor Bryant, having to follow the rest whose speeches were all so awesome.
I also watched. I loved that man. What an inspiration! Thank you for posting this.
I have only one word to say: MAGNIFICENT!!!!
This was the start of a long, enduring friendship.
That was Poetry and a true Ttibute to the Greatest of all Time!!
Billy crystal is a genius !
👍🏾❤️
He absolutely is..... it was funny, sad , introspective all rolled into one
Wow! What an act! Billy Crystal is an ace at memorizing such a long monologue! Remarkable performance! Ali was clearly enjoying this act!
It was awesome to see someone cracking Ali up as much as he cracked us up!! That was awesome!!!
I feel blessed to have met Ali and made him smile and give me an unrequested, personalized autographed copy of something of his...and to have watched many of his fights as C. Clay...and M. Ali ...and feel such happiness to have just now, finally seen this awesome tribute by the brilliant Billy Crystal...after watching his amazing tribute to Ali at his funeral (also here on RUclips...equally unbelievable)!!!
hands down, still the best tribute to anyone I have ever seen. Long Live ALI!!!
Billy Crystal 15 rounds is A MASTER PIECE...Mohammad Ali was A FIGHTER in & Out of The Ring...He Fought Opponents & Oppression...Grreatest Boxer of All Time..GOD BLESS You.
He fought for common sense. Now oppressed become opressors while those who oppressed from beginning hide outside radar. Like in war rulers don't fight only the ruled fight and die. Name of the game
@@szymonbaranowski8184 Exactly. Rich man's War, poor man's fight.
Hello,how are you doing,?
Ali’s reactions are priceless
LOVE how pumped Ali gets when Billy starts talking about his comeback toward the end. Thanks for showing us all that we're the greatest, Champ!
2024 and still watching this masterpiece. Ali, the GOAT
Anyone else choked up? This is a biographical tribute. Watching Billy is great. But watching Alis reaction. It's just a great moment. Very moving
thats truly a work of art
Give this video some time and there'll be more than a million views on it. THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME!!!! FOREVER THE CHAMP!!!!
Haha....its 1.7 M after 4 years.....are you still there??
2020 2.4 mil 🤘🤘🤘
over 3 million 2021
3 mil 2021, march
The first time I saw this, I thought to myself, what a great tribute Billy Crystal performed for Muhammed Ali!
Today watching this again, I still think the same way! What a great tribute to the Champ, Muhammed Ali!!!!
Just a little bit of trivia. My Best friends Dad brought him home a present from the fights one time, a pair of pro boxing gloves, they were signed by " Cassius Clay"! They sit in a plexiglass cabinet
Old enough to recognize and remember the genius of this performance, Ali's legacy and Billy's talent. Well done.