INTERVIEW: Billy Crystal’s Dark New Role Was Like a “Cold Plunge”

Crystal likens his performance to dunking his body in a vat of freezing cold water. “I had to plunge and do that for five months. You know, that's basically what a cold plunge is. You just have to trust it's going to be OK and let yourself relax in it and explore every second of this character.”

For those who know Crystal best for his comedic chops, Before casts him in a new light. That said, Crystal himself doesn’t like to draw such harsh distinctions around his work, inviting comparisons to fellow genre-hopping legends Robin Williams and Steve Martin.

“Drama and comedy run in the same line. It's just how you express yourself and the situation. I've known so many great comedic actors who were wonderful actors. Robin [Williams], for instance, could do anything, and there are a number of them. Steve Martin has done some wonderful dramatic work as well. So for me, it was just a dream character to play because he was so complicated, and actors love complications."

Crystal executive produces Before alongside Eric Roth (Killers of the Flower Moon, Dune), pilot director Adam Bernstein (Silo, Billions) and producing director Jet Wilkinson (The Chi, Truth Be Told). Sarah Thorp (The Bounty Hunter) is creator, showrunner, and executive producer.

The ensemble cast also includes Rosie Perez, Maria Dizzia and Ava Lalezarzadeh.

The first two episodes of Before premieres on Apple TV+ on Friday, October 25, with one new episode dropping every Friday through December 20.