Billy Crystal: Not Rob Reiner's First Harry Choice

Billy Crystal has shared intimate details about the casting of the iconic film "When Harry Met Sally...". He revealed that he was not director Rob Reiner's first choice for the role of Harry Burns. Other notable actors, including Albert Brooks, Tom Hanks, and Michael Keaton, were initially considered for the part.

Crystal explained that Reiner had to audition other actors, despite feeling Crystal was the right fit. The actor recalled a humorous exchange where he initially disliked the script until Reiner assured him they would work on it together. Their close friendship and numerous conversations fueled many of the film's memorable moments.

Inspiration for a particularly beloved scene, where Harry and Sally watch "Casablanca" separately on the phone, stemmed from Reiner's personal experiences. Crystal detailed how late-night calls, during which Reiner was navigating a divorce, contributed to the development of this memorable exchange. The collaborative process between Crystal and Reiner brought many of the film's ideas to life.