Billy Crystal Explains How the Palisades Fire Inspired His One-Man Show: ‘I’m So Grateful’

On Wednesday night's episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," Billy Crystal discussed the inspiration behind his new Broadway one-man show titled "860." The show is named after the street address of the house that Crystal and his family lived in for 46 years, which was destroyed in California's devastating Palisades Fire last year. To cope with the loss, Crystal began filming and documenting every moment on his phone, capturing first responders' planes and all other events.

He eventually turned these videos into a narrative, blending drama with humor, as most of the events took place inside the house. For his show, Crystal used a photo he had taken years ago with a 360-degree camera of his old office to recreate the set, which he described as both a recreation and a reminder of the house. Jimmy Kimmel noted that stepping onto the set for the first time must have been strange for Crystal.

"Every moment that I'm in that room, I'm there again, but yet it's make-believe. So it's great and it's sad at the same time," Crystal responded. The one-man show is a mix of comedy and inspiration, reflecting the theme of starting over again, especially for those who lost their homes in the fires. Crystal emphasized his pride in the show and gratitude for the opportunity to share the experience with others who have gone through the same loss.