the audience loved the moment as host crystal turned it into a running gag. at various points in the broadcast, crystal announced that palance was "backstage on the stairmaster"; had bungee-jumped off the hollywood sign; had rendezvoused with the space shuttle in orbit; fathered all the children in a production number; been named "people" magazine's "sexiest man alive"; and won the new york primary election. at the end of the broadcast, crystal said he wished he could be back next year but "i've just been informed jack palance will be hosting."