Bruce Gerald Vilanch, an American comedy writer, songwriter, and actor, was born on November 23, 1948. He is known, in part, for his writing contributions to The Star Wars Holiday Special.
Vilanch, who was raised by Jewish adoptive parents, studied theater and journalism at Ohio State University. He completed his studies and obtained a BFA in theater in 1970. He contributed as a writer to The Star Wars Holiday Special in 1978. During the 1980s, he made a few short appearances as an actor on television. His initial television appearance as himself occurred in 1988 on Hollywood Today, where Chris Aable interviewed him. The program was broadcast in 43 cities via Century Cable and Manhattan Neighborhood Cable Network.
He's famously written jokes of a topical nature for many hosts of awards shows, most notably for Billy Crystal during his times hosting the Academy Awards.