Hollywood Icons Pen Heartfelt Farewell to Rob Reiner
A group of Rob Reiner’s closest mates, including Larry David, Billy Crystal, and Martin Short, have shared a moving open letter after the director’s tragic passing. Their words reflect on his legacy and the impact he and his wife Michele had on those around them.
Rob Reiner’s sudden death has left a deep mark on his friends and the wider film community. On 14 December, the acclaimed director and his wife Michele were found dead in their Brentwood home, both victims of a stabbing. Their son, Nick Reiner, now faces charges for their murder, with the possibility of a life sentence or even the death penalty if convicted.
In the wake of this tragedy, a group of Reiner’s closest friends have come together to express their sorrow and pay tribute to his life and work. The open letter, signed by the likes of Billy and Janice Crystal, Albert and Kimberly Brooks, Martin Short, Alan Zweibel and his wife Robin, Larry David and his wife Ashley Underwood, composer Marc Shaiman and his husband Lou Mirabal, director Barry Levinson and his wife Diana, as well as James Costos and Michael Smith, was released to the public. Reports suggest that Crystal and David were present at the scene shortly after the news broke.
Remembering a Master Storyteller
The letter reflects on the unique experience of watching films in a packed cinema, sharing laughter, tears, and suspense with strangers. The group describes Reiner as a true master of storytelling, someone who learned from his father Carl and mentor Norman Lear, and who excelled across genres—from comedy to drama, mockumentary to documentary. They note that punters trusted him, lining up to catch his latest work, and that his range as a director was unmatched.
His mates write,
‘Going to the movies in a dark theater filled with strangers having a common experience, laughing, crying, screaming in fear, or watching an intense drama unfold is still an unforgettable thrill. Tell us a story audiences demand of us. Absorbing all he had learned from his father Carl and his mentor Norman Lear, Rob Reiner not only was a great comic actor, he became a master story teller. There is no other director who has his range. From comedy to drama to ‘mockumentary’ to documentary he was always at the top of his game. He charmed audiences. They trusted him. They lined up to see his films.’
Champion of Collaboration and Freedom
Reiner’s approach to filmmaking was collaborative, always keen to listen to new ideas and bring others into the creative process. The letter highlights his knack for perfecting dialogue, his sharp sense for drama, and his genuine care for both actors and writers. His friends recall that working with him felt like being part of a team, and that his greatest gift was the freedom he gave to those around him.
They share,
‘His comedic touch was beyond compare, his love of getting the music of the dialogue just right, and his sharpening of the edge of a drama was simply elegant. For the actors, he loved them. For the writers, he made them better. His greatest gift was freedom. If you had an idea, he listened, he brought you into the process. They always felt they were working as a team. To be in his hands as a filmmaker was a privilege, but that is only part of his legacy.’
Devotion to Community and Partnership
Beyond his work in film, Reiner is remembered as a passionate citizen who, alongside Michele, dedicated much of his life to making a difference. The letter describes the couple as strong, determined, and selfless, always striving to improve the lives of others. Their friends recall them as a dynamic duo, inspiring those around them with their commitment and generosity.
The letter continues,
‘Rob was also a passionate, brave citizen, who not only cared for this country he loved, he did everything he could to make it better and with his loving wife Michele, he had the perfect partner. Strong and determined, Michele and Rob Reiner devoted a great deal of their lives for the betterment of our fellow citizens … They were a special force together – dynamic, unselfish and inspiring. We were their friends, and we will miss them forever.’
In closing, the group quotes a line from one of Reiner’s favourite films, It’s a Wonderful Life:
‘Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he? You have no idea.’