Inside Rob Reiner and Billy Crystal’s decade-long friendship as When Harry Met Sally Star reportedly spotted mourning late director 

Director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, were found dead at their Los Angeles home on December 14, 2025.

A family representative confirmed the news of their demise. Meanwhile, the police officials continue to investigate the case. Reiner's son Nick has been arrested by the authorities.

Prominent figures in Hollywood and US politics paid their respects and expressed horror. Rob Reiner's close friend, Billy Crystal, was also spotted outside Reiner's residence. Crystal, along with Larry David, was seen teary-eyed as he mourned the loss of his dear friend.

In addition to directing beloved movies across a range of genres, such as When Harry Met Sally, This is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, Misery, and A Few Good Men, Reiner is well-known for supporting Democratic politics and liberal causes.

Billy Crystal on Rob Reiner

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Billy Crystal recalled the first time he met Reiner in 1975 on the sets of All in the Family. Billy Crystal played the role of Norman Lear in the show.

"We met on All in the Family in 1975. I was cast as his best friend — Norman Lear had seen me at The Comedy Store a couple weeks before, created this part for me and brought me out for my first trip to Los Angeles. I hadn’t met Rob before, and here we were cast as best friends. Jean [Stapleton] and Carroll [O’Connor] weren’t on the show that week."

During the interview, Crystal mentioned that Reiner was genial, funny, and an extremely skilled actor. Crystal went ahead and remembered his favorite moment with Reiner.

"My favorite moment was at our first screening of When Harry Met Sally …. Rob and I were sitting in the back next to each other. Then the orgasm scene happens, and the place goes berserk."

"When Rob’s mother, Estelle, says, “I’ll have what she’s having,” it was thunderous, a laugh you can only hear with the best of jokes in a concert hall. It’s those moments that make movies so spectacular: You set up the joke in September, and you don’t hear the punch line until May."

Billy Crystal remembered the time when Rob Reiner and he decided to continue their friendship and became best friends as time flew by.

Tributes pour in for Rob Reiner

Ron Howard, the director, paid tribute to the late Rob Reiner and said:

"He proved to be a superlative filmmaker, a supportive colleague, and at all times a dedicated citizen."

"I am in disbelief at today's news of Rob and Michele," remarked Sir Elton John, who starred in this year's Spinal Tap sequel. They were two of the most beautiful people I'd ever met and they deserved better."

Author Stephen King, whose works served as the inspiration for both Misery and Stand By Me, was among those paying tribute. He expressed his "horrified and saddened" reaction to the news.

"Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine)," stated the writer. "Rob, rest in peace. You were always there for me."

Trending

Reiner's co-star in the 2020 television series Hollywood, Mira Sorvino, expressed her "absolute shock."

Josh Gad, who starred in the movie Frozen, called Reiner "one of the greatest directors of our time" and added, "Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were two of the most kind and caring souls you could ever imagine." He showed a deep concern for people without voices.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback