After receiving an urgent call from Rob Reiner’s daughter—who had just discovered that her parents were dead in their Brentwood home—Billy Crystal rushed over to say a final goodbye to the friend he had known for five decades.
Around 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 14, Los Angeles firefighters responded to a 911 call requesting medical help at a Brentwood residence. Multiple media outlets, including *People*, reported that emergency responders found the bodies of 78-year-old filmmaker Rob Reiner and his 68-year-old wife, Michele.
According to *The Daily Mail*, investigators believed the couple had been dead for hours, noting signs of rigor mortis. Both victims reportedly suffered fatal knife wounds, and a source claimed their throats were slit while they slept.
Police later arrested the Reiners’ youngest son, 32-year-old Nick Reiner, who was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
### A lifelong friendship
TMZ reported that Reiner’s daughter Romy, 28, contacted Billy Crystal shortly after finding the bodies. Crystal and Reiner had shared a close friendship for 50 years, beginning in 1975 on *All in the Family*, where they portrayed best friends.
Their bond extended far beyond that show, leading to numerous collaborations over the years. In a 2016 essay for *The Hollywood Reporter*, Crystal wrote that their on-screen chemistry naturally carried into real life, making them inseparable friends.
Crystal recalled one of his favorite memories with Reiner: watching *When Harry Met Sally* together for the first time. Sitting side by side during the screening, they realized the film was something special when the famous deli scene brought the audience to roaring laughter—especially Estelle Reiner’s iconic line, “I’ll have what she’s having.”
Crystal praised Reiner as exceptionally intelligent, precise, and funny, noting that he was also a gifted actor—a rare combination of talents.
### At the scene
Photographers captured Crystal outside the Reiner home that day, visibly emotional as he spoke briefly with police alongside his wife. A neighbor told ABC7 that Crystal appeared deeply shaken and on the verge of tears.
TMZ initially reported that Crystal had an opportunity to say goodbye from a distance. However, a spokesperson later clarified that Crystal and his wife never entered the house and were not allowed near the bodies, remaining outside the property the entire time.
### Remembering Rob and Michele Reiner
Following confirmation of the deaths, Crystal joined Albert Brooks, Martin Short, and Larry David in releasing a joint statement through the Associated Press honoring Reiner’s legacy.
They praised Reiner’s extraordinary range as a filmmaker, highlighting his success across comedy, drama, mockumentaries, and documentaries, and noting that audiences trusted and eagerly supported his work.
The statement also honored Reiner’s dedication to public service and activism, emphasizing that he and his wife Michele were deeply committed to making the country better. Together, they were described as a powerful, selfless, and inspiring partnership.
The tribute concluded with a quote from Reiner’s favorite film, *It’s a Wonderful Life*, underscoring the lasting impact he had on those who knew him:
“Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”