Billy Crystal, who shared a 50-year friendship with Rob Reiner, rushed to Reiner’s Brentwood home after receiving a desperate call from Reiner’s daughter, Romy, who had just discovered the bodies of her parents. The incident, which occurred on December 14, 2025, shook Hollywood and left friends and family in profound grief. Around 3:30 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a 911 call for medical assistance at the residence. First responders found 78-year-old Rob Reiner and 68-year-old Michele Singer Reiner deceased inside the home. Reports indicate that the couple had been dead for several hours, with signs of rigor mortis present. Authorities later confirmed that both had died from knife wounds, with sources suggesting their throats had been slit while they slept. Within hours, police arrested the couple’s youngest son, Nick Reiner, 32, who has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Crystal’s connection to Reiner stretched back to 1975 when they first met on the set of the sitcom All in the Family, playing best friends on-screen. Their bond quickly transcended the series, blossoming into a personal friendship that endured for decades. Crystal reflected on their long-standing relationship in a 2016 essay, describing the seamless mix of intellect, humor, and talent that made Reiner such a remarkable presence both on stage and in life. Among his cherished memories was the first screening of When Harry Met Sally…, where Crystal recounted the thunderous audience laughter at the famous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene, a moment he shared intimately with Reiner in the back row of the theater. These memories exemplified the depth of their friendship and the joy they found in creative collaboration.

On the day of the tragedy, Crystal arrived at the scene with his wife to offer support and share final words from a distance. Photographs captured him wiping his face, visibly affected as he spoke briefly with law enforcement. A neighbor described Crystal as appearing “like he was about to cry.” TMZ reported that before witnessing first responders tending to the scene, Crystal had the opportunity to say his goodbyes to Reiner. A spokesperson later clarified that neither Crystal nor his wife were allowed inside the residence, contradicting earlier reports that suggested they had seen the bodies. Despite this, Crystal’s presence outside the home reflected the profound personal impact of the loss.

The deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner prompted an outpouring of condolences from Hollywood peers. Crystal, alongside Albert Brooks, Martin Short, and Larry David, issued a joint statement emphasizing Reiner’s cinematic versatility and his lasting impact on audiences. They noted his ability to navigate comedy, drama, mockumentary, and documentary with consistent excellence. Beyond his professional achievements, Reiner was celebrated for his civic engagement and commitment to improving society alongside his wife. The statement described the couple as a “special force together – dynamic, unselfish, and inspiring,” highlighting the mutual devotion and values that defined their partnership.

The tribute also touched on the personal void left by Reiner’s passing, quoting a line from his favorite Christmas movie, 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?” The sentiment resonated deeply, emphasizing the enduring influence of the Reiners on both friends and fans. Crystal and other colleagues conveyed that their friendship with the couple had left lasting impressions, and that the absence of Rob and Michele would be profoundly felt.

As the investigation into the couple’s murders continues, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances surrounding the crime while honoring the legacy of Rob and Michele Reiner. Their professional accomplishments, philanthropic contributions, and personal warmth leave behind a lasting imprint on Hollywood and beyond. Friends, family, and colleagues alike continue to mourn, reflecting on the decades-long impact of the Reiners’ presence both on-screen and in life, and celebrating the personal bonds and shared memories that defined their extraordinary lives.