Rob Reiner's death: Friends Billy Crystal, Larry David pay tribute
What's the story
Hollywood is still reeling from the shock of the untimely demise of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife-photographer Michele Singer Reiner. The couple was found dead in their Brentwood home on December 14, Sunday afternoon. In a joint statement to The Associated Press, Reiner's close friends and collaborators, including Billy Crystal, Larry David, Martin Short, and Albert Brooks, remembered him as a "great comic actor" and "master storyteller."
Statement
'He charmed audiences. They trusted him...'
The statement read, "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 storyteller." "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."
Tribute
'His comedic touch was beyond compare...'
The statement further praised Reiner's unique "comedic touch" and his attention to detail in dialogue delivery. "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." Other signatories included Barry Levinson, film writer Alan Zweibel, US Ambassador to Spain James Costos, and composer Marc Shaiman.
Legacy
Reiner and Singer Reiner were 'a special force together'
The statement highlighted Reiner's partnership with Singer Reiner. "Strong and determined, Michele and Rob Reiner devoted a great deal of their lives for the betterment of our fellow citizens," it read. "They were a special force together-dynamic, unselfish, and inspiring." The tribute concluded with a quote from one of Reiner's favorite 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."
Incident
Details of the tragic incident
The couple was found dead with multiple stab wounds at their Brentwood home. The news of their deaths left Hollywood in shock and mourning. Their family released a statement saying, "We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time." The duo met while Reiner was directing the famous rom-com When Harry Met Sally... and they were parents to Jack, Nick, and Romy. Sadly, Nick has been charged with his parents' murders.