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Brentwood Today
By the People, for the People
Billy Crystal Leads Emotional Tribute to Late Director Rob Reiner at Oscars
Meg Ryan, Kathy Bates, Demi Moore, and Jerry O'Connell join Crystal in honoring Reiner's legacy.
Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:41am
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During the 2026 Oscars' In Memoriam segment, Billy Crystal delivered a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend and collaborator, director Rob Reiner, who was found dead along with his wife Michele in their Brentwood home in December 2025. Crystal was joined on stage by several of Reiner's famous co-stars and friends, including Meg Ryan, Kathy Bates, Demi Moore, and Jerry O'Connell, as he reflected on Reiner's iconic filmography and their personal friendship.
Why it matters
Rob Reiner was a highly influential and acclaimed filmmaker who left an indelible mark on Hollywood with classics like "This Is Spinal Tap," "The Princess Bride," and "When Harry Met Sally." His tragic death, along with that of his wife, has shaken the entertainment industry, and the Oscars tribute allowed his closest collaborators to honor his legacy.
The details
According to reports, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined that Reiner and his wife Michele died from "multiple sharp force injuries," and their son Nick was arrested and charged with two counts of murder. Crystal, who starred in several Reiner films, led the emotional tribute, recounting their long friendship and Reiner's evolution from a great comic actor to a master storyteller.
- Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their Brentwood home on December 14, 2025.
- The 2026 Oscars ceremony took place on March 16, 2026.
The players
Billy Crystal
A longtime friend and collaborator of Rob Reiner, having starred in several of Reiner's films.
Rob Reiner
An acclaimed filmmaker known for directing classics like "This Is Spinal Tap," "The Princess Bride," and "When Harry Met Sally."
Michele Singer Reiner
Rob Reiner's wife, who was found dead alongside him in their Brentwood home.
Nick Reiner
The son of Rob and Michele Reiner, who was arrested and charged with two counts of murder in their deaths.
What they’re saying
“I met Mr. Rob Reiner when I was cast as his best friend in an episode of 'All in the Family' and it went so well that Rob said, 'It was fun playing your best friend. Why don't we keep it going?' And it was a thrill to see him evolve from a great comic actor to a master storyteller.”
— Billy Crystal
What’s next
The investigation into the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner is ongoing, and their son Nick's trial is expected to begin in the coming months.
The takeaway
Rob Reiner's legacy as a groundbreaking filmmaker and beloved friend and collaborator was honored at the Oscars, underscoring the profound impact he had on the entertainment industry and the lives of those he worked with over his illustrious career.
