Billy Crystal has shared an emotional final act of friendship following the tragic murder of his longtime friend, director Rob Reiner, and his wife, Michele Singer.
Reiner, 78, and his wife, 68, were found dead at their Brentwood mansion on Sunday, December 14, with knife wounds.
Their daughter, Romy, discovered their bodies and immediately called the police. Soon after, Crystal, along with his wife Janice, rushed to the house to say one last goodbye.
Billy Crystal reportedly saw the bodies of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, while responding to a call from their daughter. Credit: Kevin Winter/GA / Getty
An unnamed insider told TMZ that Crystal and his wife “raced over” to the Reiners' home after hearing from Romy, who had contacted them following the gruesome discovery.
The 77-year-old, deeply moved, wanted to offer his final respects to his friend.
A friendship that spanned decades
Crystal, who starred alongside Reiner in the iconic When Harry Met Sally, had known the director for decades.
The two first met in 1975 when the actor appeared alongside the director in the CBS sitcom All in the Family. Their professional bond deepened over the years, with Crystal eventually appearing in Reiner’s films, including This is Spinal Tap and The Princess Bride.
Despite their close friendship, Reiner initially resisted casting Crystal in When Harry Met Sally, fearing that their friendship could cloud the production. However, Reiner later conceded, saying, “Finally, I said, ‘Aw, f*** it; he’s perfect!’” per Metro.
The result was one of the most famous comedic lines in film history, when Crystal’s character delivered the memorable line: “I’ll have what she’s having.”
The pair'ss bond extended far beyond their work, and their friendship remained strong until Reiner’s untimely death.
The couple's son, Nick Reiner, was arrested. Credit: Laura Cavanaugh / Getty
Nick Reiner arrested in connection with murder
The tragic events took an even darker turn when it was revealed that Reiner’s son, 32-year-old Nick Reiner, had been arrested in connection with the murders.
Police discovered that both victims had suffered stab wounds, and sources report that there were no signs of forced entry into the home, suggesting a potentially personal motive.
Nick, who had previously struggled with drug addiction and homelessness, was reportedly exhibiting “antisocial behavior” at a Christmas party just days before the killings, Rolling Stones reported.
He is now being held without bail in connection with the deaths, and the investigation is ongoing.
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday, Dec. 14. Credit: Rodin Eckenroth / Getty
Tributes pour in for the Reiners
In the wake of the murders, tributes have flooded in from across Hollywood, with many recalling the kindness and decency of Rob and Michele Reiner.
Their daughter, Tracy Reiner, an actress known for A League of Their Own and Apollo 13, shared her grief with NBC News, saying, “I came from the greatest family ever… I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
Former President Barack Obama also offered his condolences, writing on X: “Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired.”
Even Michelle Obama, who was scheduled to dine with the Reiners the night of their deaths, expressed her sadness during a recent interview, calling the couple “decent, courageous people” who cared deeply for their family and the country.
“They were the kind of people who were ready to put their actions behind what they cared about. And they cared about their family, and they cared about this country, and they cared about fairness and equity,” she said.
Donald Trump has doubled down on his comments about Reiner's death. Credit: Anna Moneymaker / Getty
Trump’s controversial comments
Amid the mourning, President Donald Trump made controversial comments regarding the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner.
Taking to Truth Social, he speculated that Reiner’s murder was connected to what he called “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” a term he has frequently used to mock his critics. His statement sparked outrage, including from members of his own party, who described his remarks as “inappropriate” and “disrespectful.”
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Trump ally, condemned the president’s comments, emphasizing that the Reiner family’s tragedy should not be politicized.
“This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies,” she said. “It’s incredibly difficult and should be met with empathy, especially when it ends in murder.”
Despite the backlash, Trump doubled down on his comments in a later interview, continuing to criticize Reiner’s political views.