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Billy Crystal was joined by more than a dozen stars from Rob Reiner’s films to pay an emotional tribute to the late director during Sunday’s Oscars 2026.
Leading the In Memoriam segment, the “When Harry Met Sally” star said emotionally in part, “Rob’s movies will last for lifetimes because they were about what makes us laugh and cry and what we aspire to be far better in his eyes, far kinder, far funnier, but far more human.”
Crystal, 78, also paid tribute to Michele Reiner, sharing that when she entered Rob’s life, “they were unstoppable.”
“She not only produced films with Rob, but it was her energy that had them working tirelessly to fight social injustice in the country that they both loved,” he continued.
Crystal noted that the couple “became the driving force behind marriage equality in the United States and their loss is immeasurable.”
“Buddy, what fun we had storming the castle,” Crystal ended the speech, referencing “The Princess Bride.”
After his emotional speech, the curtain rose to reveal over a dozen stars who had worked on Reiner’s movies, including his “When Harry Met Sally” co-star Meg Ryan and Jerry O’Connell, Kiefer Sutherland and Will Wheaton from “Stand By Me.”
Christopher Guest and Michael McKean from “This is Spinal Tap” also stood in front of the Oscars crowd, as well as Fred Savage, Carey Elwes, Mandy Patinkin and Carol Kane from “The Princess Bride,” Kathy Bates from “Misery,” Demi Moore and Kevin Pollack from “A Few Good Men,” and John Cusack and Daphne Zuniga from “The Sure Thing.”
Rob and Michele were found dead in their Brentwood home on Dec.14.
He was 78, while she was 70.
According to their death certificates, the couple died within “minutes” of receiving “multiple sharp force injuries” with a “knife, by another.”
Their youngest son, Nick Reiner, was arrested in connection with their deaths hours after the stabbings.
He has a long history of drug addiction and mental health issues, and had reportedly been diagnosed with schizophrenia before his parents’ deaths.
The troubled 32-year-old pleaded not guilty on Feb. 23 during an appearance in the Los Angeles Superior Court.
He is facing two counts of murder with an enhancement that could carry the death penalty or life without parole if he is convicted.
Crystal not only starred in “When Harry Met Sally” and “The Princess Bride,” which Rob also helmed, but he was also the director’s best friend.
He and his wife, Janice Crystal, were spotted somberly leaving the Reiner home hours after the bodies were found.
A neighbor told ABC 7 that the Crystals were only at the home briefly and said the “Analyze This” actor looked like he was about to cry.”
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Following the murders, a group of Rob’s closest friends, including Crystal, Martin Short, Alan and Robin Zweibel, Albert Brooks, and Larry David, released a joint statement.
“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,” read the statement.
“For the actors, he loved them. For the writers he made them better. His greatest gift was freedom. If you had an idea, he listened, he brought you into the process. They always felt they were working as a team. To be in his hands as a film maker was a privilege but that is only part of his legacy.”
“Rob was also a passionate, brave citizen, who not only cared for this country he loved, he did everything he could to make it better and with his loving wife Michele, he had the perfect partner. Strong and determined, Michele and Rob Reiner devoted a great deal of their lives for the betterment of our fellow citizens… They were a special force together-dynamic, unselfish and inspiring. We were their friends, and we will miss them forever,” the statement concluded.
English (US)