Monty Python legend Eric Idle revealed that he spent more than an hour on the phone with filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner on the evening before Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their Los Angeles home.
After the sad news broke, Idle took to social media to share a touching tribute to the late director.
“Rob Reiner was a lovely man. I spoke to him last night for over an hour,” he began.
He continued, “I always enjoyed his company. I met him at his Dad’s in 1975. He was telling me about fiming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future.
Idle added how upset he was with the news.
“This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful,” the comedian concluded.
Reiner had a storied career spanning decades, first gaining fame as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom “All in the Family” and later as the director behind beloved films including “When Harry Met Sally…,” “The Princess Bride,” “This Is Spinal Tap” and “A Few Good Men.”
Reiner was also known for his activism, humor and deep friendships across the entertainment industry.
The Daughter of Reiner Released a Statement
Reiner’s eldest daughter, Tracy Reiner, was the first member of the family to please a statement after the heartbreaking news became public.
Tracy is his adopted daughter from his marriage to ex-wife Penny Marshall.
Tracy told NBC News she last saw her father just the day prior for a family gathering.
“I came from the greatest family ever,” she told the outlet. “I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
In addition to Tracy, Reiner shared three children with his late wife.
The family also released a brief statement to Variety.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time,” it stated.
Tributes Pour In
As the news broke, tributes from friends and fans poured in.
Director Ron Howard penned a touching tribute on X, as he talked about knowing Reiner for decades.
“He proved to be a superlative filmmaker, a supportive colleague and at all times a dedicated citizen,” he wrote. “Rob will be missed on so many levels. My heart goes out to his family and his many close friends.”
Author Stephen King also shared how sad he was by the news, as the two collaborated on “Stand by Me” and “Misery.”
“I’m horrified and saddened by the death of Rob Reiner and Michele. Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine). Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me,” King wrote.
What I don’t understand, is how can you even harbor the thoughts of killing your parents. I understand not getting along with them, or perhaps not liking them, but to completely annilate them taking them out of other siblings lives, not too mentions brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles. This is so terrible that there’s basically no words to say the horrible heartbreak it’s caused for everyone who was associated with this family. There shouldn’t be any mercy for the person that did this. I’m so glad that he will come and stand before Our God on Judgement Day.
My heart is so broken of the tragedy of Rob Reiner and his wife. What makes it even worse is President Trumps message. I don’t know how both of them couldn’t fight off their son(unless of course it was in their sleep) There is so much hate in this world that you really have to cherish your parents. This whole thing is unfathomable. He made such a contribution to our world in the direction of his movies and his outstanding performance in All In The Family. I never heard a bad word about him. Even recently he had parts in The New Girl and The Bear. I feel so bad for his children. They must feel like killing their brother. Rest in Peace Rob and Michelle. You will be missed. Love, Debbie