The death of Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele Reiner, 68, shocked all of Hollywood. The prolific filmmaker never confined himself to a single genre; instead, he chose to make whatever films he wanted. Horror movies like “Misery” and dramas such as “A Few Good Men.” However, two years before making the iconic hit, “When Harry Met Sally,” he directed one of the most quotable films in existence: “The Princess Bride.”
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GettyAfter hearing the news of Reiner’s death, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal, and many others expressed their grief. Robin Wright, whose first film role was Buttercup in “The Princess Bride,” was one of many who were in disbelief.
“I am deeply shocked and devastated,” Wright said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly.” I cannot begin to imagine what the family is experiencing or what they will have to endure in the months and years ahead. It is truly heartbreaking.”
“Rob was one of the most loving, compassionate, and kind people I have ever known,” she continued. “He was an extraordinary director and the impact he had on me has stayed with me throughout my career. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Robin Wright Recalls Cast’s Unforgettable Bond
In September, Wright talked about how close the cast became while filming.
We laughed so hard making that movie, we’d have to cut camera and start over again because it was such a giggle-fest,” she told the AARP’s Natasha Stoynoff. “Normally, you go to a set, you act, you wrap, and you go back to your hotel room alone. But we took over the hotel, and Cary [Elwes] and I and Rob Reiner and Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest would all have a potluck dinner in the big kitchen.”
“It was going home with people you had fun with to play music, eat good food and commune,” she added.
Reiner’s Confession: Only Wright and Elwes Could Ever Be Westley and Buttercup
In February of this year, Reiner, Wright, and Elwes appeared on “Special Features Archive” to discuss “The Princess Bride.” Reiner revealed that, while he succeeded in adapting the book, others had failed. “Francois Truffaut had been involved, and Norman Jewison, and Robert Redford, and all these people,” he said.
He also admitted that when he met Elwes, Wright, and Andre the Giant, he knew he’d found Wesley, Buttercup, and Fezzik.
“I don’t know if I ever told you guys about this, but you two were the only two people who could play those parts,” the “This is Spinal Tap” director said. “There were three of you. There was you two and Andre the Giant — of which there was a list of one. And if I didn’t get you three, I can’t make the movie.”
