Remember me
Following the shocking news of Rob and Michelle Reiner’s death on Sunday evening, tributes to the Hollywood legend and his wife began pouring in from those who knew the couple through the entertainment industry or politics, and fans eager to express their love of films like “When Harry Met Sally,” “Stand by Me,” “The Princess Bride,” and “A Few Good Men.” Celebrities who worked with Reiner during his prolific career as an actor, director, and producer took to social media to acknowledge the loss, with many describing how their lives were changed by working with him.
Jerry O’Connell and Corey Feldman, who were just kids when they starred in Reiner’s 1986 coming-of-age classic “Stand by Me,” both posted messages on X hours after the news broke. Feldman expressed shock in an all-caps post, while O’Connell delivered a simple, heartfelt tribute in the form of a photo of himself as a young actor and the director, captioned “Love you, Rob. Sincerely.” Both actors, as well as their “Stand by Me” co-star Wil Wheaton, have spoken in the past about the impact that Reiner had on them as young actors and how he fostered a bond between them that made the film what it was.
Stephen King, who wrote the books that inspired “Stand by Me” and Reiner’s 1990 film “Misery,” described the director as a “Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker,” ending his post on X with “Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me.” And Kathy Bates, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of the obsessed fan at the heart of “Misery,” Anna Wilkes, gave a statement to Deadline on Sunday evening, saying: “He was brilliant and kind, a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist. He also fought courageously for his political beliefs. He changed the course of my life.”
Tim Robbins, who starred in 1994’s “Shawshank Redemption” — which was produced by Reiner and also based on a novel by King — also praised the late director’s brilliance, noting 1985’s “The Sure Thing” was the first film he “could be proud of being in.” Meanwhile, John Cusack, who had a starring role in “The Sure Thing,” simply wrote, “At a loss for any words that make sense.”
Multiple stars of Reiner’s 1996 political thriller, “Ghosts of Mississippi,” which recounted the events surrounding the murder of activist Medgar Evers, joined in to honor the director. Virginia Madsen acknowledged the news on Instagram with a photo with the director and a note ending with “Life and talent always turned up to 11.” James Woods, who led the film alongside Alec Baldwin and Whoopi Goldberg, posted about his friendship with Reiner, which began on set and continued over the years, despite what the actor referred to as “political differences.” Meanwhile, Goldberg, who plays Evers’ widow in the drama, delivered an on-air tribute to Reiner during Monday morning’s episode of “The View.”
As of Monday afternoon, some of Reiner’s closest friends in the business, including “When Harry Met Sally” star Billy Crystal and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” creator Larry David, had not issued formal statements. (Both Crystal and David — whose ex-wife, Laurie David, posted about the tragedy on Threads — were seen outside of the Reiners’ home after news of the couple’s death broke.) But the chorus of praise for Reiner continued to ring out from industry figures who spoke about his contributions to TV and cinema.
Jamie Lee Curtis and husband Christopher Guest, who starred in Reiner’s directorial debut “This Is Spinal Tap,” and “The Princess Bride,” released a joint statement to People, praising the Reiners for “the great political and social impact they both had on the entertainment industry, early childhood development, the fight for gay marriage and their global care for a world in crisis.” Norman Lear’s family spoke with The Hollywood Reporter, echoing those sentiments, and describing how the “All in the Family” creator saw Reiner, who starred in the series as Mike Stivic, as a son. And industry icons, like longtime TCM host Ben Mankiewicz, along with more filmmakers and creators — from Ben Stiller to Eric Idle and Ron Howard — expressed their devastation.
But it wasn’t just Hollywood mourning the tragedy on Monday. Figures from across the political world and people involved with Reiner and his wife through their philanthropic endeavors added their tributes to the outpouring of personal and professional admiration. In the early hours of Monday morning, former president Barack Obama posted a lengthy tweet on his and the former first lady’s behalf: “Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people — and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired.”
Other Democratic leaders, from Nancy Pelosi to Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, and Elizabeth Warren joined in with similar messages, with many citing the Reiners’ work as activists for the party and their outspoken stance on social justice issues, including LGBTQ+ rights. Meanwhile, Republican politicians and other conservative figures, including the British TV host Piers Morgan, weighed in, with some denouncing President Donald Trump’s controversial comments following the couple’s death.
Maria Shriver, a longtime friend of the Reiners, posted several times throughout the day, addressing Trump’s comments and also speaking to the close bond she and her family shared with the couple and their children. In one message, she wrote: “I loved Michele and Rob Reiner. They were among my closest friends. We raised our kids together, from mommy and me on up. We laughed together, we cried together, we played together, we dreamed together. We had dinner this past week, and they were in the best place in the their lives: loving one another, loving their friends, their family, their country. They never gave up on our country. They wanted to make it better. They always, always wanted to make our world better, and they were willing to fight to make it the country they loved.”
Below, more tributes to Rob and Michelle Reiner:
Rob Reiner was a true and good human being and an extraordinary director. He was vital and honest and him and amichele were cornerstones of their community and committed to their art and the good of everyone around them. A staggering loss.
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) December 15, 2025I'm deeply saddened by the loss of my friends Rob and Michele Reiner. I had the great honor of working with Rob in his film "The American President." May the memory of his kindness, genius for storytelling, and tireless activism long endure in the hearts of us all. 💙 pic.twitter.com/o2ZmsMEB1e
— The Martin Sheen Podcast (@themartinpod) December 15, 2025Rob Reiner was on the right side of life.
— Morgan J. Freeman (@mjfree) December 15, 2025We're devastated by the loss of our longtime friend and collaborator Rob Reiner, an incomparable and beloved Hollywood icon whose comedic genius and dramatic virtuosity has had an immeasurable impact on cinema. His movies have brought endless love and joy to all our lives. He and… pic.twitter.com/OuvLJ0qiXP
— Criterion Collection (@Criterion) December 15, 2025Rob Reiner’s impact on cinema is immeasurable.
Across decades, his work shaped how we laugh, how we love, and how we tell stories. From the razor-sharp satire of 'This Is Spinal Tap' to the aching nostalgia of 'Stand by Me,' the enduring romance of 'The Princess Bride' and 'When… pic.twitter.com/zzVnBbPBnP
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) December 15, 2025Rob and Michele Reiner are two people who really did make the world a better place. This is truth. We have been friends since our kids were toddlers attending the same preschool. It’s impossible to reconcile the tragedy of their deaths with the beauty they offered the world. pic.twitter.com/yESIfIIqaO
— Rita Wilson (@RitaWilson) December 15, 2025Rob Reiner was an almost indescribably wonderful man. Kind, jovial, thoughtful, and generous. He shaped our industry of course, and more so the world around us, making films that centered empathy and humor. He made us more bold, willing to take risks for love. He used his massive…
— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) December 15, 2025Meeting Rob Reiner early in my career was a true highlight. This Is Spinal Tap is my bible. His body of work was such a profound influence on my career I cannot articulate. Rest In Peace, Rob & Michele Reiner. pic.twitter.com/LEhDa8oYkE
— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) December 15, 2025I enjoyed every minute I was around Rob Reiner. He was one of a kind. I got to work with him on the movie North and he also helped us with our ending of my video, “Does He Love You.” I sure will miss him. What a gift he was to this world. Rest in peace, my friend. pic.twitter.com/hBNiW5HVqH
— Reba McEntire (@reba) December 15, 2025My heart is absolutely gutted by the passing of the brilliant director Rob Reiner and his lovely wife Michele. May they rest in peace.
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) December 15, 2025Condolences to the Reiner family. Such a tragedy. 😔
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 15, 2025Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle. So much love to their kids and family.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) December 15, 2025I am in absolute shock. Rob Reiner was a legend & a kind, brilliant man, a wonderful actor to work opposite on Hollywood, an iconic director. His wife Michele was a lovely generous person- I wish I had been able to get to know her better. The world has lost 2 tremendous humans.…
— Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) December 15, 2025💔😢
Heartbreaking news of #RobReiner & his wife Michele. RIP.
In 2003, I had the honor to work w/ Mr. Reiner on the project, "Declaration of Independence." I was already a massive fan, but his class & kindness made me admire & love him even more. What a huge lost for all of… pic.twitter.com/6cQCT4b9Wm
— Ming-Na Wen (@MingNa) December 15, 2025Jen and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love, with projects as wide-ranging as The Princess Bride to A Few Good Men. His boundless empathy made his stories… pic.twitter.com/JEYeY7DYO6
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) December 15, 2025In a world where fewer and fewer people concern themselves with the plight of others, the loss of Rob Reiner, who cared deeply about humanitarian causes, feels that much more devastating. RIP: 1947-1925.
[Selfie: July 2022, NYC] pic.twitter.com/SchMCFDAA9
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) December 15, 2025We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Rob and Michele Reiner. As an actor and director, Rob redefined storytelling in cinema, fearlessly challenging conventions and blending humor, heart, and social insight in ways that inspired viewers and all filmmakers. Beyond his…
— Martin Luther King III (@OfficialMLK3) December 15, 2025Losing Rob and Michele Reiner is truly heartbreaking. They were loyal friends and among the kindest people I have ever met. Rob made an indelible impact on American entertainment, but what stands out most to me is how he and Michele worked together to champion democracy, LGBTQ+…
— Al Gore (@algore) December 15, 2025SAG-AFTRA today honors the legacy of filmmaker, actor and SAG-AFTRA member Rob Reiner, who died today at the age of 78. Rob Reiner was a member of our union for nearly 60 years. We send love and warmth to Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner’s families, friends and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/me70yttUQf
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) December 15, 2025We are saddened by the loss of actor, filmmaker, and activist Rob Reiner.
A storyteller with sincerity that imbued his work and the causes he believed in, we are grateful for the time we spent with him over the years.
We mourn the loss of him and his wife, Michele. pic.twitter.com/XWXfXypmEp
— TCM (@tcm) December 15, 2025There are no words. He was such a light. Beyond his talent in film, he advocated for the best of society. He was a true leader. This is an unimaginable loss. 💔#RobReiner
Rest in Peace pic.twitter.com/ry54YnVJGE
I got to know Rob Reiner working with him with the Children’s Institute… he even kindly filled in for me as host for their gala when I couldn’t make it. He stood on business, never wavered from his beliefs and his passion will be missed. Rest in peace to him and his wife… pic.twitter.com/O5FzcJqSiQ
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) December 15, 2025
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