Billy Crystal has expressed his sorrow for the loss of his friend of over 30 years after being seen at their residence shortly following their tragic deaths.
Iconic actor and director, Rob Reiner, 78, along with his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were discovered deceased with apparent stab wounds in their house located in Brentwood, Los Angeles, on Sunday, December 14.
The couple, who wed in 1989 after meeting on the set of *When Harry Met Sally*, had three children together: Jake, Nick, and their daughter, Romy.
The Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed that their second son, Nick, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder concerning their deaths. Prosecutors in Los Angeles state that the 32-year-old, currently held without bail, could potentially face the death penalty if convicted.
Nick hasn’t yet entered a plea and hasn’t appeared in court due to medical reasons.
Rob’s longtime friend, Crystal, who was seen at the Reiner home visibly emotional, has now spoken out.
The two friends met in 1975 on the set of *All In The Family*, where they played best friends. Their collaboration continued with several projects, including the film *When Harry Met Sally*.
Crystal, 77, released a heart-wrenching homage to his friend, describing Reiner as ‘not only a great comic actor’ but also a ‘master storyteller.’
“There is no other director who has his range. From comedy to drama to ‘mockumentary’ to documentary he was always at the top of his game. He charmed audiences. They trusted him. They lined up to see his films,” read a collective statement from Crystal and other friends and collaborators.
The tribute, with contributions from Albert and Kimberly Brooks, Martin Short, Alan and Robin Zweibel, Larry David and Ashley Underwood, Marc Shaiman and Lou Mirabal, Barry and Diana Levinson, and Amb. James Costos and Michael Smith, continued: “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. 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 filmmaker was a privilege but that is only part of his legacy.”
Remembering the Reiners on a personal level, the statement adds: “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 concludes with a touching line.
“There is a line from one of Rob’s favorite films, *It’s a Wonderful Life*, ‘Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?’”
“You have no idea.”
Crystal was among the first to arrive at the Reiner residence after learning of their demise.
TMZ reports that the bodies of Rob and Michele were discovered by their daughter, Romy, 28, who reportedly contacted Crystal and his wife, Janice, prompting them to quickly come to the scene.