Billy Crystal delivered a moving tribute to his late friend and collaborator Rob Reiner during the In Memoriam segment at the 2026 Oscars. Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Brentwood home on December 14, 2025. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reported they died from multiple sharp force injuries. Their son, Nick, has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder.
Crystal, who starred alongside Reiner in 'All in the Family' and later in 'When Harry Met Sally,' reflected on their decades-long friendship. 'I met Mr. Rob Reiner when I was cast as his best friend in an episode of “All in the Family” and it went so well that Rob said, “It was fun playing your best friend. Why don’t we keep it going?”' Crystal said. He then highlighted Reiner's filmography, from 'This Is Spinal Tap' to 'The Princess Bride,' 'Stand By Me,' and 'Misery,' adding: 'My friend Rob’s movies will last for lifetimes because they were about what makes us laugh and cry.'
After Crystal's remarks, the stage was joined by a group of actors who starred in Reiner's films, including Meg Ryan, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Kathy Bates, Kiefer Sutherland, Demi Moore, Jerry O’Connell, Annette Bening, Mandy Patinkin, Fred Savage, and Cary Elwes. Notably absent was Corey Feldman, a star of 'Stand By Me,' who said on X that he was not invited but urged fans not to petition for his presence.
Reiner's death has cast a shadow over awards season. At the Critics Choice Awards in January, host Chelsea Handler also paid tribute, calling Reiner 'the nicest guy in Hollywood' and praising his and Michele's dedication to decency and social causes. Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty on February 23 to two counts of murder, with an enhancement that could lead to the death penalty or life without parole if convicted.
