Beloved entertainer Dick Van Dyke is said to be devastated following the shocking murders of his lifelong friends, actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele. The tragic news emerged just one day after Van Dyke's extravagant 100th birthday party, casting a profound shadow over the milestone celebrations.
A Weekend of Celebration and Tragedy
Van Dyke's wife, Arlene Silver, 54, shared the emotional turmoil in a tearful video, describing the past few days as a "weird, wonderful, awful weekend." The couple had hosted a large birthday gathering at their Malibu home on Saturday, which Silver described as "perfect" and "over-the-top beautiful." The very next day, Sunday, they learned that the Reiners had been found dead in their Los Angeles home.
On Tuesday, the couple's son, Nick Reiner, was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths. Silver revealed that Nick had a known history of drug addiction and mental health struggles, and that his parents "did everything they could" for him.
A Friendship Spanning Six Decades
The bond between Dick Van Dyke and the Reiner family runs exceptionally deep. Van Dyke had known Rob Reiner since Rob was a teenager, stemming from Van Dyke's iconic sitcom, The Dick Van Dyke Show. The show was created by Rob's father, legendary comedian Carl Reiner.
"We talked to Rob two weeks ago on the phone," Silver shared, emphasising the recent contact. She also noted that congratulatory messages from the Reiners were among the many she received for Van Dyke's centennial. Silver met the couple nearly two decades ago when she began dating Van Dyke, and said they always made her feel like part of their family.
"I can't imagine if Norman Lear and Carl were alive for this," Silver added, referencing other giants of television comedy. "It's terrible."
Milestone Birthday Amidst Grief
The emotional whiplash of the weekend has been severe for the Van Dyke household. Silver stated that her husband was so "sickened" by the deaths that he could not sleep, despite the joy of his birthday. The former makeup artist was still wearing a '100' birthday button during her video statement.
Van Dyke's 100th birthday on Saturday was marked by a surprise flash mob, organised by Silver, which danced to a medley of his most famous songs. In the lead-up to the event, the star had shared his secrets to longevity, crediting his decision to quit drinking in 1972 and give up smoking. He also maintains an active lifestyle, visiting the gym several times a week.
To commemorate the century milestone, Van Dyke also released a book titled 100 Rules for Living to 100. Yet, the celebration has been irrevocably marred by the loss of his dear friends, a poignant reminder of the complex tapestry of life even at the age of 100.
