Hollywood is in shock after the deaths of When Harry Met Sally director Rob Reiner and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner.
On Wednesday, Meg Ryan, who rarely posts on social media, broke her silence days after the tragic news with an emotional message.
“Oh how we will miss this man…” she wrote alongside a black and white photo of her dancing with the acclaimed director-actor.
“Thank you, Rob and Michele, for the way you believe in true love, in fairy tales, and in laughter. Thank you for your faith in the best in people, and for your profound love of our country.
“I have to believe that their story will not end with this impossible tragedy, that some good may come, some awareness raised.
“I don’t know, but my guess is that they would want that to be hopeful and humane, to be something that brings us all to a greater understanding of one another and to some peace.”
Ryan was one of Reiner’s leading ladies, starring as the lead in one of his most beloved movies, When Harry Met Sally.
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The news of the Reiners’ death was confirmed by the couple’s family after reports two people aged 78 and 68 had been found dead at Reiner’s Los Angeles home on Sunday (Monday in Australia).
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” a spokesperson said.
“We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
The couple’s younger son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, accused of fatally stabbing their parents, who were killed in Los Angeles on Sunday December 14, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.
Numerous stars of the screen have paid tribute to Reiner, who directed some of the most memorable films of the past four decades, including The Princess Bride, This Is Spinal Tap, Misery and A Few Good Men.
He also acted, earning two Emmys for his performance as Meathead in ’70s TV show All in the Family. More recent on-screen appearances included the series New Girl and The Bear and the movie The Wolf of Wall Street.
Kathy Bates, whose performance in Misery earned her an Oscar, described Reiner as “brilliant and kind”.
“I loved Rob … [he was] a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist,” she told NBC in a statement.
“He changed the course of my life. Michele was a gifted photographer. She shot my beautiful photos for the Misery campaign.
“My heart breaks for them both. My thoughts are with their family.”
Zooey Deschanel shared a tribute to her on screen father, Reiner, who she worked alongside on the sitcom New Girl.
“My heart is broken. Rob Reiner was the absolute warmest, funniest, most generous of spirits,” she wrote alongside a series of snaps of them together on set.
“A truly good human being. An incredible artist and such a playful and fun collaborator. I cherish the time we spent working together and the many films he made that have shaped who I am.
“Rob and his lovely wife Michele were always so kind and it brought me so much joy any time I was lucky enough to see them.
“I’m absolutely devastated. Sending so much love to their family and friends.”
Jamie Lee Curtis also spoke out, telling Variety she and husband Christopher Guest were “numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of [their] dear friends.”
“Our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them,” added the Freaky Friday star.
“We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.”
Comedian Eric Idle paid tribute on X, sharing the final conversation he had with Reiner.
“Rob Reiner was a lovely man. I spoke to him last night for over an hour,” he wrote.
“I always enjoyed his company. I met him at his Dad’s in 1975. He was telling me about filming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future. This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful.”
Jerry O’Connell posted a photo of himself and Reiner on the Stand By Me set on X, writing, “Love you, Rob. Sincerely.”
Corey Feldman, who Reiner also directed in 1986’s Stand By Me, also said he was “shocked and saddened” by the news in a post on X.
“OMG THIS IS HORRIBLE NEWS! IM SO SORRY 4 ROB & HIS WIFE, & THEIR CHILDREN & THE WHOLE REINER FAMILY!” the actor wrote.
“I #LOVE U ROB! U WILL B 4EVER MISSED!”
John Cusack, who starred in The Sure Thing, wrote via X: “Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner – a great man.”
Elijah Wood, who starred in Reiner’s 1994 film North, also shared his condolences.
“Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle,” the star wrote.
“So much love to their kids and family.”
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Bridesmaids director Paul Feig described the director and actor – who was the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner – as his “true hero” and “a true visionary titan and a lovely lovely person”.
“I just want the world to know what so many of us now in the industry. Rob was the best,” he wrote, sharing a photo of the pair at Comic Con.
Actor Josh Gad said Reiner and Michele were “two of the most kind and caring souls you could ever imagine”.
“He was one of the greatest directors of our time. He was a friend. He was simply a beautiful person,” Gad wrote on Instagram.
“He cared so much for those who had no voices. This loss is devastating. I cannot express how much this hurts. Love you Rob and Michelle. Thank you for all you gave us. 💔.”
Former US vice-president Kamala Harris also paid tribute to her “dear friends”, saying Reiner’s work had “impacted generations of Americans”
“The characters, dialogue, and visuals he brought to life in film and television are woven throughout our culture. Rob loved our country, cared deeply about the future of our nation, and fought for America’s democracy,” she said on X.
“Rob and his wife Michele loved each other very much. They were dear friends, and Doug and I are devastated to learn of their passing.
“Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this tragic time.”
Reiner met Michele Singer while he was directing When Harry Met Sally, and they married in 1989, going on to welcome three children.
The director was previously married to actor-director Penny Marshall, from 1971 to 1981.
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