Jerry O'Connell breaks down in emotional tribute to Rob Reiner
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Brendan Morrow, USA TODAYDecember 22, 2025 at 5:23 AM
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Jerry O'Connell is sharing an emotional tribute to the man who launched his career.
The actor, 51, appeared in a CBS special about Rob Reiner that aired Dec. 21 and delivered powerful reflections on what the late filmmaker meant to him. Reiner directed the first movie of O'Connell's career: 1986's "Stand by Me."
In the "Rob Reiner - Scenes from a Life" special, O'Connell broke down in tears as he spoke about Reiner's kindness.
"Rob Reiner heard I was in LA, and he took me out to lunch, man," he said. "He didn't have to do that, you know what I'm saying? It was months after the movie came out, and he was a busy man. He took a 12-year-old me out to lunch, just to be like, 'Thanks so much.'"
Jerry O'Connell attends the Academy Awards in Hollywood on March 2, 2025.
Continuing to choke up, he added, "That lunch meant so much to me. It's just stuff that kids need to hear."
When Jerry O'Connell was 11, he was cast as Vern Tessio in "Stand By Me." Rob Reiner was like a father figure to O'Connell while working on the film — and after it hit theaters. "He was a busy man, and he took a 12-year-old me out to lunch." pic.twitter.com/h6D78oRPVZ
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 22, 2025
Elsewhere in the special, O'Connell described Reiner as "the best director ever, period" and said that "everything I have in my life is because I was in 'Stand By Me.'" He also recalled the way the filmmaker would encourage him to be himself on set.
'Family love radiated' from 'magical' Michele Reiner, her friend says – Exclusive
O'Connell starred as Vern in the classic coming-of-age film "Stand by Me" alongside Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman and River Phoenix. He was 11 when he shot the movie, which marked his film debut.
O'Connell previously told People magazine in 2017 that making "Stand By Me" was "one of the best experiences of my life," adding, "We had a summer of just walking around in the woods and goofing around. Rob was really good at rehearsing with us. We didn't even know we were rehearsing. We thought we were playing games."
Jerry O'Connell attends the Daytime Emmys in Los Angeles on June 7, 2024, in Los Angeles.
Reiner, who also directed a string of classic films like "When Harry Met Sally…" and "The Princess Bride," was found dead in his California home on Dec. 14 alongside his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. Their son, 32-year-old Nick Reiner, has been charged with murder in connection with their deaths.
Latest on Rob Reiner's death – What we know as investigation continues
The deaths have sparked an outpouring of grief in Hollywood. O'Connell previously shared a throwback photo of himself as a child alongside Reiner on Instagram, writing, "Love you, Rob. Sincerely." The actor also reflected on the impact of Reiner on his life on "CBS Mornings" last week.
Rob Reiner speaks onstage at Collider's Directors On Directing Panel during 2025 Comic-Con International: San Diego at San Diego Convention Center on July 24, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/aRfsQZU.ZjiNUm.KKy0JZg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a683ea6e06a5db66e53af13a677b9268 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Rob Reiner speaks onstage at Collider's Directors On Directing Panel during 2025 Comic-Con International: San Diego at San Diego Convention Center on July 24, 2025.
">Rob Reiner speaks onstage at Collider's Directors On Directing Panel during 2025 Comic-Con International: San Diego at San Diego Convention Center on July 24, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/aRfsQZU.ZjiNUm.KKy0JZg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a683ea6e06a5db66e53af13a677b9268 class=caas-img>Rob Reiner attends SiriusXM Presents Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend Live With The Cast Of "Spinal Tap 2" at SiriusXM Studios on Sept. 4, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hZAIFV9nccDsNoHF.I9AdQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/93cd1388924265647f8aa2ff9c4b7587 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Rob Reiner attends SiriusXM Presents Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend Live With The Cast Of "Spinal Tap 2" at SiriusXM Studios on Sept. 4, 2025.
">Rob Reiner attends SiriusXM Presents Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend Live With The Cast Of "Spinal Tap 2" at SiriusXM Studios on Sept. 4, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hZAIFV9nccDsNoHF.I9AdQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/93cd1388924265647f8aa2ff9c4b7587 class=caas-img>Rob Reiner attends the premiere of "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on Sept. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/51NuAsDRQZV6HLwRU6deEw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/006acf3a7a07f250d17f0026f6ea346c class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Rob Reiner attends the premiere of "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on Sept. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
">Rob Reiner attends the premiere of "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on Sept. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/51NuAsDRQZV6HLwRU6deEw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/006acf3a7a07f250d17f0026f6ea346c class=caas-img>From left: C. J. Vanston, Harry Shearer, Valerie Franco, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Fran Drescher and Rob Reiner attend the premiere of "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on Sept. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/GXDg8p7OcT3nThjKk0M0jg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bf068920a5f80dd88e9d17181856c00e class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
From left: C. J. Vanston, Harry Shearer, Valerie Franco, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Fran Drescher and Rob Reiner attend the premiere of "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on Sept. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
">From left: C. J. Vanston, Harry Shearer, Valerie Franco, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Fran Drescher and Rob Reiner attend the premiere of "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on Sept. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/GXDg8p7OcT3nThjKk0M0jg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bf068920a5f80dd88e9d17181856c00e class=caas-img>Rob Reiner attends the premiere of "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on Sept. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZhwtAOsa1VDok923BLH8Pw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjY5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f04124123ea709466a2ea016b736d3d6 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Rob Reiner attends the premiere of "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on Sept. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
">Rob Reiner attends the premiere of "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on Sept. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZhwtAOsa1VDok923BLH8Pw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjY5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f04124123ea709466a2ea016b736d3d6 class=caas-img>Rob Reiner and wife Michele Singer Reiner attend the Human Rights Campaign's 2025 LA Dinner at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on March 22, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SGsIj6rWyWpgU2kHGUSCHw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/616002f9f77f930246abb1116b0f0289 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Rob Reiner and wife Michele Singer Reiner attend the Human Rights Campaign's 2025 LA Dinner at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on March 22, 2025.
">Rob Reiner and wife Michele Singer Reiner attend the Human Rights Campaign's 2025 LA Dinner at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on March 22, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SGsIj6rWyWpgU2kHGUSCHw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/616002f9f77f930246abb1116b0f0289 class=caas-img>Rob Reiner attends the Human Rights Campaign's 2025 dinner in Los Angeles on March 22, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NvZpaDc6PjKxEazentRgqQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03Njc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/10fe19624a5ffe590a30c62f17eeee68 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Rob Reiner attends the Human Rights Campaign's 2025 dinner in Los Angeles on March 22, 2025.
">Rob Reiner attends the Human Rights Campaign's 2025 dinner in Los Angeles on March 22, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NvZpaDc6PjKxEazentRgqQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03Njc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/10fe19624a5ffe590a30c62f17eeee68 class=caas-img>Rob Reiner and wife Michele Singer Reiner attend the Human Rights Campaign's 2025 LA Dinner at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on March 22, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Q6gRzDK5h8VlAjhHJIDRwQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTI4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f6139472054698440d6dfaec6b7f3ea2 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Rob Reiner and wife Michele Singer Reiner attend the Human Rights Campaign's 2025 LA Dinner at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on March 22, 2025.
">Rob Reiner and wife Michele Singer Reiner attend the Human Rights Campaign's 2025 LA Dinner at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on March 22, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Q6gRzDK5h8VlAjhHJIDRwQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTI4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f6139472054698440d6dfaec6b7f3ea2 class=caas-img>Rob Reiner speaks onstage at the screening of "The American President" during the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 25, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Xnxt9P2bhQRzy_Gz7hseww--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NzQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8f0962eb07a893822265a043d46044b2 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Rob Reiner speaks onstage at the screening of "The American President" during the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 25, 2025.
">Rob Reiner speaks onstage at the screening of "The American President" during the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 25, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Xnxt9P2bhQRzy_Gz7hseww--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NzQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8f0962eb07a893822265a043d46044b2 class=caas-img>Rob Reiner attends the screening of "Misery" during the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 25, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/L__E_n_Rk_iFGOdk8YYrmQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/230ecd8b060494726fd9e5c11f5eb020 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Rob Reiner attends the screening of "Misery" during the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 25, 2025.
">Rob Reiner attends the screening of "Misery" during the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 25, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/L__E_n_Rk_iFGOdk8YYrmQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/230ecd8b060494726fd9e5c11f5eb020 class=caas-img>Rob Reiner and Kathy Bates attend the screening of "Misery" during the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 25, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UwiGqAhl9x3wejvK9CeJBw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/20d57b3f2dc35209635cb862aff85857 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Rob Reiner and Kathy Bates attend the screening of "Misery" during the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 25, 2025.
">Rob Reiner and Kathy Bates attend the screening of "Misery" during the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 25, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UwiGqAhl9x3wejvK9CeJBw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/20d57b3f2dc35209635cb862aff85857 class=caas-img>Aaron Sorkin, Rob Reiner and TCM Host Ben Mankiewicz attend the screening of "The American President" during the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 25, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gJcgCq_O9wdqna.fKkZeiw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/db9108abe6d2f8d9d614fbc83dd7bc54 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Aaron Sorkin, Rob Reiner and TCM Host Ben Mankiewicz attend the screening of "The American President" during the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 25, 2025.
">Aaron Sorkin, Rob Reiner and TCM Host Ben Mankiewicz attend the screening of "The American President" during the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 25, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gJcgCq_O9wdqna.fKkZeiw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/db9108abe6d2f8d9d614fbc83dd7bc54 class=caas-img>Jake Reiner, Romy Reiner, Rob Reiner, and Michele Reiner attend the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on January 15, 2024, in Los Angeles, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/L0n0jTbicX033f_CQaY4aQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cb5bdd6910c5658e40db1e3035860d4d class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Jake Reiner, Romy Reiner, Rob Reiner, and Michele Reiner attend the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on January 15, 2024, in Los Angeles, California.
">Jake Reiner, Romy Reiner, Rob Reiner, and Michele Reiner attend the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on January 15, 2024, in Los Angeles, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/L0n0jTbicX033f_CQaY4aQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cb5bdd6910c5658e40db1e3035860d4d class=caas-img>Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers speak onstage during the 75th Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Jan. 15, 2024.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UMwQ1kq8vuVsGBgl3uk1DQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/54667433b7462aa268f64a5839884654 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers speak onstage during the 75th Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Jan. 15, 2024.
">Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers speak onstage during the 75th Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Jan. 15, 2024.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UMwQ1kq8vuVsGBgl3uk1DQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/54667433b7462aa268f64a5839884654 class=caas-img>Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner attend the 46th Kennedy Center Honors gala at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on Dec. 3, 2023.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1bF4pt17U_P8qw4F5oJbdw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e78cc55da0a3fe9d3897bd799fde7b8d class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner attend the 46th Kennedy Center Honors gala at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on Dec. 3, 2023.
">Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner attend the 46th Kennedy Center Honors gala at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on Dec. 3, 2023.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1bF4pt17U_P8qw4F5oJbdw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e78cc55da0a3fe9d3897bd799fde7b8d class=caas-img>Director Rob Reiner attends the photocall of "This Is Spinal Tap" during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Majestic Beach on May 18, 2022, in Cannes, France.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mOycSzf3913YRcnBR4iGGQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/afac083a6adbb7d4f447194f5a4c2c94 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Director Rob Reiner attends the photocall of "This Is Spinal Tap" during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Majestic Beach on May 18, 2022, in Cannes, France.
">Director Rob Reiner attends the photocall of "This Is Spinal Tap" during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Majestic Beach on May 18, 2022, in Cannes, France.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mOycSzf3913YRcnBR4iGGQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/afac083a6adbb7d4f447194f5a4c2c94 class=caas-img>Director Rob Reiner attends the photocall of "This Is Spinal Tap" during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Majestic Beach on May 18, 2022, in Cannes, France.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2ka1LfLx.3qN6aj40ycz9A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0a6810263c958c191e09a7ca8134514a class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Director Rob Reiner attends the photocall of "This Is Spinal Tap" during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Majestic Beach on May 18, 2022, in Cannes, France.
">Director Rob Reiner attends the photocall of "This Is Spinal Tap" during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Majestic Beach on May 18, 2022, in Cannes, France.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2ka1LfLx.3qN6aj40ycz9A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0a6810263c958c191e09a7ca8134514a class=caas-img>Director Rob Reiner attends the photocall of "This Is Spinal Tap" during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Majestic Beach on May 18, 2022, in Cannes, France.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/07GyThmyUEQFCa4tz6PtpQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/544649abe9f19dfeeb3fef55872c626d class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Director Rob Reiner attends the photocall of "This Is Spinal Tap" during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Majestic Beach on May 18, 2022, in Cannes, France.
">Director Rob Reiner attends the photocall of "This Is Spinal Tap" during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Majestic Beach on May 18, 2022, in Cannes, France.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/07GyThmyUEQFCa4tz6PtpQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/544649abe9f19dfeeb3fef55872c626d class=caas-img>Rob Reiner attends The Paley Honors: A Special Tribute To Television's Comedy Legends at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on Nov. 21, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1rh9fTxsoIoPm.XPJbFHyA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjQ4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5e3756cdd33f986df35002d08f1e2d0b class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Rob Reiner attends The Paley Honors: A Special Tribute To Television's Comedy Legends at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on Nov. 21, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California.
">Rob Reiner attends The Paley Honors: A Special Tribute To Television's Comedy Legends at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on Nov. 21, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1rh9fTxsoIoPm.XPJbFHyA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjQ4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5e3756cdd33f986df35002d08f1e2d0b class=caas-img>Rob Reiner and Larry David attend the Los Angeles premiere of Neon's "The Biggest Little Farm" at the Landmark Theater on May 7, 2019, in Los Angeles, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OYTajA13NXSyB1gHgEz3oQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDAx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9de68904823bc2bdc685b6387e5ac861 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Rob Reiner and Larry David attend the Los Angeles premiere of Neon's "The Biggest Little Farm" at the Landmark Theater on May 7, 2019, in Los Angeles, California.
">Rob Reiner and Larry David attend the Los Angeles premiere of Neon's "The Biggest Little Farm" at the Landmark Theater on May 7, 2019, in Los Angeles, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OYTajA13NXSyB1gHgEz3oQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDAx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9de68904823bc2bdc685b6387e5ac861 class=caas-img>Rob Reiner and Larry David attend the Los Angeles premiere of Neon's "The Biggest Little Farm" at the Landmark Theater on May 7, 2019, in Los Angeles, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/25BoiCXvoxeHI2pzOquzyw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTUw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d2796a497ee71aaf6750fe10a138bce5 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Rob Reiner and Larry David attend the Los Angeles premiere of Neon's "The Biggest Little Farm" at the Landmark Theater on May 7, 2019, in Los Angeles, California.
">Rob Reiner and Larry David attend the Los Angeles premiere of Neon's "The Biggest Little Farm" at the Landmark Theater on May 7, 2019, in Los Angeles, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/25BoiCXvoxeHI2pzOquzyw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTUw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d2796a497ee71aaf6750fe10a138bce5 class=caas-img>Rob Reiner attends the "This Is Spinal Tap" 35th anniversary during the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival at the Beacon Theatre.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AO2MA223cLTIO9bvdg9T.w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e1a3bce6d5670133021622d8ee822a53 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Rob Reiner attends the "This Is Spinal Tap" 35th anniversary during the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival at the Beacon Theatre.
">Rob Reiner attends the "This Is Spinal Tap" 35th anniversary during the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival at the Beacon Theatre.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AO2MA223cLTIO9bvdg9T.w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e1a3bce6d5670133021622d8ee822a53 class=caas-img>From left: Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Michael McKean, and Rob Reiner attend the "This Is Spinal Tap" 35th anniversary during the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival at the Beacon Theatre on April 27, 2019, in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OD.tYfpPd3GvrvLYhmB0IQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bc142dc597bf0dc76d3b2eab4d685378 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
From left: Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Michael McKean, and Rob Reiner attend the "This Is Spinal Tap" 35th anniversary during the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival at the Beacon Theatre on April 27, 2019, in New York City.
">From left: Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Michael McKean, and Rob Reiner attend the "This Is Spinal Tap" 35th anniversary during the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival at the Beacon Theatre on April 27, 2019, in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OD.tYfpPd3GvrvLYhmB0IQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bc142dc597bf0dc76d3b2eab4d685378 class=caas-img>Special Guests Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner attend the Hand and Footprint Ceremony: Billy Crystal at the 2019 10th Annual TCM Classic Film Festival on April 12, 2019, in Hollywood, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oaj9pI9M.W2v.Mk1.HhpzA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f14847413a15aedacdf490a42182c9b7 class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Special Guests Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner attend the Hand and Footprint Ceremony: Billy Crystal at the 2019 10th Annual TCM Classic Film Festival on April 12, 2019, in Hollywood, California.
">Special Guests Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner attend the Hand and Footprint Ceremony: Billy Crystal at the 2019 10th Annual TCM Classic Film Festival on April 12, 2019, in Hollywood, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oaj9pI9M.W2v.Mk1.HhpzA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f14847413a15aedacdf490a42182c9b7 class=caas-img>Special guests Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner attend the Hand and Footprint Ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on April 12, 2019, in Hollywood, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ev.Te5755Nptp2pAC36cFQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a4fee7ea5b8e2458badae3c2e9b21f5e class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Special guests Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner attend the Hand and Footprint Ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on April 12, 2019, in Hollywood, California.
">Special guests Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner attend the Hand and Footprint Ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on April 12, 2019, in Hollywood, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ev.Te5755Nptp2pAC36cFQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a4fee7ea5b8e2458badae3c2e9b21f5e class=caas-img>Special guests Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner attend the Hand and Footprint Ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on April 12, 2019, in Hollywood, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tQofW_sDY5ClufY158BKeg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ca346995be2808dc411291305a44f04f class=caas-img data-headline="Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career." data-caption="
Special guests Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner attend the Hand and Footprint Ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on April 12, 2019, in Hollywood, California.
">Special guests Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner attend the Hand and Footprint Ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on April 12, 2019, in Hollywood, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tQofW_sDY5ClufY158BKeg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ca346995be2808dc411291305a44f04f class=caas-img>
1 / 26Rob Reiner found dead at 78. See photos from his Hollywood career.
Rob Reiner speaks onstage at Collider's Directors On Directing Panel during 2025 Comic-Con International: San Diego at San Diego Convention Center on July 24, 2025.
"He was like a father to me," he said. "It's just surreal."
The CBS special also featured a number of other interviews with Reiner's past collaborators, including "The Princess Bride" star Mandy Patinkin. Patinkin broke down in tears as he recalled telling Reiner, after watching the film for the first time, that he "never dreamed I would get to be in something like this" and that Reiner "made that dream for me."
Reiner received another tribute over the weekend during the Christmas episode of "Saturday Night Live." Near the end of the show, a photo of the actor and director was shown on screen. Reiner served as the third-ever host of "SNL" in October 1975.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jerry O'Connell delivers emotional Rob Reiner tribute
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
