Brief
Billy Crystal says he still feels urge to call murdered friend Rob Reiner
The comedian spoke about his lingering impulse while promoting his new Broadway one‑man show.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Billy Crystal told DailyMail that, ten months after the murder of his longtime friend Rob Reiner and Reiner’s wife Michele, he still feels the urge to call the late director.
What happened
Rob and Michele Reiner were found stabbed to death on 14 December 2025 at their $13.5 million Brentwood estate, where their 32‑year‑old son Nick lived in a guesthouse. Nick Reiner, who has a history of substance abuse and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first‑degree murder and is being held in solitary confinement while awaiting trial.
What the reports add
Crystal said the thought to call Reiner struck him immediately after finishing the first run‑through of his upcoming one‑man Broadway show, scheduled to open on 21 October. He recalled that Reiner had encouraged the project and helped narrow the title to “860,” a reference to the street number of Crystal’s Pacific Palisades home lost in the 2025 wildfires.
What was said
"I felt so good. And my first thought was: ‘I’ve got to call Rob,’" Crystal told DailyMail. "I don’t know if I don’t want that to keep happening or I do want it to keep happening… I don’t know," he added.
How it came about
Crystal’s friendship with Reiner began in 1976 when Crystal performed at The Comedy Store and was introduced to Reiner’s father, Carl Reiner, and All in the Family creator Norman Lear. Lear later offered Crystal a guest spot on All in the Family, pairing him with Reiner’s character. Their bond lasted nearly five decades, culminating in the 1989 film When Harry Met Sally…, which starred Crystal as a character based on Reiner.
Key facts
- Rob and Michele Reiner were stabbed to death on 14 December 2025 at their Brentwood estate. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Their son Nick Reiner, 32, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first‑degree murder and is in solitary confinement. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Billy Crystal’s new Broadway one‑man show “860” opens on 21 October. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Crystal said he still feels the urge to call Rob Reiner ten months after the murders. (dailymail.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “Billy Crystal reveals he still gets urge to phone Rob Reiner”
