Entertainment
Rob Reiner’s close friends and colleagues share fond memories of the late Hollywood legend
Rob Reiner’s circle was wide and eclectic, spanning comedians honing punchlines and Oscar-winning actors and filmmakers shaping Hollywood itself.
As the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, he entered the world of entertainment early – but went on to make a name for himself as a director, filmmaker, and actor in his own right.
He’s perhaps best known for his breakout role at age 23 as Archie Bunker’s liberal son-in-law, Michael “Meathead” Stivic in the hit 1970s sitcom “All in the Family,” though others may know him more recently as Bob Day, the father of the quirky Jess Day in “New Girl.” Reiner also directed iconic films such as “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally…,” “This is Spinal Tap,” “Stand By Me” and “A Few Good Men.”.
Friends and colleagues who worked with Reiner through the years sat down with CBS News to share their personal anecdotes and fond memories of him following the news of his tragic death. Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Dec. 14 and their son, Nick, was charged in their murders.
Here’s a look at some tributes from those who knew Reiner best, featured in “CBS News: Rob Reiner – Scenes from a Life,” a one-hour special that will be broadcast Sunday at 8:30 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Albert Brooks
Albert Brooks said he’s still in disbelief over the death of his good friend, who he’s known since the pair attended drama class together at Beverly Hills High School more than 60 years ago.
“Rob was my oldest friend. It’s that simple. He’s the person that I’ve known the longest. I met him when I was 14 years old. So I’m still in that not believing it stage,” he told CBS News.
Brooks said he still finds himself dialing his pal’s number to chat, and then freezes when he realizes what he’s done.
“I know it happened, but, you know, I’m driving around and all of a sudden – I actually two days ago, I called his number,” he recalled.
Kathy Bates
Oscar-winning actress Kathy Bates has credited Reiner with changing “the course of [her] life” by directing her unforgettable performance as Annie Wilkes in “Misery” in 1990.
“If I hadn’t done ‘Misery,’ it would be like George Bailey going back and seeing what his life would have been like if he had never been there,” she said. “I wouldn’t have had some of the friends that I have now. I wouldn’t have had the richness in my life. I quite frankly probably would have stayed in the theater and I doubt I would have had a movie career. I might have dropped out altogether.”
Kiefer Sutherland
Kiefer Sutherland who played Lt. Jonathan Kendrick in the 1992 legal drama “A Few Good Men” said Reiner had an unforgettable presence on set as director. He recalled the tense courtroom scene where Jack Nicholson – Colonel Nathan Jessup – had to deliver his now famous line, “You can’t handle the truth!”
After the first moving take, Sutherland recalled Reiner asking Nicholson if he wanted to go again.
“No one said a word, and Rob went up to Jack Nicholson and whispered in his ear, ‘Do you want to do another one?’ And Jack Nicholson said, ‘Well, we’re here,'” Sutherland recalled. “So they did another one, and it was just as extraordinary.”
The actors planned a marathon filming day, but Sutherland said Reiner was so blown away by Nicholson’s performance that day that he sent everyone home early.
“They had planned to shoot the whole day, and Rob looked at everybody and said, ‘I couldn’t ask for anything more, so you guys all have the rest of the day off,” Sutherland said.
Prince Harry has been losing sleep over Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s future risks, particularly following his estranged brother Prince William’s recent powerful move.
The Prince of Wales’ bold decision regarding Andrew caused serious tension for the Duke of Sussex about his and little Sussex’s royal future.
Royal commentator Tom Bower, in his book Betrayal: Power, Deceit And The Fight For The Future Of The Royal Family, made several claims, and one is about Harry’s growing fears for Archie and Lilibet’s titles in William’s reign.
After witnessing the royal family, especially William’s stern actions against Andrew after he portrayed the monarchy in a negative light, Harry anticipates the future King’s wrath.
Tom penned, “The tremors of the unprecedented sanctions against Andrew must have shocked Harry. In public, he remained silent. In private, he realised that his own royal status was no longer invincible.”
The royal expert warned, “Clearly, William was taking no prisoners. Once he was crowned as king, his brother might well show no mercy to him and Meghan.”
Harry knows that the Prince and Princess of Wales still have grievances regarding the Sussexes’ bombshell move to air their family’s drama to the public.
Talking about Meghan, Tom said, “William would undoubtedly rail against her disloyalty. He might even strip Archie and Lilibet of their titles.”
Megan Thee Stallion is excited to collaborate with Cardi B again.
The Grammy-winning rapper has been on a career high this week, making her Broadway debut as the first female Zidler in Moulin Rouge, and a surprise new collaboration with Nickelback on the Cheetos Dill Pickle promo song, Pickle’s Back.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight on Wednesday, March 25, Megan teased what’s next: a long-awaited collaboration with her “girl,” Cardi B.
“Don’t worry about that, don’t worry about that,” she said with a smirk when asked about a possible collaboration with the Bodack Yellow rapper. “This is going to happen again. This is definitely going to happen again. Now, when it’s going to happen, I’m not telling you,” she teased.
The hip-hop icons first collaborated on Cardi’s 2020 hit, WAP. Three years later, they came together for Bongos. More recently, they reunited on stage at Cardi’s ongoing Little Miss Drama tour during a stop in Megan’s hometown of Houston, Texas.
“It was great, I love performing with Cardi,” Megan told ET about the performance. “She’s amazing. Every time we link up, it’s like, we don’t have to see each other for a long time, but every time I see her it’s like, I just saw you yesterday. We just pick back up where we left off from. That’s my girl,” she gushed.
“We’re both authentic, and we both are ourselves. We just both like to laugh, so we don’t really take anything too seriously,” Megan added.
Cardi also gushed over Megan following the performance, sharing a picture of the duo backstage on her Instagram Stories and writing, “I love you so so so so so sooooooo much.”
John Mellencamp capped off a milestone night at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards with both an honor and a heartfelt performance.
He received the Icon Award from his daughter, Teddi Mellencamp, before strumming through acoustic renditions of his most beloved hits.
The 74-year-old rocker was visibly moved as Teddi delivered an emotional tribute, calling her father her “best friend.”
John then handed the trophy back to her, acknowledging her ongoing battle with stage 4 melanoma.
He then turned to the crowd with a mix of humor and encouragement.
“I’ve been doing this 50 years and I’ve enjoyed most of it,” he quipped.
“…for all you young people who are starting out, there’s nothing closer to heaven than writing a song or hearing your songs on the radio, or having a show.”
Mellencamp’s acoustic set, featuring “Jack & Diane” and “Pink Houses”, was a reminder of the enduring power of his catalog.
Since his 1976 debut, he has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide.
He has earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and co founded Farm Aid with Willie Nelson and Neil Young, a benefit concert that has supported American farmers for over four decades.
iHeartRadio praised him as “the spirit of the American storyteller.”
It noted that his work has defined eras and influenced generations with its unmistakable voice and point of view.
Mellencamp will now take his greatest hits on the road this summer with the Dancing Words Tour – Greatest Hits, launching in July and spanning 19 dates through August.
The night also featured performances from Kehlani, Lainey Wilson, Ludacris, RAYE, TLC, Salt N Pepa, and En Vogue, while Miley Cyrus received the Innovator Award and Ludacris, who hosted the show, was honored with the Landmark Award.
Taylor Swift, Alysa Liu, Nicole Scherzinger, Nikki Glaser, Sombr, Weezer, Donnie Wahlberg, Jenny McCarthy, Shaboozey and Vin Diesel were among other attendees.
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