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Billy Crystal recently reflected on his last conversation with Rob Reiner before Reiner tragically lost his life in a stabbing incident at his Los Angeles residence last December.
During an appearance on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” the beloved comedian recounted, “We had spent the previous evening together, reminiscing about our careers.”
Crystal reminisced about first meeting Reiner in 1975 when he guest-starred on “All in the Family” as Reiner’s best friend. “That year was a significant one for me, and our friendship has endured ever since,” Crystal noted.
The “When Harry Met Sally…” actor fondly remembered discussing the evolving landscape of the film industry at Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party.
“We touched upon the unpredictability of a film’s success, but emphasized that while you can’t control the outcome, you can cherish the process of creating it,” he explained.
“And the experiences that we had together and that he had with his cast of his other movies was so extraordinary. He said, ‘That’s something you’ll always have. Hits are great to have, but it’s the people that you hold on to,’” Crystal recalled.
“And so I kept that in my heart.”
Crystal, 78, went on to describe Reiner as “hilarious, devoted, opinionated — in the best way — fighting for the truth for our country and the greatest comedy taste.”
“We could talk about everything. He was an uncle to my kids,” Billy — who shares daughters, Jennifer, 53, and Lindsay, 48, with wife Janice Crystal — shared.
“There are so many moments that I just — when something good happens or ‘Isn’t that crazy?’ — I want to pick up the phone and call. Because that’s what we would do.”
The “Princess Bride” actor said Reiner’s death has been a “profound loss” for humanity.
“He was the most human person that I ever met,” he concluded.
Rob and his wife, Michele Reiner, were stabbed to death in their Brentwood, California, home on Dec. 14, 2025. The filmmaker was 78, and the photographer was 70.
The couple’s youngest son, Nick Reiner, was arrested and charged with murder for his parents’ deaths.
The “Being Charlie” writer, 32, struggled with drug addiction and had a history of violent outbursts.
In the weeks leading up to his parents’ deaths, Nick was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
In February, he pleaded not guilty to the double murders, and his next court appearance is scheduled for April 29.