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Michael Douglas recently shared a heartfelt connection he had with the late Rob Reiner, with both men finding common ground through their families’ struggles, particularly with their children facing addiction challenges.
“In the wake of this devastating tragedy, we are becoming more aware of the immense pressure Rob was under regarding his son,” Douglas, now 81, expressed during an appearance on CBS News: Rob Reiner — Scenes From a Life, which aired on December 21.
Douglas candidly discussed his own experiences with his son, Cameron Douglas, who battled drug issues. He also mentioned Rob Reiner’s son, Nick Reiner, who faced similar challenges. Michael shares Cameron, born in 1978, with his former wife Diandra Luker, and is also the father of Dylan, 25, and Carys, 22, with his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones.
“I, too, had a son who grappled with drug problems. Thankfully, he has overcome those difficulties and is now leading a successful life,” Douglas remarked. “Rob and I had many discussions about parenting—what we can and cannot do. Despite all the personal trials he faced, Rob always put forth his best efforts.”
In light of recent events surrounding Nick Reiner’s arrest following the passing of his parents, Rob and Michele Singer Reiner, a past podcast interview has resurfaced. Rob and Nick had appeared on Paul Mecurio’s “2 Chairs and a Microphone” in 2016, engaging in an extensive conversation that has now taken on new significance.
Cameron, for his part, was candid about his struggles with addiction in his 2019 memoir, Long Way Home. While reflecting on his decision to stop using drugs, Cameron told Variety at the time, “I reached a point where literally I felt there were two paths left open to me. One path would have been destructive, which I would not have returned from and never would have made it home from prison. The other path was to put myself in the best possible position when I was released from prison to make a life for myself. I wanted to redeem myself and ultimately to feel useful.”
Rob and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead at their home in Brentwood, California, on Sunday, December 14. Rob and Michele were 78 and 70, respectively. Their official cause of death was “multiple sharp force injuries,” and their deaths were ruled as a homicide. Rob and Michele are survived by children Jake, 34, Romy, 27, and Nick, 32.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” a statement from the couple’s family read at the time. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Rob and Michele’s son Nick was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He is facing life in prison without parole or the death penalty if convicted. Nick’s arraignment is set for January 7, 2026.
Before Nick Reiner was arrested in connection to his parents Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner’s deaths, their son had been candid about how addiction contributed to their complicated relationship over the years. Rob and Michele, who wed in 1989, shared three children: Jake, Nick and Romy. (Rob also adopted ex-wife Penny Marshall‘s daughter, Tracy.) […]
Elsewhere in CBS News: Rob Reiner — Scenes From a Life, Michael recalled his bond with Rob over having famous fathers. (Michael is the son of late actor Kirk Douglas, while Rob’s father was late actor Carl Reiner.)
“Well, my experience watching him was that I could never be the man that my father was. He can do everything. I mean, he was Spartacus … Once you go into the same business, it stares you in the face,” Douglas said of growing up with his dad. “And in Rob’s case, are you as funny as your father? I think that also created his tenacity, his strength and that’s something that’s not really talked about enough with Rob about his endurance.”
Albert Brooks, who had known Rob for 60 years, also recalled the late director crafting his own legacy that was different from his father’s. (Brooks met Rob in high school, later collaborating on 2023’s Albert Brooks: Defending My Life.)
Brooks added, “I think Rob said himself that it wasn’t till after Stand by Me where his father said, ‘OK, you’re the real thing; you got it, you might be better than I ever was.’”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).