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    Billy Crystal Tears Up Detailing Final Conversation With Rob Reiner

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    Watch: Billy Crystal Tears Up While Detailing Final Conversation With Rob Reiner

    Billy Crystal knows better than anyone how a friend can be here today and gone tomorrow. 

    After all, the When Harry Met Sally star still remembers his conversation with his longtime friend Rob Reiner at a party hosted by Conan O’Brien the night the night before the director and his wife Michele Reiner were killed in their home. 

    “We had spent the night before together and talking about our careers together,” Billy told Stephen Colbert during his April 12 appearance on The Late Show, recounting how he and Rob met in 1975. “And we just kept it going all these years. And the night before at it was Conan’s Christmas party, we were talking about the movie business and how it’s changed and how people don’t go to theaters like they used to.”

    He continued, “We talked about the fact that you can’t control how a movie is going to do. What you can control is the experience of making it. And the experiences that we had together and that he had with his casts of his other movies was so extraordinary that—he said, ‘That’s something you always have. Hits are great to have, but it’s the people that you hold on to.'”

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    Billy Crystal Leads Gut-Wrenching Rob Reiner Oscars Tribute With Meg Ryan, Demi Moore & More

    It was a message Billy kept in his heart in the wake of the Reiners’ deaths in December. As the Academy Awards drew closer, the City Slickers star continued to reflect on Rob’s legacy, especially his genre-spanning first seven movies: This Is Spinal Tap, The Sure Thing, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men.

    Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival

    And he suddenly had an idea for a worthy tribute to his friend.

    “I said, ‘If I can get the cast of those movies together to walk out with me,’” Billy recounted, “‘that would have made him really smile.’”

    It was a vision he was able to bring to life, with the tribute happening just as the 78-year-old had envisioned it, with so many of Rob’s longest friends and collaborators—17 in total—coming together to honor him and Michele. 

    Billy especially was happy to reunite with his, as he described her, “other wife” Carol Kane, who played Valerie to his Miracle Max in The Princess Bride.

    Kevin Winter/Getty Images

    “We were able to hold hands and walk out there in tribute with a beautiful picture of Rob and Michele,” he said of the tribute, “because they were our closest friends.”

    And as the world continues to mourn the losses of Rob and Michele—the couple’s son Nick Reiner was arrested on suspicion of their murders but has pleaded not guilty—Billy will never forget the legacy his friend has left behind. 

    “It’s a profound loss for, I’m just going to say, humanity,” Billy added to Stephen. “Because he was the most human person that I ever met.”

    For more tributes shared in the wake of Michele and Rob’s deaths, read on. 

    Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images

    Tracy ReinerThe actress, who Rob Reiner adopted during his marriage to late ex Penny Marshall, said she saw her dad at a family gathering the day before he and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in an apparent homicide at their Los Angeles home.“I came from the greatest family ever,” she told NBC News in a Dec. 14 statement. “I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”

    Castle Rock/Nelson/Columbia/Kobal/Shutterstock

    Meg Ryan”Oh how we will miss this man,” the actress wrote on Instagram. “Thank you, Rob and Michelle, for the way you believe in true love, in fairy tales, and in laughter. Thank you for your faith in the best in people, and for your profound love of our country.”Meg continued of her When Harry Met Sally director and Michele, “I have to believe that their story will not end with this impossible tragedy, that some good may come, some awareness raised… I don’t know, but my guess is that they would want that to be hopeful and humane, to be something that brings us all to a greater understanding of one another and to some peace.”

    Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images

    Harry Shearer“Rob was a friend and collaborator through much of my life,” the Spinal Tap actor shared to Instagram. “He was funny, he was smart, he was a mensch. When he came to see the comedy act I was in, and, later, the musical comedy I had co-written, his laugh was uproarious and audible around the block.”Harry recalled that when he, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Rob had ideas for films, Rob “was the one who wrote them on 3×5 cards, and organized them into a movie.””Michele was a very good friend to my wife Judith,” he added. “This is unspeakable, the stuff of Greek tragedy.”

    Gary Miller/FilmMagic

    Robin WrightThe Princess Bride star said she’s “deeply shocked and devastated” by Rob and Michele’s passing.”It is truly heartbreaking,” she shared in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “Rob was one of the most loving, compassionate, and kind people I have ever known. He was an extraordinary director and the impact he had on me has stayed with me throughout my career.”

    L. Cohen/WireImage

    Kate Hudson”The loss of Rob and Michele is absolutely devastating,” the actress wrote on Instagram. “They were not only important to our close community but Rob touched so many millions globally with his art.”She continued of her Alex & Emma director, “Rob was one of the greats. Inspiring so many of us with his ability to craft films that are humorous, powerful, inspirational. He knew no genre, only great storytelling.” 

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    Jane FondaThe two-time Oscar winner said she saw Rob and Michele one day before they were found dead at their Los Angeles home.Remembering the late couple as “wonderful, caring, smart, funny, generous people,” she wrote on Instagram Dec. 15, “I saw them night before last looking healthy and happy. I am reeling with grief. Stunned.”

    Columbia/Moviestore/Shutterstock

    Demi Moore”They were amazing people and wonderful parents who gave of themselves to make the world a better place,” the actress shared on Instagram of her A Few Good Man director and his wife. “My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with their family, friends, and all that are affected by this tragedy.”Demi added Rob and Michele’s three children “grew up together” with her and ex Bruce Willis‘ daughters Rumer Willis, Scout Willis and Tallulah Willis.”We worked together,” she wrote, “and as our lives intertwined personally and professionally I will always cherish the moments and memories of what we shared.”

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    Cary ElwesPosting a photo of his and Rob’s chairs on the set of The Princess Bride, the actor captioned on Instagram in reaction to the director’s passing, “No words.” 

    John M. Heller/Getty Images

    Corey FeldmanThe Stand By Me alum spoke out about the “HORRIBLE NEWS” of his director and Michele’s passing, writing on X, “ALL I CAN SAY IS IM SHOCKED & SADDENED, BUT I #LOVE U ROB! U WILL B 4EVER MISSED!”

    Albert L. Ortega/Shutterstock

    Paul Feig”One of my most cherished pictures,” the A Simple Favor director captioned on X. “Rob was my true hero. A true visionary titan and a lovely lovely person.”He continued, “One never knows if it’s proper to post during something as tragic as this. But I just want the world to know what so many of us know in the industry. Rob was the best.”

    FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

    Zooey DeschanelThe actress was “absolutely devastated” as she paid tribute to Rob, who played her father on New Girl.”My heart is broken,” she wrote on Instagram. “Rob Reiner was the absolute warmest, funniest, most generous of spirits. A truly good human being. An incredible artist and such a playful and fun collaborator. I cherish the time we spent working together and the many films he made that have shaped who I am.”She added, “Rob and his lovely wife Michele were always so kind and it brought me so much joy any time I was lucky enough to see them.”

    John M. Heller/Getty Images

    Wil WheatonThe Stand By Me actor learned of his director’s death through costar Jerry O’Connell, writing on his website Dec. 15 that he was “still processing and coming to grips with a tragic, senseless, devastating loss.” Wil went on to recount how Rob made him “feel loved, valued, seen, and respected” amid his own strained relationship with his parents during the making of the1986 movie.”Rob was a good person who put great art into the world, who made a positive difference in more lives than any of us can imagine,” he added. “The world is a better place thanks to his activism and the way he chose to use all of his privilege and influence.”

    Santiago Felipe/Getty Images

    Julia Louis-Dreyfus & Brad Hall”My husband Brad and I had the great honor and pleasure of working with Rob and Michele Reiner often and happily in movies and television where their impact as actor, director, and producer will be everlasting,” the Seinfeld alum wrote on Instagram. “Even more deeply felt was their superb example of how to be an activist and a powerful voice for the environment, for justice, and for democracy. They were great American patriots, and they were so much fun. We send our condolences and love to the Reiner family.”

    Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

    Quinta BrunsonThe Abbott Elementary star recalled how her “first ever television role was a scene” with Rob, writing on Instagram Story, “I was proud to work with and get to talk about comedy with him over time.””I’m speechless,” she continued. “What a tragic loss.”

    NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images

    Barack Obama & Michelle Obama”Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele,” the former president wrote on X. “Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.”He continued, “Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.”

    Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

    Jerry O’ConnellThe actor, who was directed by Rob in 1986’s Stand By Me, shared a photo of himself on set with the director on Instagram, simply saying, “Love you, Rob. Sincerely.””I don’t mean this as any offense to my parents—Rob was like a father to me,” he added on CBS Mornings Dec. 15. “He was like a father to me. It’s just surreal.”Jerry continued, “Everything I have is because of Rob Reiner. Everything I have. It’s just a shocking day.”

    Amanda Edwards/WireImage

    Norman Lear’s FamilyThe family of the late television icon released an emotional statement noting how close the duo were.”The Lear Family is devastated by the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner,” they told Deadline. “Norman often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary, to us and the world.””Norman would have wanted to remind us that Rob and Michele spent every breath trying to make this country a better place,” the statement continued, “and they pursued that through their art, their activism, their philanthropy, and their love for family and friends. Lyn Lear had remained very close with them and said, ‘The world is unmistakably darker tonight, and we are left bereft.'”

    Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images

    Christopher Guest & Jamie Lee Curtis”Christopher and I are numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michelle Singer Reiner,” Jamie Lee said in a statement to Variety, “and our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them.”The couple added, “There will be plenty of time later to discuss the creative lives we shared and the great political and social impact they both had on the entertainment industry, early childhood development, the fight for gay marriage and their global care for a world in crisis. We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.”

    JB Lacroix/WireImage

    Virginia MadsenAfter news of Rob and Michele’s passing broke, the Magic of Belle Isle star wrote on Instagram of her director and his wife, “God be with those who love them. Thank you Rob for giving us so much joy to hold on to.”

    Amanda Edwards/Getty Images for SAG-AFTRA

    Kevin Nealon”The humor is smart and the heart is real,” the actor, who costarred with Rob’s dad Carl Reiner in 2003’s Good Boy!, shared on X. “His films were part of the air for us. Grateful for what he made, and for what he and his wife gave the world.

    Kevin Winter/Getty Images

    Eric IdleThe Monty Python alum tweeted that he had spoken to Rob on the phone the night before his death.”Rob Reiner was a lovely man. I spoke to him last night for over an hour,” he wrote on X. “I always enjoyed his company. I met him at his Dad’s in 1975. He was telling me about fiming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future. This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful.”

    Jesse Grant/Getty Images for TCM

    Kathy BatesThe Misery star said she was “absolutely devasted” by the news of Rob’s death. “I loved Rob,” Kathy, who worked with the director in the 1990 film, told NBC in a statement. “He was brilliant and kind, a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist.”She continued, “He changed the course of my life. Michele was a gifted photographer. She shot my beautiful photos for the Misery campaign. My heart breaks for them both. My thoughts are with their family.”

    Michael Tran/FilmMagic

    John Cusack”Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner,” the actor shared on X, 40 years after working with the director in 1985’s The Sure Thing. “A great man.”

    Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc

    Elijah WoodThe actor, who worked with the director in the 1994 movie North, wrote on X, “Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle [sic]. So much love to their kids and family.”

    River Callaway/Variety via Getty Images

    Sophia Bush”Rob Reiner was an almost indescribably wonderful man,” she wrote on X. “Kind, jovial, thoughtful, and generous. He shaped our industry of course, and more so the world around us, making films that centered empathy and humor. He made us more bold, willing to take risks for love. He used his massive audience and knowledge of how to tell stories to defend democracy, and stand for his neighbors, both near and far.””And even when the cameras were off, he showed up,” Sophia went on. “He was often first to say yes to the organizing work, showing up on zoom after zoom, in support of organizations making the world a better place. He offered his talents and gifts. He said YES in service of others. In the years I’ve been lucky enough to know him in those dedicated spaces, he has influenced and inspired me, for good. I am utterly heartbroken at his and Michele’s deaths, and I am holding his loved ones in my heart today.”

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    Ben Stiller”Rob Reiner was one of my favorite directors,” the Zoolander alum shared on X. “He made some of the most formative movies for my generation. He came out form behind a huge comedic shadow of the great Carl Reiner and being a tv actor to being a a great director who made an incredible run of movies.”He continued, “Spinal Tap is one of the best comedies ever made—and the list goes on. He was a kind caring person who was really really funny.”

    Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

    Ayo Edebiri”This man’s work changed my life and I don’t think that’s hyperbolic,” the Bear actress wrote on her Instagram Stories. “I was so fortunate to have met him recently and couldn’t believe how game he was to talk to me—and now just because he wanted to indulge a young fan.”She continued, “But because he really loved what he did and the friends he got to do it with. He was so generous with his time and energy and stories. Feeling absolutely gutted.”

    Vera Anderson/WireImage

    Roseanne Barr”I’m absolutely shocked and horrified to hear about Rob Reiner and his wife Michele,” the comedian wrote on X. “This is a travesty. Praying for swift justice. Sympathies to their family and children. I’m at a loss for words.”

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    Paul Walter Hauser”Grieving the loss of my favorite director of all-time,” the Emmy winner shared on Instagram. “A Few Good Men is THE reason I became an actor, and Rob’s filmography behind the camera is THE reason I wanted to direct and still do.”He added, “I hate that Rob and his wife are gone from this world, but they sure as hell impacted me and countless others while here.”

    CraSH/Shutterstock

    Josh GrobanIn the wake of Rob and Michele’s death, the musician recalled meeting the couple while working on the yet-to-be released Spinal Tap at Stonehenge: The Final Finale. “He and Michele made me feel like family and gave me an incredible opportunity to fulfill a dream,” Josh shared on Instagram. “There was laughter and love and song and it was a memory I will cherish forever. I’m stunned and deeply saddened and sending my love to their family.

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