Jerry O’Connell Breaks Down Crying in Touching Interview About Rob Reiner

Jerry O’Connell couldn’t hold back tears while reflecting on the late Rob Reiner in a new CBS News special that dug deep into the legendary filmmaker’s life, career, and lasting influence on Hollywood. Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Brentwood, California, home on December 14. Reiner was 78, and Michele was 70.

O’Connell, 51, spoke through tears in “CBS News: Rob Reiner – Scenes From a Life,” which aired Sunday, December 21.

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The one-hour program looked back on Reiner’s decades-long career as a director, actor, and mentor, while highlighting the profound personal impact he had on those who worked closely with him, including actors he guided early in their careers.

Jerry O’Connell Recalls a Life-Changing Act of Kindness

During the interview, O’Connell reflected on a moment that stayed with him long after filming “Stand by Me.”

“Rob Reiner heard I was in L.A., and he took me out to lunch, man,” O’Connell said through tears. “He didn’t have to do that, you know what I’m saying? It was months after the movie came out. He was a busy man. And he took a 12-year-old me out to lunch just to be like, ‘Thanks so much, what a great movie.’ That lunch meant so much to me. It’s just stuff that kids need to hear.”

O’Connell credited Reiner’s generosity and trust for shaping his future.

“Everything I have in my life is because I was in Stand By Me. Everything,” he said.

Why ‘Stand by Me’ Shaped O’Connell’s Career

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O’Connell was just 11 years old when he auditioned for Reiner. He admitted he was nervous, but said Reiner encouraged him to be himself.

That reassurance stayed with him well beyond the film. O’Connell has often credited the experience with helping him find his footing in Hollywood.

O’Connell starred alongside Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Kiefer Sutherland in the 1986 coming-of-age classic. Several of his former co-stars also appeared in the CBS special.

O’Connell on the Loss of a Mentor and Father Figure

In a separate interview with People ahead of the special, O’Connell described the loss as deeply personal.

“We’re all shocked. I can’t speak for them [Wheaton and Feldman], but for myself, I feel like a parent has passed, you know?” he said. “I just feel like a parent has passed.”

O’Connell also reflected on Reiner’s rare ability to guide young actors without intimidation.

“We were saying, we have no idea how he herded a bunch of like 11, 12, and 13-year-olds for this movie,” he said. “And not only herd us, it wasn’t like a teacher or an authority figure. He was just a special, he was just a special human being … he is just a kind soul, really. A kind soul.”

He added that Reiner’s absence still lingers.

“Every professional experience I’ve had after Stand by Me, you sort of feel alone a little bit because Rob isn’t there,” O’Connell said. “You almost feel like you’re alone now. You know? It’s really devastating.”

Kiefer Sutherland on Reiner’s Humanity and Vision

Kiefer Sutherland, who also participated in the tribute, reflected on Reiner’s creative voice and empathy.

“Rob Reiner had an incredible point of view,” Sutherland said. “A point of view that was inspired by real humanity, kindness, intellect, and all of those elements combined allowed him to become a real American storyteller. I can just only imagine all of the stories he had left to tell.”

Rob & Michele’s Tragic Deaths— An Update

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Reiner and Michele are survived by their children, sons Jake and Nick, and daughter Romy. Reiner also adopted Tracy Reiner, the daughter of his late wife, Penny Marshall.

As per the BBC, their son Nick, 32, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He appeared in court on Wednesday, December 17, and his arraignment is scheduled for January 7.

In a statement published by Variety just days after the deaths, Jake, 34, and Romy, 28, described the loss as the “horrific and devastating loss of our parents,” adding, “Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day. They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.”

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