Jerry OâConnell couldn’t hold back tears while reflecting on the late Rob Reiner in a new CBS News special that dug deep into the legendary filmmakerâs 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.
OâConnell, 51, spoke through tears in âCBS News: Rob Reiner â Scenes From a Life,â which aired Sunday, December 21.
The one-hour program looked back on Reinerâs 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 OâConnell Recalls a Life-Changing Act of Kindness
During the interview, OâConnell reflected on a moment that stayed with him long after filming âStand by Me.â
âRob Reiner heard I was in L.A., and he took me out to lunch, man,â OâConnell said through tears. âHe didnât have to do that, you know what Iâm 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, âThanks so much, what a great movie.â That lunch meant so much to me. Itâs just stuff that kids need to hear.â
OâConnell credited Reinerâs generosity and trust for shaping his future.
âEverything I have in my life is because I was in Stand By Me. Everything,â he said.
Why âStand by Meâ Shaped OâConnellâs Career
OâConnell 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. OâConnell has often credited the experience with helping him find his footing in Hollywood.
OâConnell 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.
OâConnell on the Loss of a Mentor and Father Figure
In a separate interview with People ahead of the special, OâConnell described the loss as deeply personal.
âWeâre all shocked. I canât speak for them [Wheaton and Feldman], but for myself, I feel like a parent has passed, you know?â he said. âI just feel like a parent has passed.â
OâConnell also reflected on Reinerâs rare ability to guide young actors without intimidation.
âWe were saying, we have no idea how he herded a bunch of like 11, 12, and 13-year-olds for this movie,â he said. âAnd not only herd us, it wasnât 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.â
He added that Reinerâs absence still lingers.
âEvery professional experience Iâve had after Stand by Me, you sort of feel alone a little bit because Rob isnât there,â OâConnell said. âYou almost feel like youâre alone now. You know? Itâs really devastating.â
Kiefer Sutherland on Reinerâs Humanity and Vision
Kiefer Sutherland, who also participated in the tribute, reflected on Reinerâs creative voice and empathy.
âRob Reiner had an incredible point of view,â Sutherland said. âA 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.â
Rob & Michele’s Tragic Deathsâ An Update
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 âhorrific and devastating loss of our parents,â adding, âWords 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.â
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