Rob and Michele Reiner’s children have paid tribute to their parents in their first public statement since they were found stabbed to death at their Los Angeles home.
Nick Reiner, 32, has been arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his Hollywood director father, 78, and photographer mother, 68.
The couple were discovered with knife wounds by their daughter Romy at their Brentwood home on Sunday.
Romy, 28, is said to have called When Harry Met Sally actor Billy Crystal and his wife not long after contacting police, according to TMZ.
Romy and her brother Jake have now shared a statement describing the ‘unimaginable pain’ of losing their parents.
‘Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,’ the brother and sister said in a statement.
‘The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience.
‘They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.’
The statement went on to say that Jake and Romy were ‘grateful’ for the outpouring of support since their parents were found dead.
‘We now ask for respect and privacy, for speculation to be tempered with compassion and humanity, and for our parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave,’ the statement concluded.
The Reiner couple met on the set of When Harry Met Sally and got married in 1989, the same year the acclaimed romantic comedy was released, and went on to have children, Jake, Nick, and Romy, together.
The letter from the friends of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer
Going to the movies in a dark theatre filled with strangers having a common experience, laughing, crying, screaming in fear, or watching an intense drama unfold is still an unforgettable thrill. Tell us a story audiences demand of us. Absorbing all he had learned from his father Carl and his mentor Norman Lear, Rob Reiner not only was a great comic actor, he became a master storyteller. There is no other director who has his range. From comedy to drama to ‘mockumentary’ to documentary he was always at the top of his game. He charmed audiences. They trusted him. They lined up to see his films.
His comedic touch was beyond compare, his love of getting the music of the dialogue just right, and his sharpening of the edge of a drama was simply elegant. For the actors, he loved them. For the writers he made them better. His greatest gift was freedom. If you had an idea, he listened, he brought you into the process. They always felt they were working as a team. To be in his hands as a film-maker was a privilege but that is only part of his legacy.
Rob was also a passionate, brave citizen, who not only cared for this country he loved, he did everything he could to make it better and with his loving wife Michele, he had the perfect partner. Strong and determined, Michele and Rob Reiner devoted a great deal of their lives for the betterment of our fellow citizens … They were a special force together – dynamic, unselfish and inspiring. We were their friends, and we will miss them forever.
There is a line from one of Rob’s favourite films, It’s a Wonderful Life, “Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” You have no idea.
Signed by: Billy and Janice Crystal, Albert and Kimberly Brooks, Martin Short, Alan and Robin Zweibel, Larry David and Ashley Underwood, Marc Shaiman and Lou Mirabal, Barry and Diana Levinson, and Ambassador James Costos and Michael Smith
It came after Nick made his first appearance in court on Wednesday, alongside his criminal defence lawyer Alan Jackson.
The 32-year-old declined to enter a plea of either guilty or not guilty on the charges of two counts of first-degree murder for the death of his parents.
He appeared shirtless and in handcuffs in the courtroom, according to the BBC, which described his face as ‘blank’. The judge has not allowed footage of Reiner to be made public, but he appeared to be wearing a suicide prevention smock as he sat in the dock.
During the brief court hearing, Reiner only said the words ‘Yes, your honour’ when asked if he understood he had the right to a speedy trial.
Reiner’s attorney Alan Jackson, who has represented Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, told the court it was ‘too early’ to enter a plea. The court has now been adjourned until the next hearing on January 7.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.