‘A Man Who Will Be Deeply Missed’: The Actress Meg Ryan Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Director Rob Reiner
The actress Meg Ryan has shared a moving homage to the late filmmaker Rob Reiner, who directed her in the hit rom-com When Harry Met Sally.
A Devastating Incident
Reiner was discovered deceased alongside his spouse, Michele Singer Reiner, at their home in Los Angeles at the weekend.
“How we will long for this man…” Ryan wrote on Instagram, accompanying a photo of them together. “Thank you, Rob and Michelle [sic], for the way you believe in true love, in fairy tales, and in laughter. We appreciate your faith in human goodness and your deep patriotism.”
Charges Filed
Reiner’s son Nick, 32, is accused of two counts of first-degree murder and appeared in court today. He’s being detained without the option of bail. It’s been reported that Reiner’s daughter Romy found her father’s body.
“I have to believe that their story will not end with this impossible tragedy, that some good may come, some awareness raised,” Ryan continued. “While uncertain, I suspect they'd wish for a hopeful, compassionate outcome that fosters mutual understanding and peace.”
Children Share Their Grief
Reiner’s surviving children Jake and Romy issued words today. “No words can convey the constant, profound sorrow we feel,” they said. “Losing our parents in such a horrific way is a devastation beyond comprehension. They were more than parents; they were our closest confidants.”
Peers Pay Their Respects
Ryan’s co-star, Billy Crystal, similarly honored Reiner via comments shared yesterday alongside tributes from Larry David, Martin Short and Albert Brooks.
“No one matched his comic instinct, his dedication to rhythmic dialogue, or his elegant sharpening of drama,” the statement said. “For the actors, he loved them. For the writers he made them better. His finest trait was granting creative liberty. He valued input and made you part of the team. Everyone felt like part of a crew. His direction was a gift, but his legacy is broader.”
A Storied Career
When Harry Met Sally was a critical and commercial success in 1989, grossing more than $93 million worldwide and earning Nora Ephron an Oscar nomination for best original screenplay.
Rob Reiner was introduced to Michele Singer Reiner during the production of When Harry Met Sally. The pair were introduced by Barry Sonnenfeld, a fellow filmmaker and pal.
Reiner’s notable filmography featured classics such as Misery, Stand by Me and The Princess Bride. The director and his wife were together in marriage for 36 years.
