Billy Crystal Honors Rob Reiner with Moving Tribute at the 2026 Oscars

Billy Crystal delivered an emotional tribute to the late director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, during the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 16, 2026. The tribute came after the couple were found dead in their Brentwood home in December, with their son, Nick Reiner, subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder The Guardian.

A Friendship Remembered

Crystal, known for his role in Reiner’s iconic film When Harry Met Sally…, began by recounting their first meeting on the set of All in the Family. “I met Mr. Rob Reiner when I was cast as his best friend in an episode of ‘All in the Family,’” Crystal shared, “and it went so well that Rob said, ‘It was fun playing your best friend. Why don’t we keep it going?’ And it was a thrill to see him evolve from a great comic actor to a master storyteller.” The Hollywood Reporter.

Celebrating a Filmography

Crystal highlighted Reiner’s extensive and influential filmography, including classics such as This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, Misery, A Few Good Men, and An American President. He emphasized the lasting impact of Reiner’s work, stating, “My friend Rob’s movies will last for lifetimes because they were about what makes us laugh and cry and what we aspire to be.” ABC7.

Remembering Michele Singer Reiner

The tribute also honored Michele Singer Reiner, acknowledging her contributions as a photographer and producer, as well as her dedication to social justice. Crystal noted that Rob and Michele “became the driving force in the landmark decision for marriage equality in the United States.” ABC7.

A Stage Filled with Friends

Crystal was later joined on stage by a group of fellow actors, including Meg Ryan, Demi Moore, Kathy Bates, Kiefer Sutherland, and Mandy Patinkin, to collectively honor Reiner’s legacy. Variety.

Conan O’Brien Reflects on Reiner’s Impact

Oscars host Conan O’Brien recently spoke about Reiner’s enduring influence, noting that the director created “seven movies in quick succession that are classics.” O’Brien expressed shock and sadness over the loss of the couple, describing the experience of saying goodbye and then learning of their deaths as “awful.” The Guardian.

Crystal concluded his tribute with a quote from Reiner’s film The Princess Bride: “For us who had the privilege of working with and knowing and loving him, all we can say is, buddy, what fun we had storming the castle.” ABC7.