Cary Elwes Honors Rob Reiner on Birthday Following Double Homicide

“The Princess Bride” star Cary Elwes paid tribute to his late friend and collaborator, Rob Reiner, on what would have been the director’s 79th birthday, sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram.

Elwes posted a photo of himself with Reiner, accompanied by a cover of “Storybook Love,” the iconic theme song from “The Princess Bride.” The caption read, “Today would have been your 79th birthday. Still hard to believe you’re gone. Missing you so much #robreiner ⚔️💔.”

The Reiner Tragedy

Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead on December 14, 2025, at their Brentwood home. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be multiple sharp force injuries E! Online.

Their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in February 2026 E! Online.

A Lasting Bond

Elwes and Reiner’s friendship spanned nearly four decades, beginning with “The Princess Bride” in the 1980s. Elwes has consistently spoken of his deep affection and respect for the director, describing their connection as a life-changing one Los Angeles Times.

In a December 31, 2025, Instagram post, Elwes reflected on their collaboration, stating, “I can’t remember a single day without laughter” during the making of “The Princess Bride.” He added that the film’s themes of love, loyalty and sacrifice were qualities Reiner embodied Los Angeles Times.

Hollywood Mourns

Following the Reiners’ deaths, numerous colleagues and friends expressed their grief and admiration for the couple. Mandy Patinkin, Elwes’ co-star in “The Princess Bride,” described the loss as an “unthinkable tragedy” E! Online.

Elwes previously shared a tribute to both Rob and Michele Reiner, praising them as “a great team” and highlighting their commitment to social causes Los Angeles Times.