:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/Rob-Reiner-River-Phoenix-121525-c9cd299b0eb34373a1063db8b73c12bc.jpg "Rob Reiner's Heartfelt Phoenix Tribute: Exclusive Details")
Rob Reiner was responsible for so much of the heart in Stand by Me.
The cast of the 1986 film,which starred Jerry O’Connell,Wil Wheaton,River Phoenix,and Corey Feldman as a group of friends on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure,was directed by the late multi-hyphenate.
Recently, O’connell, Wheaton and Feldman began the first leg of a reunion tour that saw them bring screenings of and discussions about the film to different cities. Speaking with PEOPLE ahead of their first tour date, Wheaton shared how Reiner, who has died at age 78, was instrumental in one of their moast meaningful decisions – how to best honor Phoenix, who died in 1993 at the age of 23.
“When we all got together, gosh, I guess 10 years ago for the 30th anniversary, we all looked around, and Rob Reiner said, ‘I feel like there should be a chair here for him,’ ” Wheaton shared.
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Actor Jerry O’Connell recently recounted the distress he felt after receiving a report of two deceased individuals at an address matching that of director Rob Reiner. The initial report, thankfully inaccurate, led to a period of shock and concern for O’Connell and those connected to Reiner, particularly those who worked with him on the iconic film Stand By Me.
Initial Report and Confusion
O’Connell described receiving the alarming news and immediately contacting Reiner’s partner at Castle Rock Entertainment. He shared the story during an interview, explaining the confusion and fear that gripped him and others close to Reiner. “[I’m] very close with the guys that were in Stand by me, with will Wheaton and Corey Feldman,” O’Connell said. He recounted calling Reiner’s partner, expressing his condolences, and relaying the details he had received.
The report indicated two deceased individuals at an address that corresponded with Reiner’s residence. the ages provided in the initial report also seemed to align with Reiner and someone close to him, adding to the distress. “And he said – you know, we didn’t have news. We said, ‘I think it’s them.’ The ages matched. Thay described them as two people of a certain age. Just really surreal and still in shock, to be honest,” O’Connell explained.
Reiner’s Impact on O’Connell’s Career
O’Connell spoke highly of Reiner, describing him as a father figure and crediting him with much of his success. “Everything I have is because of Rob Reiner. Everything I have. It’s just a sad, shocking sad,” he stated. Reiner directed O’Connell in stand By Me (1986),a coming-of-age story that remains a beloved classic and launched the careers of several young actors.
The False Alarm and Relief
It was later confirmed that the initial report was incorrect. While details surrounding the false report remain limited, the incident highlighted the ease with which misinformation can spread and the impact it can have, even on public figures. The relief felt by O’Connell and Reiner’s colleagues was palpable.
Key Takeaways
* A false report initially indicated the death of director Rob Reiner and another individual.
* Jerry O’Connell was among the first to learn of the report and experienced significant distress.
* The report was ultimately proven false, bringing relief to those close to Reiner.
* O’Connell emphasized Reiner’s profound influence on his career and personal life.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing it, particularly in the age of rapid news dissemination through social media and online platforms.