Mandy Patinkin breaks down in tears as she talks about Rob Reiner’s murder in CBS special

Mandy Patinkin, Michael Douglas, Annette Bening and more Rob ReinerClosest friends and collaborators gather to commemorate the life and career of this film icon A week after he was murdered.

Emotional tribute is reflected in CBS News: Rob Reiner — Scenes from the Lifeairing on Sunday, December 21, looks back at Rob’s greatest films and proudest moments.

“There was something about Rob, his humanity, his heart, his humor, that made you want to do your best.” Kathy Bates Said while holding back tears during the show.

Rob and his wife, Michelle Singer RainerThey were found dead in their Brentwood, California home on Sunday, December 14. Their official cause of death was “multiple sharp force injuries” and their deaths were ruled a homicide. their son Nick Lehner was arrested and charged Two counts of first-degree murder, which carries a life sentence without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if convicted. His arraignment is scheduled for January 7, 2026.

Scroll down to see the episode’s biggest revelations, as stars paid tribute to the late director.

Mandy Patinkin cries in memory of Rob Reiner’s friendship and ‘The Princess Bride’

Mandy Patinkin starring in 1987 film princess brideRob directed and co-produced. Nearly 40 years later, Patinkin still considers it one of the most important roles that shaped his career.

“If I had to convince someone to watch princess bride“When I asked Rob, I would tell him exactly what Rob told me,” Patinkin recalled Rob telling him, “‘It’s simple: Grandpa walked up to his sick grandson and read him a story that said the most important thing in life is true love.'”

Patinkin burst into tears as he recalled how the actors were invited to Los Angeles to see an early cut of the film.

“We were sitting in the screening room and the movie was over, and I said, ‘I never thought I’d be a part of something like this.'” I didn’t even have time to dream, and he dreamed that dream for me. “

Patinkin says that wherever he goes, people ask him to recite the iconic lines his character, Inigo Montoya, speaks in the film, proving how influential Robb’s films truly are.

When Patinkin first heard that Rob and Michelle had been murdered, the only word that came to his mind was “unbelievable,” a phrase Vizzini utters throughout the film.

“I heard the news around 11 o’clock on Sunday night. I was lying in bed. I was in shock. I didn’t sleep at all. I just kept crying. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know how to process it. I still don’t know how to process it, and I wasn’t looking for how to process it,” Patinkin recalled.

“Rob worked so hard to try to make me the best person I could be,” he added through tears. “He said to me one time, ‘I just wish you wouldn’t go your own way,’ and to this day I haven’t done that, but I won’t give up trying. He cares about my nature. He’s shown me that time and time again.”

Patinkin believes that even after Rob and Michelle pass away, their spirits will live on.

“I believe we can relate to Rob and Michelle, and every time we think about this or talk about it or anyone tells a story, he’s here. He won’t be forgotten.”

Jerry O’Connell recalls ‘Stand By Me’ moment meltdown

Jerry O’Connell cried while praising Rob for giving him his big break on the set of 1986 stand beside me.

“Rob Reiner, he’s the best director of all time. Period. He’s made so many different types of movies…he’s done them all,” O’Connell said. “Everything I have in life is because of me stand beside me. everything. “

O’Connell was just 11 years old when she first met Rob during a film audition. He admits he was very “nervous,” but Rob encouraged him to be himself, and that’s been his mantra ever since. O’Connell choked up as he recalled a day Rob spent time with him after the film’s release.

“Rob Reiner heard I was in L.A. and he took me out to lunch, man,” O’Connell said through tears. “He didn’t have to do it, you know what I’m saying? A few months after the movie came out. He was a busy man. He took my 12-year-old out to lunch just to say, ‘Thank you so much, what a great movie this is.'” That lunch meant a lot to me. It’s just something kids need to hear. “

Albert Brooks mourns his ‘oldest friend’

albert brooks I have known Rob for 60 years. The two met in high school and collaborated on “2023” Albert Brooks: Defending My Life.

“Rob was my oldest friend. Simple as that. He was the person I knew the longest. I met him when I was 14. So I’m still in that stage of disbelief,” Brooks said of Rob’s death. “I knew it happened, but you know, I was driving around and all of a sudden – two days ago actually, I call his number“.

Brooks also revealed how much of a positive impact Rob’s relationship with Michelle had on his life.

“Rob is a people person,” Brooks said. “Once he locked in, it was for life, so Michelle was for life.” Brooks called Rob and Michelle “soul mates.”

“They knew they were going to be together forever,” he said. “They ended up together just like they were together in the beginning.”

At the end of the episode, Brooks breaks down as he thinks about a world without Rob and Michelle.

“I just hope there’s no reason to do it,” he said. “This is my true wish.”

Kiefer Sutherland shares unforgettable story about Rob Reiner

Kiefer Sutherland The first time I met Rob was at a casting meeting stand beside me. He had been living in his car at the time. His life changed completely after this film, and they worked together again in 1992 some good men. He remembers Rob jack nicholson‘s performance delivers his famous “you can’t handle the truth” line.

“Without anyone saying a word, Rob walked up to Jack Nicholson and whispered in his ear, ‘Do you want to do another one?’ and Jack Nicholson said, ‘Well, here we are,'” Sutherland said. “So they did another one and then This is also extraordinary“.

“They planned to shoot all day and Rob looked at everyone and said, ‘I couldn’t ask for more, so you guys are off for the rest of the day,'” Sutherland added.

Kathy Bates credits her career to Rob Reiner

Bates stars in Rob’s movie sufferinga 1990 thriller stephen kingThe 1987 novel of the same name. Bates won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film.

“If I hadn’t done this suffering“It’s like George Bailey going back in time to see what his life would have been like if he’d never been there,” Bates said. “I’ve always wanted to be an actor, and without Rob I don’t think I would have ever been able to achieve that dream in such a dramatic and incredible way.”

“Rob changed the course of my life and if he hadn’t, I wouldn’t be sitting in front of you right now,” she added.

Annette Bening calls Rob Reiner a ‘family man’

Annette Bening, a close friend of Rob’s, starred in the 1995 film President of the United States With Michael Douglas.

“On set, his enthusiasm was contagious,” Bening said of Rob, adding that he was a “family man.”

“Leaders set the tone,” she continued.

She remembers how Rob always made sure the cast and crew had enough time to spend with their families outside of filming.

“He would insist that the day ended at a normal time, which was a little unusual in show business,” Bening said. “But, he said, ‘No, we want everyone to have dinner with their kids.'” He knew how to create a good atmosphere. “

Bening said Rob had a “zeal for life” and was always “all in.” She had always admired his devotion to Michelle, whom he married in 1989 and had children Jack, Nick and Romi. (Rob also adopted daughter Tracy from his first marriage Penny Marshallwhich lasted from 1971 to 1981. )

“He loved his kids and Michelle,” Bening said. “They are very good friends. We all respect them and their relationship.”

Michael Douglas and Rob Reiner bonded over having famous fathers

Michael Douglas is a long-time friend of Rob’s and has fond memories of the work they created together. President of the United States. But most of all, Douglas and Rob bonded over having famous fathers and how they navigated their acting careers. (Michael is the late actor’s son Kirk Douglaswhile Rob is the son of the late actor Carl Reiner.)

“Well, my experience watching him is, I could never be like my dad. He could do anything. I mean, he was Spartacus… Once you get into the same industry, it gets right in your face,” Douglas said of growing up with his famous father. “As far as Rob, are you as funny as your dad? I think that also contributes to his toughness and strength, and Rob doesn’t talk enough about his endurance.”

Likewise, Brooks reflected on Rob creating his own legacy and stepping out of his father’s shadow. “I think Rob said it himself, until later stand beside me His father said, ‘Well, you’re the real deal; you get it, you’re probably better than me.’ “

Growing up in the spotlight isn’t Michael and Rob’s only connection. Michael explained that he and Rob connected through family, including raising children suffering from drug addiction.

“Through this terrible tragedy, we realized how much stress he was under in his personal life with his son,” Michael said of his son. Cameron Douglas and the past struggles of Rob’s son Nick. “I also have a son who had a drug problem. I’m happy to say he has overcome those issues and is living a prosperous life. We do talk a lot about that and what you can and can’t do as a parent. Understanding all the things that go on behind the scenes, this is a guy who always does his best.”

How Rob Reiner found his voice in politics

Both Bening and Michael reflect on Rob’s activism, his involvement in politics and the causes that are important to him.

“He was really involved in political matters that were important to him and tried to help and make changes in the ways that he wanted to, whether it was child care, same-sex marriage or many other causes,” Bening said.

“You can’t underestimate the importance of his and Michelle’s work because they work together and she’s part of his backbone,” Michael added. “His efforts, both in the quality of his work and in his efforts to improve the world, are well worth it and will always be remembered.”