Jerry O’Connell cries as he recalls lunch with Rob Reiner

Jerry O’Connell Director and mentor visibly emotional in new interview following death Rob Reiner.

O’Connell, 51, tears streaming down his face While reflecting on his relationship with Reiner CBS News: Rob Reiner — Scenes from the Lifeairing on Sunday, December 21. The episode pays tribute to the Hollywood icon who was found dead alongside his wife, Michelle Singer Raineron Sunday, December 14, at their home in Brentwood, California.

“Rob Reiner heard I was in L.A. and he took me out to lunch, man,” O’Connell said with tears in his eyes. Contact Reiner a few months after filming stand beside me. “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. “

O’Connell called Reiner “the best director ever,” praising him for having tackled “so many different genres” during his career. He credits his role to stand beside me Thanks to him for allowing him to branch out and find his own path in Hollywood.

Related: Piers Morgan recently asked Rob Reiner how he wants people to remember him

Piers Morgan spoke to Rob Reiner about his legacy three months before his tragic death. “I didn’t expect this to happen so soon, Rob, you look like a good, healthy man,” the 60-year-old reporter asked Renner during an uncensored interview with Piers Morgan in September. “But if the moment of need comes (…)

“Everything I have in life is because of me stand beside me. “everything” speech alum said.

Starring O’Connell stand beside me and Wil Wheaton, Phoenix River, Corey Feldman and Kiefer Sutherlandwho also participated in a CBS special.

“Rob Reiner’s perspective is incredible,” Sutherland, 59, reflected on the show. “His perspective was inspired by true humanity, kindness, wisdom and all those elements that made him a true American storyteller. I can only imagine all the stories he left to tell.”

Rob and Michelle, 78 and 70 respectively, are parents to children Jack (34), Nick (32) and Romy (27). (Rob also adopted 61-year-old daughter Tracy with his ex-wife) Penny Marshall.) Nick was arrested hours later Rob and Michelle’s Murders He was later charged with two counts of first-degree murder. If convicted, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Arraignment is scheduled for January 7, 2026.

O’Connell spoke about the tragedy ahead of the CBS special, saying people Monday, Dec. 15. “We were all in shock. I can’t speak for them (Wheaton and Feldman), but for myself, I felt like my parents had passed away, you know? I just felt like my parents had passed away.”

O’Connell praised Rob’s ability to trust young children to lead an ensemble. stand beside me.

“We said, we don’t know how he got a bunch of 11, 12 and 13-year-olds together to make this movie,” O’Connell said of his costars. “More than just driving us away, it wasn’t like a teacher or an authority figure. He was just a special guy, he was just a special person… He was just a good soul, really. A good soul.”

“Every career experience I’ve ever had stand beside meyou feel a little bit lonely because Rob’s not here,” he added. “Luckily, my parents are there for me, but my mother-in-law passed away and just to see that loss is something that my wife never really got over, you know? You almost feel like you’re alone now. Do you know? It’s really devastating. “