Billy Crystal,Larry David,Martin Short, and other Hollywood stars shared a heartfelt tribute toRob and Michelle Reinerafter the couple was found dead in their California home on Sunday, Dec. 14.
The couple's son,Nick Reiner,has been charged in the fatal stabbing of his parents, Los Angeles County District AttorneyNathan J. Hochmanconfirmed Tuesday, Dec. 16. The deaths of the Reiners haveshocked the entertainment world and beyond,prompting tributes from Michael Douglas,Stephen King,Demi Moore,Paul McCartneyand more.
In a statement toThe Associated Press, which Crystal's representative shared with USA TODAY on Dec. 16, more celebrities spoke as to why Rob Reiner was an extraordinary director, actor and person.
"Absorbing all he had learned from his father Carl and his mentorNorman Lear, Rob Reiner not only was a great comic actor, he became a master story teller," the statement reads. "There is no other director who has his range. From comedy to drama to 'mockumentary' to documentary he was always at the top of his game. He charmed audiences. They trusted him. They lined up to see his films."
The statement was signed by Short, Billy and Janice Crystal, Albert and Kimberly Brooks, Larry David and Ashley Underwood, Alan and Robin Zweibel, Marc Shaiman and Lou Mirabal, Barry and Diana Levinson as well as James Costos and Michael Smith.
"His comedic touch was beyond compare, his love of getting the music of the dialogue just right, and his sharpening of the edge of a drama was simply elegant. For the actors, he loved them. For the writers he made them better. His greatest gift was freedom. If you had an idea, he listened, he brought you into the process. They always felt they were working as a team. To be in his hands as a film maker was a privilege but that is only part of his legacy," the statement reads.
Director Carl Reiner presents an award to his son, director Rob Reiner at AARP Magazine's "10th Annual Movies For Grownups" on Feb. 7, 2011, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were killed Dec. 14." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Rob, Michele, his mother Estelle Reiner, and father Carl at the premiere of 'Best In Show,' Sept.19, 2000, in West Hollywood." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Frank Thomas, Rob and his sons during the Pre-Party for the Players Choice Awards in Las Vegas." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Rob and his son at Game 4 of the Lakers - Timberwolves 2003 NBA playoffs in L.A.." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Rob and his family at the premiere of "Rumor Has It" at the Grauman's Chinese Theater on Dec. 15, 2005." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Rob with Michele and their son at the 59th annual Directors Guild of America Awards on Feb. 3, 2007 in Los Angeles." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Carl Reiner, left, and Rob and his wife Michele Singer Reiner and their daughter Romy at the 60th annual ACE Eddie Awards on February 14, 2010 in Beverly Hills, Calif." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Rob and Michele at the 2011 NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 20, 2011, in L.A." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Rob and Michele and their son at Teen Vogue's Back-to-School Saturday kick-off event on Aug. 9, 2013 in L.A." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Rob and Michele attend the Family Equality LA Awards Dinner on Feb. 11, 2012, in Universal City, Calif." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Rob, Michele and daughter Romy at the 'Shock and Awe' premiere at the 13th Zurich Film Festival on Sept. 30, 2017, in Zurich, Switzerland." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Romy, Rob and Michele at the premiere of Electric Entertainment's 'LBJ' at the Arclight Theatre on October 24, 2017, in L.A." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Romy, Rob and Michele at the Friar's Club Entertainment Icon Award at The Ziegfeld Ballroom Nov. 12, 2018, in New York City." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
See Hollywood icon Rob Reiner and his family
Director Carl Reiner presents an award to his son, directorRob Reinerat AARP Magazine's "10th Annual Movies For Grownups" on Feb. 7, 2011, in Beverly Hills, Calif.Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were killed Dec. 14.
The statement continued: "Rob was also a passionate, brave citizen, who not only cared for this country he loved, he did everything he could to make it better and with his loving wife Michele, he had the perfect partner. Strong and determined, Michele and Rob Reiner devoted a great deal of their lives for the betterment of our fellow citizen. They were a special force together-dynamic, unselfish and inspiring. We were their friends, and we will miss them forever."
"There is a line from one of Rob's favorite films, 'It's a Wonderful Life,' 'Each man's life touches so many other lives, and when he isn't around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?' You have no idea."
Other starswho have recently paid their respects to the Reiners includeChristopher Guest,Jamie Lee Curtis,Kate Hudson, Zooey Deschanel,John Cusack,andTom Hanks' wife,Rita Wilson.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Billy Crystal, Martin Short, Larry David, more stars honor Rob Reiner
