Billy Crystal recently opened up about his final conversation with longtime friend and acclaimed director Rob Reiner, sharing an emotional recollection during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The conversation took place at a Christmas party hosted by Conan O'Brien just one night before Reiner and his wife Michele were tragically killed in their home.
Crystal described how the two discussed the evolving film industry, reminiscing about their careers that began when they met in 1975. "We talked about how you can't control a movie's success," Crystal recalled, "but you can control the experience of making it. Rob said, 'That's something you always have. Hits are great, but it's the people you hold on to.'"
Inspired by these words, Crystal organized a moving tribute at the Academy Awards, bringing together 17 actors from Reiner's iconic first seven films—including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, and When Harry Met Sally—to honor the director and his wife. Among them was Carol Kane, whom Crystal affectionately called his "other wife" from their roles in The Princess Bride.
"We held hands and walked out with a beautiful picture of Rob and Michele," Crystal said. "They were our closest friends."
Reflecting on Reiner's legacy, Crystal added, "It's a profound loss for humanity. He was the most human person I ever met." As the investigation into the couple's deaths continues—with their son Nick Reiner pleading not guilty to murder charges—Crystal's tribute stands as a testament to the enduring impact of friendship and artistic collaboration.