Actor and comedian Billy Crystal was seen in tears this week outside the Brentwood home of his longtime friend and colleague, filmmaker Rob Reiner, shortly after news broke of a double homicide involving Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner.
The couple, aged 78 and 68 respectively, were found dead inside their $13.5 million Los Angeles mansion on Sunday. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that both victims had what appeared to be knife wounds, with reports later suggesting their throats had been slit. Police are investigating the deaths as a double homicide.
Crystal, 77, was photographed within the police cordon on the property, walking slowly with his wife, Janice, and appearing emotional as he wiped away tears. The couple is believed to have been close with the Reiners. Another longtime friend, comedian Larry David — best known for Curb Your Enthusiasm and co-creating Seinfeld — was also seen near the scene and was reportedly visibly shaken.
Billy Crystal and Larry David get emotional after they show up at Rob Reiner’s home after the murders.
https://t.co/zx8a5IX7tp
— TMZ (@TMZ) December 15, 2025
: Fox News According to police, the couple’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, has been arrested in connection with the killings. He is currently in custody, though no motive has been officially released at this time. Nick Reiner is a screenwriter who co-wrote Being Charlie with his father, a film based on his own past struggles with addiction and homelessness.
Director Rob Reiner’s son Nick is in custody and has been booked for felony murder after the director and his wife were found knifed to death at their home
Billy Crystal outside Rob Reiner’s home after director’s death pic.twitter.com/CdCvhcIa6I
— Lilian Chan (@bestgug) December 15, 2025
In a public statement issued Sunday night, the Reiner family said, “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Neighbors and family friends continued to visit the home in Brentwood, one of Los Angeles’ most exclusive neighborhoods, where the Reiners had lived for years. ABC7 in Los Angeles reported that Crystal and David visited the home separately, with Crystal seen leaving the property in tears.
Rob Reiner’s career spanned decades, beginning with his breakout role as “Meathead” on the 1970s sitcom All in the Family, for which he won two Emmy Awards. In the decades that followed, he became one of Hollywood’s most successful and influential directors, with credits including This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Stand By Me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally (1989), Misery (1990), A Few Good Men (1992), The American President (1995), and The Bucket List (2007).
Reiner and Crystal first met on the set of All in the Family in 1975 and remained close friends ever since. In a 2016 column for The Hollywood Reporter, Crystal wrote about their deep friendship, explaining that their on-screen chemistry translated into a personal bond that lasted nearly 50 years. “We became the closest of friends,” Crystal wrote at the time.
Reiner met his wife, Michele Singer, on the set of When Harry Met Sally, which is widely considered one of the greatest romantic comedies ever made. They married in 1989 and had three children together: Jake, Nick, and Romy.
Reiner was previously married to actress Penny Marshall, who passed away in 2018. He adopted her daughter, Tracy Reiner.
Nick Reiner has previously spoken about his struggles with substance abuse and homelessness. In a 2016 interview with People, he described being homeless in several states and entering rehab multiple times — reportedly more than 17 stints by the age of 22.
He co-wrote Being Charlie, a film inspired by his personal experiences, with his father. At the time of the film’s release, he said he was hopeful about staying sober, noting the dangers of life on the street. “I could’ve died. It’s all luck,” he said in 2016.
As of Monday, authorities had not released further details about the investigation or whether Nick Reiner had entered a plea. He remains in custody while police continue to gather evidence.
The Brentwood neighborhood remains on high alert as the community processes the loss of two well-known and beloved residents. Law enforcement has increased patrols in the area while the investigation continues.
