Following the shocking and tragic death of Rob and Michele Reiner, the tributes poured in in a big way. Then, during one of the touching highlights of the 2026 Oscars, the filmmaker's friend and collaborator, Billy Crystal, brought out a stage full of stars to honor the Reiners. If you’re curious what inspired the veteran actor to pitch that memorable Oscars tribute for his longtime friend, Crystal credited one of his last chats he had with Reiner.
Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner had been friends ever since the City Slickers actor guest-starred on a 1976 episode of Reiner's sitcom, All in the Family. Crystal then began to work with the director in This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, and When Harry Met Sally… So, it’s clearly fitting that he’d be the one to honor his old pal at The Academy Awards.
