Meg Ryan has published a heartfelt tribute to the departed filmmaker Rob Reiner, who directed her in the hit rom-com When Harry Met Sally.
Reiner was found dead with his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, at their residence in LA this past weekend.
“How we will long for this man…” Ryan shared on Instagram, next to an image of them together. “Our gratitude, Rob and Michele, for your faith in true love, stories, and joy. Thank you for your faith in the best in people, and for your profound love of our country.”
Reiner’s son Nick, 32, faces two counts of first-degree murder and appeared in court today. He’s being detained without the option of bail. It’s been reported that Reiner’s daughter Romy discovered her father deceased.
“I must hold onto hope that their tale doesn't conclude here, that awareness can be heightened from this,” Ryan added. “I don’t know, but my guess is that they would want that to be hopeful and humane, to be something that brings us all to a greater understanding of one another and to some peace.”
Reiner’s other children Jake and Romy released a message today. “No words can convey the constant, profound sorrow we feel,” they said. “Losing our parents in such a horrific way is a devastation beyond comprehension. Beyond being our mom and dad, they were our dearest friends.”
Ryan’s co-star, Billy Crystal, joined in remembering Reiner through a message shared yesterday together with remarks by Larry David, Martin Short and Albert Brooks.
“His skill for comedy was unmatched, his ear for dialogue perfect, and his dramatic precision was sheer elegance,” it read. “He adored his actors. He elevated his writers. His finest trait was granting creative liberty. He valued input and made you part of the team. Everyone felt like part of a crew. His direction was a gift, but his legacy is broader.”
When Harry Met Sally was a critical and commercial success in 1989, making over $93m at the box office and earning Nora Ephron an Oscar nomination for best original screenplay.
Rob Reiner was introduced to Michele Singer Reiner whilst filming When Harry Met Sally. The pair were brought together by Barry Sonnenfeld, a fellow filmmaker and pal.
Reiner’s celebrated filmography comprised classics such as Misery, Stand by Me and The Princess Bride. The director and his wife were married for 36 years.
