Billy Crystal pays tribute to close friend Rob Reiner after fatal family tragedy

Billy Crystal has spoken publicly for the first time following the tragic deaths of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, who were found dead at their home on Sunday, December 14.

The When Harry Met Sally... actor released a joint statement with his wife, Janice Crystal, alongside Albert and Kimberly Brooks, Martin Short, Alan and Robin Zweibel, Larry David and Ashley Underwood, Marc Shaiman and Lou Mirabal, Barry and Diana Levinson and Ambassador James Costos, with Michael Smith.

In the statement, the 77-year-old actor, together with Rob’s close friends and longtime collaborators, paid tribute to the acclaimed director and Castle Rock Entertainment co-founder, honouring his extraordinary legacy.

“Going to the movies in a dark theater filled with strangers having a common experience, laughing, crying, screaming in fear, or watching an intense drama unfold is still an unforgettable thrill," the statement provided to the Associated Press read.

They added, "Tell us a story audiences demand of us. Absorbing all he had learned from his father Carl and his mentor Norman Lear, Rob Reiner not only was a great comic actor, he became a master story teller. 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."

"His comedic touch was beyond compare," said Billy, David and others, praising Rob Reiner's work. "His greatest gift was freedom... He made writers better and loved actors."

The detailed statement concludes with, “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.”

For the unversed, Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were killed by their son Nick Reiner, while he was later arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, with the allegation of using a knife in the crime.