It’s been almost a year since the death of Rob Reiner and wife Michelle, and their children are reflecting on what they miss most about them.
Jake and Romy Reiner delivered speeches at the Children’s Institute’s annual Cape & Gown Gala on Nov. 8, where they presented Jamie Lee Curtis with the inaugural Michele and Rob Reiner Champion for Change Award.
Jake Reiner reflected on his parents’ philanthropic endeavors, while also touching on how difficult the past year has been.
“Eleven months ago we could barely stand, let alone speak, in front of an audience like this,” he said. “We’re here for our mom and our dad, and we’re trying to show up for them like they did every single day raising us. They always led with love and compassion, and we’re constantly fighting for those less fortunate.”
He said that when he’s asked how he’s going to carry his parents’ legacy forward, he say it’s a “tough question to answer and an even tougher act to follow.”
“Right now, I’m just trying to survive the trauma, figure out how to heal,” he said. “And show up for Children’s Institute tonight. I know one thing that keeps me going is something my parents instilled in me. I have the gift of being in a position to help people, and I can make the world a better place.”
Rob and Michelle Reiner were found dead at their Los Angeles home on Dec. 14, 2025. Their son Nick Reiner is accused of murdering the two and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. If convicted, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole, according to NBC News. His trial is expected to take place next year.
During his speech at the gala, Jake Reiner shared how his parents’ absence “is loud tonight and every night” for them.
“I miss my mom squeezing my knee under the table when someone at our table says something ridiculous. I miss my dad leaning over to me to say, ‘I can’t believe they brought out the salad and dessert at the same time. This is forcing me to make a very difficult decision,’” he said with a laugh. “Above all else, I’m really going to miss the post-party analysis on the car ride home with both of them, where we dissect everything that annoyed us tonight.”
He added that “loss and grief always leave us wanting more.”
He added that there “are so many moments throughout the day I wish I could call them. I want to bounce ideas off them. I desperately want their advice.”
Nick Reiner wants his parents’ money, but will he get it? Nick, who is currently facing two murder charges in the deaths of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, has filed a petition requesting money from a trust fund they established in his name, so that he could once again hire a high-powered attorney. NBC Legal Analyst Misty Marris is breaking down the many ways this could go.
“The tragedy of what happened to our family is so dark that the two people I want right by my side are only with me in my mind and in my soul. All I have left is the last 34 years of the most wonderful parents anyone’s ever had,” he said.
Romy Reiner also thanked Curtis and her husband Christopher Guest, for being there for her amid her parents’ deaths.
“Her and her husband Chris have shown up for me in ways that not many people have. And for that, I feel very special to be on the receiving end of their love,” she said. “I never had a connection as deep or knew them quite as well until now. I truly feel there isn’t a person better to receive this than Jamie. She is a beautiful soul inside and out and I feel honored that she is accepting this award.”
Curtis had been longtime friends with the late actor/director and his wife. At the 2026 Emmys, she honored him and called him a “cherished legend” during a special “In Memoriam” tribute.
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