Following Rob Reiner's death: Stephen King, John Cusack, more stars pay tribute to prolific director

The death of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele came as a shock, with many stars and celebrities paying tribute to the prolific Hollywood actor and director, who counts "When Harry Met Sally," "Princess Bride," "Stand By Me," and "A Few Good Men" as among his most beloved works.   

Several stars and celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to Rob and Michelle.

On X (formerly Twitter), John Cusack, who Rob worked with in the films “The Sure Thing” and “Stand by Me,” remembered the director for “his huge heart” and “endless generosity.” 

“What made Rob a great man was not his prodigious talents as an actor, director, writer, producer - it was his huge heart,  his endless generosity, and his decency and humanity that made him great,” John wrote. 

“He had soul - and saw the soul in others. He loved justice. Gave me my break in the business and took care of me like a son. A mensch in every sense. Honored to work with him on his second and third films - sure thing and stand by me. Love you Rob,” he added. 

Stephen King, whose two novels "Misery" and "Stand By Me" were adapted into films that were directed by Reiner, said that he is "horrified and saddened" by the couple's deaths.” 

“I’m horrified and saddened by the death of Rob Reiner and Michele. Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine). Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me,” he wrote on X.

On Instagram, Zooey Deschanel said she was “absolutely devastated” with the death of her on-screen dad in “New Girl.”

“My heart is broken. Rob Reiner was the absolute warmest, funniest, most generous of spirits. A truly good human being. An incredible artist and such a playful and fun collaborator. I cherish the time we spent working together and the many films he made that have shaped who I am,” Zoeey wrote and posted a photo of herself with the late director.

She went on to describe Rob and his wife as kind people who brought her so much joy.

“Rob and his lovely wife, Michele, were always so kind, and it brought me so much joy any time I was lucky enough to see them. I’m absolutely devastated. Sending so much love to their family and friends,” she said.

Actor and filmmaker Ben Stiller also took time to mourn the loss of Rob, whom he called “one of my favorite directors.” 

“I didn’t know him well, but was always a fan, and I feel a real sadness for those who did, and his family,” he said on X.

Cary Elwes, who played the role of Westley in Rob’s “The Princess Bride,” posted a black-and-white photo of two empty director’s chairs, one of which bears the filmmaker’s name on Instagram.

“No words…” he simply wrote in the caption.

“Stand By Me” star Corey Feldman shared the news on X and said that he was “shocked” and “saddened” by the couple’s untimely passing.

“OMG this is horrible news! I’m so sorry for Rob and his wife, and their children and the whole Reiner family. All I can say is I’m shocked and saddened, but I love you Rob. You will be forever missed.”

Former US president Barack Obama sent his condolences to the bereaved family and said that he and his wife Michelle are “heartbroken by the tragic passing” of the couple.

“Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action,” Obama wrote. 

Ending his message, Obama added that Rob and his wife will be “remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired.” 

“Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them,” he said. 

Meanwhile, The Academy Award on social media shared a black and white photo of Rob, and paid homage to Rob’s career and filmography that has “become cultural touchstones... endlessly quoted, revisited, and cherished across generations.” 

“Rob told stories with uncommon warmth and clarity, moving seamlessly between comedy, romance, drama, and suspense. His work received an Academy Award nomination for 'A Few Good Men' and helped create moments that have lived with audiences for decades. In his films, we continue to find laughter, love, and a reflection of ourselves,” they said.

Rob and Michele were found dead in their Los Angeles home on December 15. Local media reported the couple had been stabbed to death.

Shortly after, their son Nick was arrested on homicide charges.

Rob, 78, co-starred in the 1970s hit CBS television comedy "All in the Family." He directed several well-known movies, including "The Princess Bride," "This is Spinal Tap," "When Harry Met Sally," "Stand by Me" and "The American President." — LA, GMA Integrated News