In a sombre and emotional television appearance, actor Mandy Patinkin reflected on the profound friendship of the late director Rob Reiner, describing it as "the glue of their lives". Patinkin appeared on ABC's The View on Thursday, 18 December 2025, alongside fellow performer Patti LuPone, to share memories following the tragic deaths of Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner.
Emotional Tributes on Daytime Television
The atmosphere was heavy as the 73-year-old Princess Bride star and LuPone joined the show's hosts. The conversation turned to the filmmaker, who, along with his wife, was found stabbed to death in their home on Sunday. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been arrested and charged with both murders and has not yet entered a plea.
LuPone became visibly emotional, remembering Reiner as a "generous" individual. "It's hard to believe," she said of his passing, struggling to hold back tears.
A Lasting Bond Forged on Set
Patinkin, who famously played the swordsman Inigo Montoya in Reiner's beloved 1987 fantasy film The Princess Bride, shared a poignant memory from filming. He recalled a moment travelling on a bus to a new location, observing Reiner with his two close friends, actors Billy Crystal and Christopher Guest.
The trio were deeply engrossed in discussing baseball statistics, displaying an encyclopaedic knowledge of games from their childhoods. While Patinkin marvelled at their sports trivia recall, he was more struck by the evident depth of their bond. It was this connection he identified as the fundamental adhesive in their lives.
A Nation Mourns a Cultural Icon
The segment on The View served as a public moment of mourning for a figure who shaped decades of American cinema. Reiner's death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond. The investigation into the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner continues, with the judicial process against their son pending.
As tributes pour in from colleagues and fans, the memories shared by Patinkin and LuPone highlight not just Reiner's professional legacy, but the profound personal relationships he nurtured, which left an indelible mark on those around him.
