Horror author Stephen King has publicly shared his grief following the brutal murders of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. The couple were found dead in their Los Angeles mansion on Sunday, with their son, Nick Reiner, charged with the double homicide.
A Creative Partnership Remembered
In an emotional piece for the New York Times, King reflected on his profound professional relationship with Reiner. The director was behind two of the most celebrated film adaptations of King's work: the coming-of-age classic Stand By Me (1986) and the psychological thriller Misery (1990).
King, known for being critical of many screen versions of his novels, held Reiner's work in the highest regard. He recounted being moved to tears after his first viewing of Stand By Me, which was based on his deeply personal novella The Body. "I was surprised by how deeply affected I was by its 89 minutes," King wrote.
He described an uncharacteristic moment of emotion after the screening: "I thanked Rob and surprised the hell out of myself by giving him a hug. I'm not ordinarily a hugging man." King noted that Reiner seemed similarly taken aback by the gesture.
The Legacy of Stand By Me and Misery
King revealed he was so overwhelmed he had to retreat to a bathroom stall to compose himself. When he returned, he had no notes for Reiner, only admiration. "I marveled at what a good story the truth could make in the right hands," he stated.
His praise extended to Misery, which he said left him "equally delighted." The 1990 film earned actress Kathy Bates an Academy Award for Best Actress, making it the only King adaptation to ever win an Oscar. This endorsement stands in stark contrast to King's famous disdain for other adaptations like Stanley Kubrick's The Shining and The Dark Tower.
A Family Tragedy Unfolds
The artistic reflections are set against a backdrop of horrific violence. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner confirmed Rob, 78, and Michele Reiner, 70, died from 'multiple sharp force injuries'—their deaths ruled homicides. They were discovered in their $13.5 million home.
Their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was arrested on Sunday. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, with special circumstances for multiple murders and using a knife as a dangerous weapon. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment without parole or potentially the death penalty.
Nick made a brief court appearance on Wednesday wearing an anti-suicide vest and did not enter a plea. Meanwhile, the couple's other children, Romy and Jake, released a heart-wrenching statement, describing their parents as their "best friends" and pleading for privacy amidst the speculation.
The film community and fans worldwide are now left to mourn the loss of a legendary director and his wife, while remembering the iconic stories he brought to the screen from the pages of Stephen King.
