This news has shocked not only the Hollywood scene, but the entire community of fans who had followed him since his first television appearances and first projects on the big screen: found dead alongside his wife Michelle, to whom he had been linked since 1989, Rob Reiner is today sadly remembered for his death in atrocious circumstances, after having made a significant contribution to cinema with films that are still acclaimed and widely cited today.

Having become famous above all for the irresistible “When Harry Met Sally” – the romantic comedy starring a very young Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, which redefined the genre and influenced an entire generation – Reiner is also remembered, for example, for “Misery”, the film based on Stephen King’s novel that launched star Kathy Bates’s successful career, crowned by her Oscar win for Best Actress in 1991.

Found lifeless in their Brentwood, Los Angeles, home on December 14, Rob and Michelle appeared to have been brutally assaulted before losing consciousness, as confirmed by the medical examiner, who officially attributed the cause of death to "multiple stab wounds." The most likely suspect is their son, Nick, who faces charges of first-degree murder. After the preliminary hearing was adjourned to January 7, defense attorney Alan Jackson publicly stated: "The most important thing is that this is a devastating tragedy for the Reiner family. Our hearts go out to the entire Reiner family. There are very, very complex and serious issues associated with this case."

It's no coincidence that one of the strongest reasons for singling out Nick Reiner as the perpetrator is his schizophrenia diagnosis, which emerged just days before his parents' murder, as reported by TMZ. Specifically, Nick had been under the care of a psychiatrist for the past few months, and his behavior appears to have become particularly alarming recently. According to the magazine's sources, the main factor contributing to his unstable state was the change in his medications during his stay in a rehabilitation facility. Furthermore, his excessive use of narcotics, combined with the effects of his medications, has reportedly severely impacted his behavior and mental stability.

Nick is currently being held in a maximum security cell, wearing a special blue suicide prevention gown. This protocol is believed to be due to the increasingly prevalent suspicion of mental illness, as confirmed by law enforcement officials themselves: "When he arrived at the prison on December 15th, mental health staff assessed him and determined he was at risk. He will remain under suicide watch until a doctor deems him fit, which could take a considerable amount of time depending on his mental health."

Among the countless messages of support from the entertainment world, with a special thought for their children Jake and Romy, Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal also expressed their sorrow over the loss. Recalling the strength of the bond that kept Rob and Michelle together throughout their lives, Meg Ryan said: “Thank you, Rob and Michelle, for the way you believed in true love, in fairy tales, and in laughter. Thank you for your belief in the best in people, and for your deep love for our country.”

And, on Nick Reiner's alleged responsibility for what happened, he added: “I have to believe that their story doesn't end with this impossible tragedy, that there's something good in it, that it raises some awareness... I don't know, but I guess they would have wanted us to be hopeful and humane, for it to be something that unites us all in a greater mutual understanding and brings some peace.”

With equal fervor, Billy Crystal, along with several of Reiner's close associates, stated: "Absorbing everything he learned from his father, Carl, and his mentor, Norman Lear, Rob Reiner was not only a great comedian, but also a master storyteller. There is no other director with his versatility. From comedy to drama, from mockumentary to documentary, he was always at the top of his game. He captivated audiences. Audiences trusted him. And they lined up to see his films. His comic touch was unmatched, his love of perfectly crafted dialogue, and his ability to hone the thread of drama were simply elegant. Strong and determined, Michele and Rob Reiner dedicated much of their lives to the betterment of our fellow citizens. Together, they were a special force, dynamic, generous, and inspiring. We were their friends, and we will miss them forever."

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