The Oscars paid tribute to plenty of big names who’d previously left us on Sunday, and held a special segment for Michele and Rob Reiner. A collection of 17 stars from the late director’s movies came together for the highly-emotional moment, which you can watch below.
Michele and Rob were stabbed to death at their Brentwood home in December. Rob was a highly respected actor and director in the industry, with Michele an equally respected photographer and producer.
Their deaths have received plenty of publicity, with their son Nick on trial for first-degree murder.
Billy Crystal led the tribute to the late director and his wife
Sunday was an emotional night for many during the Oscars in memoriam segment. Comedian and actor Billy Crystal had a close relationship with Rob, working with him on numerous films and TV projects.
Billy says that he first met the filmmaker after being cast as Rob’s best friend on an episode of All in the Family. The two apparently had so much fun together on set that Rob wanted to work with Billy again. “It was a thrill to see him evolve from a great comic actor to a master storyteller,” Billy explained.
Billy would have a small role in The Princess Bride, directed by Rob. He would go on to star in When Harry Met Sally, alongside Meg Ryan, which earned Rob, Billy and Meg all Golden Globe nominations.
In December, Meg spoke fondly of Rob, saying he had a huge love “for our country.” Billy had served as Oscars host multiple times before.
Both Billy and Barbra Streisand were on stage Sunday discussing some of the stars who’d died. Barbara was there honoring Robert Redford. The two were in The Way We Were. Among the other celebrities who were honored at the Oscars were Robert Duvall, Val Kilmer and Diana Keaton.
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