Michael Douglas reflects on the deeply personal bond he shared with filmmaker Rob Reiner and reveals their connection went far beyond their work in Hollywood.
Speaking during the CBS special Rob Reiner – Scenes from a LifeDouglas said the two often found themselves talking about their struggles as parents, particularly when it came to their children’s battles with addiction.
Douglas explained that having a son with substance abuse problems created a calm understanding between them.
“I also had a son who had a drug problem. I’m happy to say he overcame it and lived a prosperous life,” Douglas said.
He added that he and Reiner would “talk a lot about that and what you can do as a parent and what you can’t do,” describing conversations based on worry, uncertainty and shared experience.
The comments come in the wake of a shocking tragedy.
Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, were found stabbed to death in their home on December 14.
His son, Nick, was arrested a few hours later and charged Tuesday with two counts of murder.
The Los Angeles Police Department later confirmed in a statement that “Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of Robert and Michele Reiner, was responsible for their deaths.”
Douglas described Reiner’s death as a “terrible tragedy,” highlighting the weight the director carried privately while continuing to appear fully in his professional life.
“Knowing everything that goes on behind the scenes, this was a man who always gave his best,” Douglas said.
The two men worked together on the 1995 political drama. the american president and then reunited for the 2014 romance. And so it goes. Their collaborations reflected an enduring respect that extended to friendship.
Douglas also referenced his own family journey, sharing that his son Cameron Douglas was released from prison in 2016 after serving nearly seven years on drug charges.
His recovery, Douglas said, has been a source of gratitude.
The CBS tribute special also featured reflections from Jerry O’Connell, Kathy Bates, Albert Brooks, Annette Bening and Mandy Patinkin, painting a more complete picture of Reiner’s life and career and the lasting impact he left on those who knew him personally.
