Princess Bride star Cary Elwes shares an emotional tribute to director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele after their tragic deaths – here’s what he said

Cary Elwes, who played Westley in the 1987 classic The Princess Bride, has shared a heartfelt tribute to Rob Reiner and his wife Michele after their sudden deaths. Posting on Instagram on 29 December, Elwes reflected on his first meeting with Reiner and the lasting impact the director had on both his life and career.



“I first met Rob Reiner on the set of The Princess Bride, and from that very first moment, I fell in love with him,” Elwes wrote. He described Reiner as a man with a heart filled with love and compassion and recalled the warmth and support he felt on set. For Elwes, working with Reiner was more than a career opportunity. It was a dream come true.



Elwes remembered Reiner’s guidance and his approach to filmmaking. He explained how Reiner encouraged actors to embrace their roles fully, saying, “Once the movie is released, it belongs to other people. But while you are making it, that is your time on the planet, so you want to make it good.” Elwes said that his time with Reiner during filming was extraordinary and full of learning.

The actor also spoke about the laughter and joy Reiner brought to the set. “I cannot remember a single day without laughter. If I could make him laugh in return, I felt like I had won the lottery. His laugh was one of the greatest sounds I have ever known and it still rings in my ears,” he said. Elwes credited Reiner for creating an environment where creativity, humour, and dedication were equally valued.



Elwes highlighted Michele Reiner’s role in the couple’s life, describing them as an exceptional team who used their influence to support others and advocate for marginalised communities. He praised the couple for their generosity, integrity, and the love they shared with those around them.



He also emphasised Reiner’s brilliance as a filmmaker. “He loved the act of creation above all else,” Elwes wrote, noting that Reiner’s films often centred on themes of loyalty, love, and sacrifice. He recalled that Reiner’s passion for storytelling and his dedication to his craft made every moment on set meaningful.




Reflecting on their deaths on 14 December, Elwes wrote, “Because my heart still aches every time I think of you, I know the grief of losing you too soon will likely never go away. Death cannot stop true love, but life is pain without you.” Rob Reiner was 78 and Michele Reiner was 70 when they were found dead in their Los Angeles home. Their son Nick has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is due in court in January.

Elwes’ tribute paints a picture of a couple whose work, kindness, and warmth left a profound mark on everyone around them. His words remind fans of the humanity behind the legend, the laughter behind the camera, and the love that defined both Rob and Michele Reiner’s remarkable lives. Their legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers, actors, and admirers around the world.