Michael Douglas reflects on the deeply personal bond he shared with filmmaker Rob Reiner, revealing that their connection went far beyond their work in Hollywood.
Speaking on the CBS special Rob Reiner – Scenes from a LifeDouglas said the two often found themselves talking about their struggles as fathers, especially when it came to their sons’ struggles with addiction.
Douglas said having a child with substance abuse issues created a quiet understanding between them.
“I also had a son who had drug problems. I’m happy to say he overcame them and is living a prosperous life,” Douglas said.
He added that he and Reiner would “talk a lot about this and what you can do as a parent, what you can’t do,” describing conversations rooted in worry, uncertainty and shared experience.
These 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.
Their son, Nick, was arrested hours later and charged Tuesday with two counts of murder.
The Los Angeles Police Department later confirmed in a statement: “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,” emphasizing the weight the director carried privately while continuing to fully manifest in his professional life.
“Knowing everything that was going on behind the scenes, he was a man who always did his best,” Douglas said.
The two worked together on the 1995 political drama The American President and later reunited for the 2014 romance And so on. Their collaborations reflected a long-standing respect that blossomed into 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 for 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 the life, career and lasting impact he left on those who knew him personally.
