Cary Elwes, the actor who portrayed Westley in the beloved film The Princess Bride, has paid a deeply emotional tribute to his late friend and co-star Rob Reiner on what would have been the filmmaker’s 79th birthday. Reiner, who was found dead along with his wife Michele in December 2025, was a central figure in Elwes’ career, with the pair sharing a decades-long friendship that began during their work on the 1987 film.

The Friendship That Spanned Decades

Elwes and Reiner first met during the production of The Princess Bride, which was based on William Goldman’s 1973 novel of the same name. Their collaboration marked the beginning of a deep and enduring friendship that would last over 30 years. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Elwes reflected on the loss, writing, ‘Today would have been your 79th birthday. Still hard to believe you’re gone. Missing you so much.’

Reiner, who was also known for directing films such as This Is Spinal Tap, was a beloved figure in Hollywood. His wife, Michele, 68, was also found dead at their Hollywood home on December 16, 2025, after the pair was discovered by authorities shortly after 3:38 p.m. local time. Initial reports did not immediately identify the couple or the circumstances of their deaths, but it was later confirmed that they had been murdered.

The Legal Proceedings and Charges

The case took a dramatic turn when their son, Nick Reiner, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He was initially held on a $4,000,000 bond, but this was later changed to a no-bond detention as he awaits trial. In addition to the murder charges, Nick faces special circumstances related to the use of a knife, a dangerous and deadly weapon, as well as a charge for multiple murders.

On February 23, his attorney, Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene, entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf. The case will now move to a preliminary hearing on April 29, where a judge will assess whether the prosecution has gathered sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial. If convicted, Nick could face life in prison or, in the most severe case, the death penalty.

Elwes Reflects on Reiner’s Legacy

Elwes has long spoken about the profound impact Reiner had on his life and career. In a previous tribute, he shared how he ‘fell in love’ with Reiner upon meeting him for the first time during the production of The Princess Bride. ‘I was already a fan of his work so meeting him in person was a dream come true,’ he said. ‘As we began spending more time together I knew this was someone I wanted in my life.’

He praised Reiner’s warm personality and his deep sense of compassion. ‘The first thing I noticed about Rob was that he wore his heart on his sleeve. This was a man who felt deeply. Whose heart was filled with love and compassion. He wasn’t impressed by how much money you had or if you had a privileged upbringing. He just wanted to know if you were a ‘good guy.’ He always tried to find the best in people.’

Elwes also recalled the significance of working on The Princess Bride, a film that he described as being about love, loyalty, and sacrifice—values that Reiner held dear. ‘I can’t remember a single day without laughter. The movie is about love, loyalty and sacrifice. Things that Rob held dear. Which is among the many reasons he was the perfect person to direct it.’

He also paid tribute to Michele Reiner, describing her as ‘an incredibly loving, intelligent person’ who was ‘deeply passionate about her family and about lifting others up.’ Elwes noted that the couple was a ‘great team’ who used their fame to support causes that helped those who were marginalized.

The loss of Rob and Michele Reiner has left a void in the entertainment community and among those who knew them personally. As the legal process continues, their legacy remains deeply felt, and their contributions to film and philanthropy will not be forgotten.