Wilson collaborated with Rob Reiner in “Sleepless in Seattle” alongside her husband Tom Hanks.

Rita Wilson remembers ‘joyful’ friends Rob and Michele Reiner: ‘Everything was a celebration’

Wilson collaborated with Rob Reiner in "Sleepless in Seattle" alongside her husband Tom Hanks.

By Marina Watts

Marina Watts

Marina Watts is a news writer for with seven years experience covering entertainment, pop culture and celebrity news. Her previous work appears in PEOPLE, Bustle and Newsweek.

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May 7, 2026 11:40 a.m. ET

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Rita Wilson; Rob and Michele Reiner. Credit:

Justin Palmer/Getty; Eric Charbonneau/Getty

- Rita Wilson is reminiscing about her friendship with Rob and Michele Reiner.

- The actress appeared in Reiner's *Sleepless in Seattle *alongside her husband Tom Hanks.

- Rob and Michele were found fatally stabbed in their Brentwood, Calif., home in December. Their son Nick Reiner has been charged in connection with their murders.

Rita Wilson is mourning her friends Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner.

Wilson, who collaborated with Rob in films *Sleepless in Seattle*,* Mixed Nuts*, and *The Story of Us*, told PEOPLE about her dear friends, who were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood, Calif., home on Dec. 14, sending shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond. The actress spoke about the unusual parties the late couple would throw, along with the warmth they radiated.

"The kind of thing that Rob and Michele would do [is], they'd say, 'Okay, we're having a 'Bad Showbiz Party.' You have to bring a clip of your worst performance ever. Doesn't matter what it was from or how far back it went; you have to bring that,'" she said. "You have to put your worst showbiz moment on screen in front of all of these people, but everybody's in the same boat, so you know you're kind of safe."

Wilson added that they once had a *Godfather *and *Godfather II *movie night, complete with an Italian dinner between the films. "Everything was a celebration," she said of the Reiners. "There wasn't anyone more joyful."**

Rita Wilson and Rob Reiner at 'The Story of Us' premiere in 1999.

Robin Platzer/Twin Images/Online USA, Inc./Getty

Wilson shared a heartfelt tribute to the Reiners on Instagram in December. "Rob and Michele Reiner are two people who really did make the world a better place. This is truth. We have been friends since our kids were toddlers attending the same preschool. It’s impossible to reconcile the tragedy of their deaths with the beauty they offered the world," she began in part.

The singer praised Michele as an "enormously talented photographer" and as a producer whose work "focused on social justice and creating awareness of our world." "She was wry, funny, opinionated but also reasonable and self reflective. She was so close to her sister and her family understanding the importance of close connection. Their mother was a Holocaust survivor. When her mom was alive she and Rob gave her a life that brought her joy and grandkids."

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The *Girls *actress also honored Rob, whom she called "pure joy." "I was lucky enough to call him a friend and also a peer who I worked with on *North* and* The Story of Us*. Rob was a generous director who loved actors, because he was one himself. He gave actors freedom and trusted our choices. When we saw each other it was as if time was a continuous thread in a metaphorical needlepoint work that picked up where we left off."

Wilson concluded that the Reiners' legacy, of both their time in Hollywood and working to make the world a better place, will continue.

"His work as an actor, writer and director will live on, as will all the works he and Michele endeavored so hard to establish for our civil good. Our hearts go out to their families with the deepest of sorrow and love," she said. "Rob and Michelle, may their memories be eternal."**

Rob and Michele's son Nick Reiner was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with his parents' deaths in December. He pleaded not guilty during a court appearance in February. At a hearing on April 29, Nick waived his right to expedite the proceedings by agreeing to a general time waiver.

Nick, who remains in jail without bail, is scheduled to return to court in September for a preliminary hearing.

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