The Story Rob Reiner's death, Trump's reaction and Hollywood politics
Dec 19, 2025
Hadley Freeman, a columnist for The Sunday Times, shares heartfelt memories of filmmaker Rob Reiner, reflecting on his significant impact in Hollywood. Kevin Maher, chief film critic at The Times, analyzes Reiner's versatility across genres and his activism against political figures like Trump. They discuss the waves of emotion following Reiner's tragic death and Trump's controversial comments, exploring the complexities of Hollywood politics. Reiner's legacy of empathy in film and camaraderie across political lines is celebrated.
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Discovery Of The Reiners' Deaths
- Hadley Freeman recounts the discovery: a massage therapist found Rob and Michele Reiner after Rob's booked appointment failed and their daughter Romy opened the door.
- Nick Reiner, 32, had been living in the guest house and was later charged in connection with their deaths.
Rob Reiner As Hollywood's 'George Bailey'
- Hadley frames Rob Reiner as the 'George Bailey' of Hollywood: generous, connected, and supportive of young artists.
- His Castle Rock company produced major films and he personally mentored many in the industry.
Being Charlie Mirrors Family Strain
- Hadley explains Rob made Being Charlie about his fraught relationship with his son Nick, who wrote the script in rehab.
- The film portrayed painful blame dynamics and Rob later said he wished he'd listened more to his son during treatment.