'Monty Python' Star Eric Idle Reveals the Final Words Movie Director Rob Reiner Said to Him Just Hours Before His Death

A quiet, heartfelt goodbye has taken on profound meaning after Eric Idle shared the final words Rob Reiner said to him just hours before his death. The "Monty Python" star recalled a warm conversation that ended with plans for the future, never knowing it would be their last.

Eric Idle has opened up about his grief after learning of the sudden deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner. The "Monty Python" star, 82, revealed that he spoke with Reiner for more than an hour on Saturday night, just hours before the couple were discovered dead the following day.

Idle described the call as warm and full of optimism, noting that the two had even made plans to see each other in the New Year.

"Rob Reiner was a lovely man. I spoke to him last night for over an hour. I always enjoyed his company," Eric said.

He then shared the final words Reiner said to him before they ended the call. "Last thing he said to me was 'See you next year..' Such a terrible end. Such a sweet man."

Shock and Grief After the Tragic Discovery

Rob and Michele were found dead inside their Los Angeles mansion on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Multiple sources told People that the couple was discovered by their daughter, Romy Reiner.

Emergency calls first came into the Los Angeles Fire Department at approximately 3:30 p.m. First responders arriving at the home reported finding a man and a woman deceased, later identified as Rob and Michele.

The deaths have been described as violent, with reports indicating the couple suffered knife wounds. Police are questioning a relative in connection with the case, according to sources.

People also reported that, according to those sources, the couple was killed by their son, Nick. Authorities have not publicly confirmed those details.

Remembering a Legendary Filmmaking Career

Rob was a towering figure in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the camera. He first became widely known for his role as Mike Stivic on the Norman Lear sitcom "All in the Family."

As a director, Reiner went on to shape some of the most enduring films of the past several decades, including "This Is Spinal Tap" (1984), "Stand by Me" (1986), "The Princess Bride" (1987), "When Harry Met Sally..." (1989), "Misery" (1990), and "A Few Good Men" (1992).

Eric first met Rob in 1975 at the home of his father, legendary entertainer Carl Reiner, marking the beginning of a friendship that would span decades.

A Friendship Marked by Warmth and Respect

In reflecting on their last exchange, Eric shared more memories of their conversation, which he said touched on both the past and the future.

"He was telling me about filming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future," Eric wrote in a tweet. He ended his tribute with a raw expression of loss. "This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful."

A Marriage Born on a Movie Set

Rob and Michele met while working on "When Harry Met Sally...", which Rob directed. The two married in 1989 and went on to raise three children together.

Their sudden deaths have sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond, leaving friends, colleagues, and fans grappling with the loss of a filmmaker remembered not only for his talent, but also for his kindness.

For Eric Idle, the pain is deeply personal, made sharper by a simple farewell that was never meant to be final.