Albert Brooks Remembers a Lifelong Friendship: Mourning Rob Reiner

The entertainment world was shaken by the tragic death of acclaimed director Rob Reiner in December 2023. For his oldest friend, comedian and actor Albert Brooks, the loss is profoundly personal. In a heartfelt interview for the CBS News special "Rob Reiner - Scenes from a Life," Brooks opened up about the shock and grief of losing a friend he had known since they were teenagers, a bond that spanned six decades.

A Friendship Forged in Youth

Albert Brooks and Rob Reiner's friendship began at Beverly Hills High School when they were just 14 years old. Meeting in a drama class, their connection was immediate and would become one of the most enduring relationships in Hollywood. As Brooks told CBS News, "Rob was my oldest friend. It's that simple. He's the person that I've known the longest." This foundation in their formative years created a shared history that few friendships ever achieve, especially in the transient landscape of the entertainment industry.

The Shock of Loss

Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found fatally stabbed in their Los Angeles home on December 14, 2023. Their son, Nick, has been charged with first-degree murder. For Brooks, the reality of the loss is still difficult to process. "I'm still in that not believing it stage," he confessed. He described moments of subconscious forgetfulness, a common thread in deep grief: "I know it happened, but, you know, I'm driving around and all of a sudden — I actually two days ago, I called his number." This poignant admission highlights the depth of their habitual connection.

Celebrating a Rare Bond

Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, Brooks agreed to participate in the CBS News special because of his love for celebrating the unique friendship he shared with Reiner and his wife. "The fact that I'm here makes my heart break ... that we have to do this because of the reason," Brooks said. "But by the same token, I love talking about them, because it's genuine and it's rare. And so, I just wish there was no reason to do this." His words underscore a desire to honor the joy of the relationship amidst the tragedy.

One Final Public Journey Together

In a bittersweet coincidence, Brooks and Reiner's last major public appearance together was for a "CBS Sunday Morning" interview in December 2023, just before Reiner's death. The pair returned to their alma mater, Beverly Hills High School, for the first time since graduation. They surveyed the school's Wall of Fame and revisited old haunts, like a bench they used to sit on. With their trademark humor, when asked if the bench brought back memories, Reiner joked, "It brings back no memories," and Brooks agreed, "Nothing. Nothing."

A Professional Collaboration

While their personal friendship was deep, their professional collaborations were selective but significant. Reiner directed the 2023 HBO documentary "Albert Brooks: Defending My Life," a project that served as a testament to their mutual respect. Before that, their only other film collaboration was the 1999 movie "The Muse," where Reiner acted in a film starring Brooks. Reflecting on being hired by his friend, Reiner had humorously noted, "He hired me. He was nice enough to hire me," to which Brooks replied, "I was."

The Legacy of Rob Reiner

Rob Reiner's legacy extends far beyond his friendship with Albert Brooks. As a director, he was responsible for iconic films across genres, from beloved comedies like "This Is Spinal Tap" and "The Princess Bride" to acclaimed dramas like "Stand by Me," "When Harry Met Sally...," and "A Few Good Men." His work shaped American cinema for decades. The CBS News special, which also featured remembrances from others like Kiefer Sutherland, aimed to capture the full scope of his life and impact, both as an artist and a friend.

For Albert Brooks, the process of mourning is intertwined with celebrating an extraordinary, lifelong connection. His candid reflections offer a window into a friendship that withstood the test of time and fame, making its abrupt end all the more poignant. As the entertainment community continues to remember Rob Reiner's immense contributions, the personal loss felt by his oldest friend remains a powerful reminder of the man behind the legendary filmography.