Billy Crystal Leads Tributes to Rob Reiner at the Oscars

Actors Billy Crystal led an emotional tribute to director Rob Reiner at the 98th Academy Awards, as part of the ceremony's In Memoriam segment.

Reiner, along with his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, was found dead in December last year, from multiple stab wounds. Their middle child, Nick Reiner, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder following the discovery, and his trial is currently ongoing.

Michele and Rob met during the production of the 1989 film When Harry Met Sally, which the latter directed. Michele, a photographer, was introduced to Rob through famed cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld. Their meeting actually inspired the director to change the ending of the beloved movie, from the two titular characters ending the film single, to the iconic New Year's kiss scene.

The evening before the pair's deaths, Michele and Rob attended a holiday party hosted by this year's Academy Awards host, Conan O'Brien, where several partygoers allegedly witnessed a "very loud argument" between the parents and their son Nick. Crystal, a close friend of the couple, also reportedly arrived at the scene with his wife Janice, when emergency services were later called to their Brentwood home.

Billy Crystal and Fellow Actors Reflect on 'What Fun We had Storming The Castle' with Rob Reiner

Billy recalled meeting Reiner in his pre-directing days, when they both starred in the hit '70s sitcom All in the Family. "The actor recalled that the two enjoyed playing best friends Al and Meathead so much that they decided to stay close in real life from now on. "It went so well. Rob said, 'You know, it was fun playing your best friend. Why don't we keep it going?'"

Crystal gave a shoutout to Reiner's most beloved films including the rockumentary This is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, A Few Good Men, Stand By Me, and The Princess Bride. He noted the son of comedy icon Carl Reiner transformed himself from "comedic actor to master storyteller.

Billy also acknowledged the pivotal role of his wife Michele as his rock and as an acclaimed photographer in her own right. The audience applauded for the couple's efforts to help legalize same-sex marriage in the United States.

Crystal was joined by friends of Reiner and fellow actors, including Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Jerry O'Connell, Wil Wheaton, Fred Savage, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Carol Kane, Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Kiefer Sutherland, Demi Moore, Kevin Pollak, Kathy Bates, Annette Bening, John Cusack and Daphne Zuniga — all of whom had worked with the director and enjoyed a close bond with the famed friend to all.

The actors held hands with fellow actors as they gazed at a touching image of the couple, who died in December last year. During his sign off, Crystal thanked his beloved friend, saying "Buddy, what fun we had storming the castle," acknowledging his classic line from The Princess Bride.