Jerry O’Connell Shares Heartfelt Thoughts on Rob Reiner’s Passing: ‘It’s Like Losing a Parent’

Jerry O’Connell and Rob Reiner.
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Kevin Mazur/Getty; John Lamparski/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Jerry O’Connell speaks to PEOPLE about his reaction to Rob Reiner’s “shocking” death
• O’Connell starred in Reiner’s beloved 1986 classic Stand By Me
• The actor says that Reiner’s death feels like “a parent has passed”

Jerry O’Connell is mourning the loss of director Rob Reiner, whom he describes as a father figure. The actor, known for his role in Reiner’s acclaimed 1986 film Stand By Me, was deeply affected by the news of Reiner’s passing.

Rob Reiner, aged 78, and his wife Michele, 68, were reportedly killed at their home Sunday, December 14. O’Connell expressed his sorrow, stating, “We’re all shocked. I can’t speak for them [costars Wil Wheaton and Corey Feldman], but for myself, I feel like a parent has passed. I just feel like a parent has passed.”

Richard Dreyfuss, Rob Reiner, Jerry O’Connell, Corey Feldman and Wil Wheaton in 2011.

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O’Connell described the loss as “really devastating,” stating, “Everything I have in my life is because of Rob Reiner. Everything I have, my children, my wife, my, just everything.” Reflecting on his experience filming Stand By Me at age 11, he noted how Reiner “protected” the young cast on set.

In conversation with his fellow cast members, Wheaton and Feldman, O’Connell remarked on Reiner’s unique ability to connect with young actors. “We have no idea how he herded a bunch of like 11, 12, and 13-year-olds for this movie… he was just a special human being,” O’Connell said.

Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, Rob Reiner and Jerry O’Connell on set of ‘Stand By Me.’.

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O’Connell reflected on how Reiner’s impact on his career has been profound. “Every professional experience I’ve had after Stand By Me, you sort of feel alone a little bit because Rob isn’t there,” he stated. The actor also opened up about losing his mother-in-law, relating that loss to the current situation. “It’s really devastating,” he noted.

Director Rob Reiner, actors Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell and Richard Dreyfuss attend the 25th anniversary of ‘Stand By Me’ interview in 2011.

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O’Connell also appeared on CBS Mornings to discuss Reiner’s legacy, describing the director as “like a father to me.” He recalled that prior to his role in Stand By Me, he often faced reprimands from adults. “I was always getting in trouble for speaking out loud in class,” he reminisced.

O’Connell noted how he once expected reprimand when he ad-libbed during filming, but Reiner responded positively, encouraging him to continue. “Jerry, keep going. That’s what I’m talking about right there,” O’Connell recalled, highlighting Reiner’s supportive nature.

Before becoming a director, Rob Reiner starred in 185 episodes of All in the Family as Michael “Meathead” Stivic, earning two Emmy awards and several nominations. He later gained iconic status as a director with films like Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally, This Is Spinal Tap, and A Few Good Men, the latter of which earned him an Oscar nomination in 1993.