Zooey Deschanel and Fellow New Girl Stars Share Memories of Kind-Hearted Rob Reiner
Zooey Deschanel and Rob Reiner on the set of ‘New Girl’.
Credit :
Zooey Deschanel/Instagram
NEED TO KNOW
- Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Los Angeles home on December 14. Multiple sources have confirmed that their son, Nick, is the suspect in the case.
- Reiner, 78, guest-starred as Zooey Deschanel’s father in New Girl, and the cast is paying tribute to him.
- "I cherish the time we spent working together and the many films he made that have shaped who I am," Deschanel shared in her tribute.
Zooey Deschanel is honoring her onscreen father following his tragic passing. The acclaimed director and actor Rob Reiner, 78, along with his wife Michele, 68, were discovered deceased in their home in Los Angeles. Their son, Nick, 32, has been arrested and is currently held with a bail set at $4 million.
Deschanel portrayed Jess Day, the daughter of Reiner’s character Bob, across various episodes of New Girl. On December 15, she took to Instagram to express her sorrow over his unexpected passing. "My heart is broken. Rob Reiner was the absolute warmest, funniest, most generous of spirits," she wrote.
Deschanel reflected on Reiner’s nature, calling him a "truly good human being" and an "incredible artist and such a playful and fun collaborator." She added, “I cherish the time we spent working together and the many films he made that have shaped who I am."
Rob Reiner and Zooey Deschanel in ‘New Girl’.
FOX Image Collection via Getty
She further noted, "Rob and his lovely wife Michele were always so kind, and it brought me so much joy any time I was lucky enough to see them." Deschanel expressed her devastation, extending love to their family and friends during this difficult time.
Lamorne Morris, who played Winston on New Girl, described the news as "truly heartbreaking," highlighting Reiner’s kindness in an Instagram comment. He later shared a selfie with Reiner and Max Greenfield, reflecting on the blessing of having known him: "Truly a wonderful man. Give someone a hug today, life is too precious. Rest in Paradise ya meathead!❤️"
Hannah Simone, who portrayed Cece, expressed her sorrow, stating there are "no words" for the loss and referring to Reiner as "one of the most deeply kind human beings" she had the pleasure of knowing.
Jamie Lee Curtis, who starred alongside Reiner in New Girl and as Deschanel’s mother, voiced her grief through a joint statement with her husband Christopher Guest. They expressed feeling "numb and sad and shocked" by the "violent, tragic deaths" of their friends. "Our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families, and we will offer all support possible to help them," they stated.
Guest star Rob Reiner, Zooey Deschanel and guest star Jamie Lee Curtis in ‘New Girl’.
FOX Image Collection via Getty
Liz Meriwether, creator of New Girl, characterized Reiner as "kind, hilarious, generous, and game to do anything,” including comedic antics like wearing a fez. She lamented, "He entertained everyone between takes with his memories and wisdom."
Rob and Michele Reiner are survived by their three children: Nick, Jake, and Romy. The couple’s family has confirmed their tragic deaths, expressing heartbreak in a statement, and requested privacy during this incredibly challenging time.
