Rob Reiner Remembered River Phoenix with a Special Tribute Before His Passing

Rob Reiner (left), River Phoenix.
Credit:

John Nacion/Variety via Getty; Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• The Stand By Me film family has faced a significant loss with the passing of Rob Reiner.
• Surviving cast members recently discussed with PEOPLE how Reiner inspired them to honor River Phoenix’s memory during their anniversary reunion tour celebrating the 1986 film.
• Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele were tragically killed at their California home on December 14.

Rob Reiner was a pivotal force behind the emotional core of Stand By Me.

The 1986 film, featuring Jerry O’Connell, Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, and Corey Feldman, depicted the journey of a group of friends on a memorable adventure, under the direction of the late Reiner.

Recently, O’Connell, Wheaton, and Feldman embarked on a reunion tour, bringing screenings and discussions of the film to various cities. Ahead of their first event, Wheaton recounted how Reiner, who passed away at 78, played an essential role in their efforts to honor Phoenix, who died in 1993 at the age of 23.

“When we all got together, I guess 10 years ago for the 30th anniversary, we looked around, and Rob Reiner said, ‘I feel like there should be a chair here for him,’” Wheaton shared.

“So when we go on this tour, it’s one of the first things we talked about. There’s a chair for River on that stage. It was wonderful that the three of us independently suggested it. We wanted to remember him and create a space for him,” he continued.

O’Connell acknowledged the emotional weight of this tribute, saying, “I think that’s going to be really emotional for us, him not being there. We’re going to honor him in some way, but I want to save that for the show.”

The trio expressed their condolences following the announcement of Reiner and his wife’s deaths in their Brentwood, California home on December 14.

On social media platform Threads, Wheaton expressed his sorrow: “I’m heartbroken. That’s all I have to say right now.”

Feldman took to Twitter, stating, “OMG this is horrible news! I’m so sorry for Rob & his wife, & their children & the whole Reiner family! I’m shocked & saddened, but I #LOVE u Rob! You will be forever missed!”

O’Connell discussed the impact of the devastating news on CBS Mornings, stating, “It’s shock. The whole weekend seemed completely surreal. But this one was really shocking… It started off saying there were two deceased people at an address matching Rob’s. I called our other boss, Rob’s partner at Castle Rock, to express my condolences.”

He continued, “We didn’t have news. We suspected it was them. The ages matched, but it was all surreal.”

O’Connell fondly remembered Reiner, recalling how he was “like a father” to him. “Everything I have is because of Rob Reiner,” he said. “It’s just a sad, shocking situation.”