The Cast of ‘A Few Good Men’ Shares Heartfelt Memories of Rob Reiner: Kevin Bacon Gets Emotional, Demi Moore Struggles to Find the Right Words
The 1992 courtroom drama A Few Good Men remains director Rob Reiner’s highest-grossing film, amassing $243 million worldwide. It garnered four Academy Award nominations, marking it as Reiner’s most recognized work in Oscar history.
The film boasts an impressive cast, including Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, comedian Kevin Pollak in a significant dramatic role, Kevin Bacon, Kiefer Sutherland, and Christopher Guest, alongside the legendary Jack Nicholson. The storyline, adapted from the 1989 Broadway play by Aaron Sorkin, follows military lawyers (Cruise, Pollak, Moore) as they navigate a court-martial, unfolding a high-level conspiracy while defending two U.S. Marines accused of murder.
The original play received a Tony nomination for Tom Hulce in the role of Lt. Daniel Kaffee, a character portrayed by Cruise in the film. The adaptation secured nominations for Best Picture (Reiner’s sole Academy Award nod), Supporting Actor for Jack Nicholson, Best Sound, and Best Film Editing.
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After his notable appearance in Oliver Stone’s 1991 film JFK, A Few Good Men showcased Kevin Bacon’s versatility, transitioning from his matinee idol status established with Footloose in 1984. In the film, he plays the role of Capt. Jack Ross.
In an emotional video shared on Instagram following the tragic news of Reiner and his wife Michele being found dead, Bacon expressed, “I’m not sure how to do this.” Their son, Nick, has since been arrested as part of an ongoing murder investigation.
Bacon reminisced about his experience working with Reiner, stating, “Rob Reiner gave me a job in A Few Good Men sometime in the ’90s, and I was over the moon to get that job. People may or may not know but This Is Spinal Tap is my all-time favorite movie. When he called me, I was just so thrilled. But the making of that movie was one of the best experiences I ever had on a set; he was so fun.”
He highlighted Reiner’s genuine approach as a director, noting how he fostered a collaborative environment among the cast and crew: “It really comes down from the top. You can set a tone where people feel like we are working hard, but also working hard in a safe and pleasant and fun situation. You know we had lunch together every day. I never done that with a director before, and Michele would be there, and the two of them were so great together.”
Bacon concluded, “I’m sending love to everybody that knew him because I know that everyone is hurting today.”
Demi Moore, who portrayed defense attorney Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway in the film, shared her thoughts on Instagram, stating, “There are no words to truly express the unfathomable devastation of losing Rob and Michelle Reiner. Our kids grew up together, we worked together, and as our lives intertwined personally and professionally, I will always cherish the moments and memories of what we shared.”
She added, “They were amazing people and wonderful parents who gave of themselves to make the world a better place. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with their family, friends, and all that are affected by this tragedy.”
Earlier, Kiefer Sutherland, who portrayed 2nd Lt. Jonathan Kendrick, along with Christopher Guest, known for his cameo as Dr. Stone, also reflected on Reiner’s impact. Guest starred in Reiner’s This Is Spinal Tap franchise and The Princess Bride, while Sutherland co-starred with River Phoenix in Stand by Me.
Kiefer Sutherland in ‘A Few Good Men’
Columbia/courtesy Everett Collection
