Billy Crystal reveals 'profound' grief over Rob Reiner murder

Billy Crystal has revealed he still finds himself wanting to telephone his murdered friend Rob Reiner – describing the loss of the Hollywood director as “profound” after a friendship that spanned almost five decades.

The 78-year-old comedian and actor reflected on his relationship with Rob, who was 78 when he and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were found fatally stabbed at their Los Angeles home last year.

Their son Nick Reiner, 33, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder.

Speaking to People magazine, Billy recalled meeting Rob on the sitcom All in the Family and the friendship that subsequently led to their collaborations on The Princess Bride, This Is Spinal Tap and When Harry Met Sally.

Billy said his first impression of the Emmy-winning actor and filmmaker was: “He’s tall and he’s in charge.”

Although Billy was the newcomer on the television set, he remembered Rob making him feel immediately welcome and involving him in discussions about their work.

He said Rob was “inclusive right away” and regularly sought his opinions.

Recalling their shared sense of humour, Billy said: “So many times we couldn’t keep a straight face.”

Their friendship developed rapidly, with Billy recognising almost immediately their professional relationship would extend well beyond the television programme.

He said: “I knew it from that first week that this is going to be a forever thing.”

Billy added: “It’s not something you can define, which makes the loss even more profound.”

The actor said the absence of his longtime friend continued to affect his everyday life, particularly when something happened that he would previously have shared with Rob.

He explained: “I don’t know if I don’t want that to keep happening or I do want it to keep happening.”

The pair‘s professional relationship became particularly significant during the 1980s, when Rob established himself as one of Hollywood's leading comedy directors.