Stephen King writes heartfelt tribute to slain director Rob Reiner

Stephen King’s Touching Eulogy for Rob Reiner

Stephen King wrote a heartfelt tribute to director Rob Reiner in the New York Times on Tuesday, following the tragic murders of Reiner and his wife over the weekend.

King reminisced about a time in 1985 when Reiner invited him to the Beverly Hills Hotel to preview a rough cut of “Stand by Me,” a film derived from King’s 1982 novella “The Body.” He shared how impressively Reiner transformed his “blank autobiographical story,” expressing that he was “deeply shocked” upon seeing the film for the first time.

He recalled an awkward yet touching moment: “When the movie was over, I thanked Rob and surprised myself by giving him a hug. I’m not usually a hugger, and I don’t think he was used to being hugged either. He stiffened, muttered something about how glad I liked it, and then we both walked away.” King further reflected on his emotions, revealing he sat in a stall of a men’s room to collect himself, noting that “nostalgia can be dangerous up close.”

Reiner, who also directed the notable film “Misery,” based on another of King’s works, continued to influence King deeply. “I was just as satisfied with that movie but no less emotionally devastated,” King shared.

King mentioned that, at Reiner’s request, he participated in a documentary expressing their dislike for Donald Trump. He reminisced about Reiner’s resilience against online criticism, humorously noting, “I refuse to call him X, I’m talking about porn movies.” As a political figure and social commentator, Reiner’s legacy is vast; still, King highlighted a poignant scene from “Stand by Me,” saying, “It was Rob Reiner who put it on screen.”

Sadly, Reiner and his wife, Michelle, were found deceased in their home in Los Angeles. Their son, Nick, has been arrested under suspicion of their murder.