A somber atmosphere enveloped Katz’s Delicatessen in Manhattan, the famed pastrami destination where director Rob Reiner shot memorable scenes, as fans and staff grappled with the disturbing news of his death.
On Monday around lunchtime, Katz’s was bustling, with long lines of customers eager to get in. Many recalled the iconic moment from Reiner’s classic film “When Harry Met Sally…” in which Meg Ryan dramatically fakes a climax at a table.
However, the mood shifted significantly after Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michelle, 68, were found murdered in their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Reports suggest their troubled son, Nick, might be involved.
“It’s a deep sadness. He was part of our story,” owner Jake Dell told those gathered. “This really hit home for us,” he added, noting that the Reiners frequently ordered from Katz’s and had it shipped to California. Some staff members were seen this morning sharing memories and looking at photos of Reiner on their phones.
Dell, the fifth-generation owner of the storied deli established in 1888, remarked that Reiner likely didn’t realize the Hollywood legacy he was creating while filming there, but now Katz’s is inextricably linked to him.
In that memorable scene, Sally, played by Ryan, pretends to have an orgasm after quizzing Harry, portrayed by Billy Crystal, about his romantic history. The entire restaurant turns to watch, leading to Reiner’s mother’s memorable line to the waitress, “I’ll have what she’s having.”
Pamela Blake Riley, 55, visiting from Memphis with her family, sensed a different vibe at Katz’s compared to other tourist spots. “I think I’m feeling more down, given the circumstances,” she reflected. “It’s shocking to think something like that could happen. There must be some deep issues involved.”
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Tourist Josh Belson from Los Angeles, visiting Katz’s for the first time, expressed his desire to embrace Reiner. “He really put this place on the map,” said the 56-year-old. “His humor brought joy to so many. I’ve wanted to come here ever since I watched ‘When Harry Met Sally.’”
Christopher Barca, 59, visiting from Pittsburgh, noted the somber nature of the day. “As we were coming here, I mentioned how my stepdad would call me Meathead, considering the character Reiner played in ‘All in the Family.’”
Dell reflected on the last time he saw Reiner, back in February. The restaurant was quiet then, and Reiner had joked, “This place is bullshit! Get the f*cks in here!” Dell reminisced with a smile, noting how much Reiner enjoyed a buzzing atmosphere. Yet, he struggled to reconcile those memories with the tragic news. “It’s difficult to remember him and feel lighthearted now,” he said. “I just don’t get it.”
