Mel Brooks, 99, says late friend Carl Reiner was ‘spared’ the heartbreak of son Rob’s tragic killing

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Mel Brooks shared a sad thought about his close friend Carl Reiner, explaining he felt grateful Reiner wasn’t alive to experience the family hardship that followed his death.

At the Los Angeles premiere of HBO’s new documentary, ‘Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!’ on Tuesday, the 99-year-old comedic icon openly discussed the tragic murder of director Rob Reiner’s son.

On December 14, 2025, Rob and Michele Singer Reiner were tragically killed. Their son, Nick, is believed to be involved in the incident.

After a screening at the Academy Museum, Brooks answered questions from the audience in a discussion led by Judd Apatow.

When Judd Apatow complimented Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner’s famous ‘2000 Year Old Man’ routines, saying they influenced many comedians, Brooks became visibly moved.

Brooks said he was relieved his friend died when he did, given the difficult circumstances. He believed his friend wouldn’t have been able to cope with what had happened.

Brooks went on to share more about his decades-long bond with Carl, who died in 2020 at age 98.

Brooks fondly remembered her relationship with Carl, explaining how easily they made each other laugh. ‘I truly loved him,’ she said. ‘We didn’t force it – I could always make him laugh until he cried, he’d hold his stomach and sometimes even fall down.’

The film The 99 Year Old Man! explores a cherished friendship and the last days of its subject. It also includes an interview with Rob Reiner, who sadly passed away on December 14th at the age of 78.

Rob shared that Mel was present when his father passed away. He explained that after both their wives died in the early 2000s, Brooks often visited Carl’s house almost every night.

Rob remembered finding him collapsed in the bathroom. Mel returned and immediately knew something was wrong.

Brooks also relived the devastating moment in the documentary, admitting he clung to hope. 

I was desperately hoping they could revive him – get him breathing again. I kept encouraging them, shouting, “Don’t give up, keep going!” After about an hour of yelling, they probably thought I’d lost it.

Brooks explained, “I was heartbroken at the thought of him leaving. I simply couldn’t come to terms with it. I loved him deeply.”

Brooks made these comments as concerning reports surface regarding Nick Reiner’s mental health after the killings.

People familiar with the situation say the 32-year-old has seemed confused and unusually vulnerable while being held in custody after his parents passed away.

On Monday’s Fox & Friends, Harvey Levin, an executive producer at TMZ, reported that the suspect is currently unable to participate in legal proceedings.

According to reports, he’s behaving very naively in jail, almost like a child. He seems unable to understand the impact of his actions, even though he is aware of what he did.

He’s completely lost and confused, and it sounds unbelievable, but he’s really not thinking clearly right now.

Honestly, it’s just…horrifying. Levin said the murders were unbelievably brutal, and it’s stuck with me. He mentioned that even the people looking at the photos – the medical examiner’s team, professionals who see awful things – were deeply traumatized by what they saw. It just really hits home how awful this was, you know? I can’t stop thinking about it.

Nick, who has a history of schizophrenia, is likely to argue he wasn’t responsible for the murders due to his mental illness.

He was arrested on December 14 and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

The prosecution is seeking additional penalties because of the severity of the crimes, specifically multiple murders and the use of a knife. If Nick is found guilty, he could face life in prison without the possibility of release, or potentially the death penalty.

Rob Reiner, age 78, is a celebrated director known for films like This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, and When Harry Met Sally. His wife, Michele, 70, is a well-known photographer and producer who has also been a strong voice for LGBT rights.

The famous couple, married since 1989, had three children: Jake, 34, Nick, 32, and Romy, 28. Tragically, Romy found their bodies on the day of their deaths.

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2026-01-22 01:04