Billy Crystal has publicly addressed a series of personal losses that occurred in 2025, including the destruction of his Pacific Palisades home in a fire and the murder of his longtime friend, director Rob Reiner, and Reiner’s wife, Michele. In a conversation with Tracy Smith on CBS Sunday Morning, the 78-year-old actor stated he has stopped speaking to God, explaining that he no longer trusts a higher power following these events.
The Loss of a Home and a Friend
In January 2025, a fire destroyed the home in Pacific Palisades where Crystal and his wife, Janice, had lived for 46 years. Months later, on December 14, 2025, Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead in their Brentwood home. According to reports, the accused has sought access to a $1.6 million estate, though Crystal noted, "He didn’t even get 5 [dollars]."
Crystal, who collaborated with Reiner on the 1989 romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, described the loss as "too big and too ridiculous" to fully comprehend even ten months after the event.
A Shift in Spiritual Perspective
During his 2004 autobiographical show 700 Sundays, Crystal spoke about conversations he held with his late father, who died when the actor was 15. When asked by Smith if he still engages in those dialogues, Crystal responded, "No, because I don’t trust him." He clarified that the accumulation of "too many bad things" and the current state of the world led him to this decision. "The world is in a bad place, we’re living in strange, scary times," he told CBS.
Professional Tributes and Broadway Return
Earlier this year, Crystal appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to memorialize Reiner, calling him "the most human human being I ever met." At the 2025 Academy Awards, Crystal led a tribute to the late director, joined on stage by actors including Meg Ryan, Kathy Bates, and Demi Moore.
Crystal is now preparing for the October 21 debut of his new autobiographical monodrama, 860, on Broadway. He stated that the creative process serves as a coping mechanism for the recent tragedies. "That’s what I do. You have to. You just have to. Laughter heals," Crystal said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the murder investigation involving Rob Reiner?
Rob and Michele Reiner were found deceased in their Brentwood home on December 14, 2025. Their son, Nick, is the suspect in the case.
What is the premise of Billy Crystal’s new show?
Titled 860, the autobiographical monodrama is scheduled for a Broadway premiere on October 21. Crystal has indicated that the performance incorporates his experiences with the loss of his home and the death of his friend.
Did the fire at Crystal’s home occur before or after the tragedy in Brentwood?
The fire that destroyed Crystal’s Pacific Palisades residence occurred in January 2025, while the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner took place in December of the same year.