“The Princess Bride” star Cary Elwes says she will remain in mourning long after the shocking deaths of her dear friend Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, earlier this month.
“Because my heart still hurts every time I think about you, I know the pain of losing you too soon will probably never go away,” Elwes wrote Tuesday in an Instagram tribute to his longtime friends.
Elwes posted his heartfelt remembrance of the Reiners more than two weeks after they were found dead in their Brentwood home on December 14. “Enough time has passed for me to finally be able to put my pain into words,” Elwes began her post.
The actor, 63, recalled his time working with Reiner on 1987's “The Princess Bride” and their relationship over the years since, sharing behind-the-scenes footage from filming and a charming clip from a reunion celebrating the 25th anniversary. He recalled meeting Reiner nearly 40 years ago when he was cast as Westley, the farmer-turned-hero of the beloved fantasy film.
Elwes, who had been a fan of Reiner before working with the filmmaker, wrote that “from that first meeting I fell in love with him.”
The director of “When Harry Met Sally” and “Stand by Me” was “someone I wanted in my life,” Elwes continued, recalling the filmmaker's authenticity and his efforts to find the best in people. Recalling her time with Reiner on “The Princess Bride,” Elwes wrote, “I can’t remember a single day without laughing.”
The actor's social media post also paid tribute to the Reiners' relationship and their longstanding devotion to progressive political causes. “In a city where many talk the talk, they really did,” Elwes wrote.
Elwes celebrated Reiner's natural comedy and dedication to “finding joy.” He also compared making Reiner laugh to winning the lottery.
“His laugh was one of the best sounds I have ever known,” Elwes wrote, “so heartfelt that it still rings in my ears.”
Elwes and Reiner maintained a bond long after “The Princess Bride” and collaborated again in 2015 on “Being Charlie.” Nick Reiner, the filmmaker's second son, co-wrote the film about a successful actor with political ambitions and a drug-addicted son. Young Reiner, 32, has been accused of murdering his parents after years of struggling with addiction and other problems.
Elwes, the latest Hollywood figure to salute the Reiners, concluded his post by channeling a memorable line from his “Princess Bride” character.
“Sure, death can't stop true love,” he wrote, “but life is pain without you.”
