Jamie Lee Curtis paid heartfelt tribute to her late friend Rob Reiner during the 2026 Emmy Awards, which took place on September 14th at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. This touching moment comes nine months after the tragic passing of both Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, who were killed in December 2025.
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Curtis, during the In Memoriam segment of the ceremony, became visibly emotional while recalling her feelings towards Reiner, affectionately referring to him as a “cherished legend” and her “beloved Meathead.” This nickname pays homage to Reiner’s iconic role as Michael “Meathead” Stivic in the classic television series, All in the Family.
The two actors shared the screen in the popular sitcom New Girl, where they portrayed Jess Day’s parents, Bob and Joan, from 2012 to 2018. Their recent collaboration in FX’s The Bear led to Reiner receiving a posthumous Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, a category he had won just prior to the Emmys during the Creative Arts ceremony on September 6th.
Curtis spoke fondly of Reiner’s latest achievement, noting, “Last week, Robby won an Emmy for Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his beautiful work on The Bear.” She proudly highlighted that Reiner now holds the record for the longest gap between acting Emmy wins, with 48 years—previously held by his father, Carl Reiner, at 37 years.
In her emotional speech, Curtis expressed her profound loss, saying, “He was generous and kind, and funny as hell. And a friend to all. And we all miss Rob and Michele and all those we lost this year.” Her words resonated with many in the audience, prompting a long-standing ovation reflecting the shared respect and admiration for the late actor.
The devastating circumstances surrounding Reiner’s death continue to cast a shadow over his legacy. Both he and his wife were found dead in their Brentwood home, with their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, indicted on two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the incident. Nick has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the recent Creative Arts Emmys, Reiner’s win was embraced with enthusiasm from the audience, marking a significant moment in his impressive career. The late actor amassed three Emmy Awards throughout his life, including two prior wins for his role in All in the Family, awarded in 1974 and 1978, respectively.
Jamie Lee Curtis’s heartfelt tribute served not only to honour Reiner’s contributions to film and television but also highlighted the strong personal bond shared between the two actors. The Reiners also held a special role in Curtis’s family, having been godparents to her daughter, Annie. Additionally, Curtis’s husband, Christopher Guest, has collaborated with Reiner on several notable projects, including This Is Spinal Tap and A Few Good Men.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, hosted by Mariska Hargitay, showcased a night dedicated to remembering those who have passed, as well as celebrating the successes of those still making an impact in the industry. Curtis’s emotional acknowledgment of Reiner fittingly concluded the night, leaving a poignant reminder of the deep connections forged in the world of entertainment.