Chelsea Handler remembers Rob Reiner as the ‘nicest guy in Hollywood’ at Critics Choice Awards

SANTA MONICA: Chelsea Handler wrapped up her Critics' Choice Awards monologue with a touching tribute to Rob and Michele Reiner, less than a month after their shocking deaths.

“Rob and Michele were tireless in their efforts to support so many important causes, all stemming from one basic idea: decency. That we should all look out for each other,” Handler told the room. “I think we can all agree that we definitely need more of that.”

“So let’s use tonight as a reminder of that decency, and as a reminder of everything that Rob and Michele represented and fought so hard for,” Handler said.

The tribute landed at the tail end of Handler’s monologue as host of the annual Critics' Choice Awards.

From industry jabs to earnest praise

Now, in her fourth consecutive year hosting the ceremony, Handler spent much of the monologue skewering familiar industry targets, including David Zaslav and Nicki Minaj.

“‘Sinners’ is the story of brothers who start this enjoyable place for entertainment, and then vampires show up, suck the life out of everybody and burn it all to the ground,” Handler said earlier in the monologue. “Fun fact: The original name for the main vampire was David Zaslav.”

But the tone shifted after Handler gave a shoutout to Adam Sandler for his work in 'Jay Kelly.' Handler dubbed Sandler the second-nicest person in Hollywood. She said the top spot belonged to Rob Reiner.

“Anyone who ever spent time with Rob Reiner knows that, the minute that you met him, he felt like an old friend,” Handler said. “When you were in conversation with him, he was present, he was focused, and he was funny, and he would ask you tons of questions. Whether you were discussing politics or film or the latest beauty trends, he was all in.”

Handler shared a personal anecdote.

“After I sent him a text thanking him for dinner a few months ago, he texted me back and said, ‘We had so much [fun] with you last night. Thanks for explaining so much about plastic surgery,’” Handler joked. “It was very edifying.”

The tragic loss of Rob and Michele Reiner

On December 14, Rob, 78, and Michele, 70, were found dead at their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, both suffered multiple sharp force injuries inflicted by a knife. The deaths were ruled homicide on December 17. Officials determined that both victims died within minutes of the attack. 

The grim discovery was made by the couple’s daughter, Romy Reiner, who found her father’s body in the master bedroom. She fled the residence and her roommate subsequently called 911. Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived at the scene and confirmed both deaths.

The Los Angeles Police Department launched a homicide investigation. Authorities obtained a search warrant for the Brentwood property as the investigation moved forward.

Later, that same evening, the couple's son Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested near the University of Southern California. He was booked on suspicion of murder and initially held on $4 million bail, which was later changed to no bail.

On December 16, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman formally charged Nick with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances of multiple murders. 

Nick made his first court appearance on December 17, where he waived his right to a speedy trial. His arraignment has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 7.

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