Rob and Michele Reiner's Friend Says Late Couple Would Still Want 'Empathy' for Son Nick After Murder Charges (Exclusive)
- - Rob and Michele Reiner's Friend Says Late Couple Would Still Want 'Empathy' for Son Nick After Murder Charges (Exclusive)
Jack Smart, Sean MandellDecember 20, 2025 at 6:50 AM
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Michele, Rob and Nick Reiner in 2013 -
Douglas Shaffer, who worked with Rob Reiner and Nick Reiner on the 2015 movie Being Charlie, shares his memories of the experience with PEOPLE
Nick, who co-wrote Being Charlie with his father as director, has been charged with murder in connection with the deaths of his parents
The late couple “would probably want people to feel empathy towards Nick’s struggles,” says Shaffer
The late Rob and Michele Reiner would want people to have “empathy” for their son Nick, says a producer who worked with the filmmaker.
Douglas Shaffer, who produced the 2015 movie Being Charlie co-written by Nick and directed by Rob, tells PEOPLE that “there's lots and lots of healing that needs to be done” in the wake of the shocking tragedy.
Rob, 78, and Michele, 70, were found dead on Sunday, Dec. 14, and 32-year-old Nick, who has dealt with mental health issues and drug addiction since his teen years, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with their deaths.
“I think they would probably want people to feel empathy towards Nick’s struggles,” Shaffer says. “And perhaps forgiveness down the road.”
The late Princess Bride director “was a proud father," their friend remembers, “a loving father, along with Michele — she was a loving mother… Nick had a good support system, as far as I knew.”
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Nick Robinson in 'Being Charlie'
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Being Charlie, starring Nick Robinson, was based in part on Nick's experiences with drug addiction from an early age.
The drama follows a young man who struggles with addiction as his father David (played by Cary Elwes) campaigns for political office. Rob’s son co-wrote the movie with Matt Elisofon, whom The New York Times identified as a friend Nick met in rehab.
Shaffer recalls that Rob “struggled to understand” Nick’s addiction issues. “I think he was trying to find the best way to help his son. He wasn't sure if he should be more demanding on [things like] getting into rehab. [Rob] took more of a loving approach.”
Reflecting on what he calls “an absolute Hollywood tragedy,” the producer adds, “Rob just wanted Nick to be safe. He just wanted him to be safe and happy. … It's just a shame, because all he wanted was the best for Nick.”
Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty
Rob Reiner, Michele Reiner, Romy Reiner, Nick Reiner, Maria Gilfillan and Jake Reiner on Sept. 9, 2025
Upon the release of Being Charlie, Nick and Rob each spoke openly about the former’s struggles with addiction since he was a teenager. The When Harry Met Sally director also recalled feeling "desperate" to help his son during those difficult times.
Nick made his first appearance in court on Wednesday, Dec. 17; his arraignment is scheduled to continue on Jan. 7.
Rob and Michele’s kids, Jake, 34, and Romy, 28, spoke out about the "horrific and devastating loss of our parents" in a statement shared Wednesday.
"Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day," the siblings said. "They weren't just our parents; they were our best friends."
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