Rob Reiner’s close friends and colleagues share fond memories of the late Hollywood legend

Rob Reiner's circle was wide and eclectic, including comedians perfecting punchlines as well as Oscar-winning actors and directors shaping Hollywood itself.

As the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, he entered the entertainment world early but went on to make a name for himself as a director, director and actor.

He is perhaps best known for his breakthrough role At 23, he played Archie Bunker's liberal son-in-law, Michael “Meathead” Stivic, on the hit 1970s sitcom All in the Family, although others may know him more recently as Bob Day, father of the quirky Jess Day on New Girl. Reiner also directed such iconic films as The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, This Is Spinal Tube, Stand By Me and A Few Good Men.

Friends and colleagues who worked with Reiner over the years sat down with CBS News to share their personal anecdotes and fond memories of him following the news of his tragic death. Rainer and his wife Michelle were found dead at their Los Angeles home on December 14, and their son Nick was accused of their murders.

Here are some recollections from those who knew Reiner best, as featured on “CBS News: Rob Reiner – Scenes from a Life.” hour-long special which will air Sunday at 8:30 pm ET/8:00 pm PT on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Albert Brooks

Albert Brooks said he is still in disbelief that his good friend, whom he has known since the couple attended drama class together at Beverly Hills High School more than 60 years ago, has died.

“Rob was my oldest friend. It's that simple. This is the person I've known the longest. I met him when I was 14 years old. So I'm still in the stage of disbelief,” he told CBS News.

Brooks said he still dials his buddy's number to chat and then freezes when he realizes what he's done.

“I know it happened, but, you know, I was driving around the neighborhood and suddenly – I actually called his number two days ago,” he recalls.

Kathy Bates

actress, Oscar winner Kathy Bates credited Rainer with changing the “course [her] life”, starring in her unforgettable role as Annie Wilkes in “Misery” in 1990.

“If I hadn't done Misery, it would have been like George Bailey coming back and seeing what his life would have been like if he had never been there,” she said. “I wouldn't have some of the friends I have now. I would have no wealth in my life. To be honest, I probably would have stayed in the theater and I doubt I would have had a career in film. I could drop out of school altogether.”

Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland who played Lt. Jonathan Kendrick in the 1992 legal drama A Few Good Men, said having Reiner on set as director was unforgettable. He recalled the tense courtroom scene where Jack Nicholson – Colonel Nathan Jessup – had to utter his now famous line: “You can't handle the truth!”

After the first touching take, Sutherland recalled Reiner asking Nicholson if he wanted to go again.

“No one said a word, and Rob walked up to Jack Nicholson and whispered in his ear, 'Do you want to do another one?' And Jack Nicholson said, “Well, here we are,” Sutherland recalls. “So they made another one and it was just as extraordinary.”

The actors planned a marathon day of filming, but Sutherland said Reiner was so blown away by Nicholson's performance that day that he sent everyone home early.

“They planned to shoot all day, and Rob looked at everyone and said, 'I couldn't ask for anything more, so you guys have the rest of the day off,'” Sutherland said.