Jamie Lee Curtis Gives Emmys Tribute to Rob Reiner: “He Was Generous and Kind and Funny as Hell”

Jamie Lee Curtis gave an emotional tribute to her friend the late Rob Reiner at the 2026 Emmy Awards Monday evening.

Speaking at the end of the In Memoriam segment, which also saw special tributes to Catherine O’Hara, and Dolly Parton, Curtis began her speech by first acknowledging the passing of Cheers co-creator James Burrows, who was another close friend of Reiner’s.

She then began tearing up as she referenced the loss of Reiner, who she referred to as “another cherished legend,” and “our beloved Meathead,” in reference to his character on All In The Family.

“Last week, Robbie won an Emmy for guest actor in a comedy series for his beautiful work on The Bear, and he now holds the record of 48 years for the longest gap between acting Emmys, which was previously held by his father Carl Reiner, at 37 years,” Curtis remarked.

“He was generous and kind and funny as hell and a friend to all. We all miss Rob and Michele and all those we lost this year,” Curtis finished, as the camera panned to other audience members in tears.

In addition to his roles on All In The Family and The Bear, where he guest stars as restaurant and business consultant Albert Schnurr, Reiner is known for directing films such This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men. Curtis and her husband Christopher Guest had a decades long friendship with the couple.

Rob and Michelle Reiner died in December after the two were found stabbed in their Brentwood home. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been indicted for the slayings and has pleaded not guilty.