The Princess Bride star Cary Elwes honors Rob Reiner on first birthday since murder

Cary Elwes has paid a heartfelt tribute to his friend and co-worker, Rob Reiner on his first birthday since the iconic director’s murder late last year.

Elwes, famously worked alongside Reiner on his cult classic film The Princess Bride, based on William Goldman’s 1973 novel of the same name, all the way back in 1987, with the pair striking up a friendship that spanned the decades that followed.

It was with this friendship in mind that Elwes paid tribute to his friend on what would have been his 79th birthday.

In an emotive post on Instagram, Elwes wrote: "Today would have been your 79th birthday. Still hard to believe you’re gone. Missing you so much.”

The Veteran filmmaker and his wife Michele, 68, were found dead at their home in Hollywood shortly after 3.38pm local time on December 16, 2025. Initially, detectives only confirmed that a 78-year-old male and a 68-year-old woman were found deceased inside and did not immediately identify the pair or the circumstances of their death.

As the case progressed however, it was soon determined that the pair had been murdered, with the couple’s son Nick Reiner, later arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Initially, Nick was held on a $4,000,000 bond, but this was later updated to detain him in custody without bail as he awaits his day in court.

Additionally he also faces the special circumstance allegation of multiple murders, as well as a special allegation that he personally used a dangerous and deadly weapon, a knife.

His attorney, Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene entered a plea on his behalf on February 23, which stated he was pleading not-guilty.

The case will now proceed to a preliminary hearing on April 29, where a judge will determine if the prosecution has obtained enough evidence to proceed to trial.

If convicted, with Nick potentially faces the prospect of life behind bars, or even the death penalty.

Shortly after Rob and Michele’s death in December, Elwes shared his own tribute to the couple on social media as he struggled to process the loss of someone so dear to him, writing that he ‘fell in love’ with the This Is Spinal Tap filmmaker when they first met for The Princess Bride.

"I was already a fan of his work so meeting him in person was a dream come true," he wrote. "As we began spending more time together I knew this was someone I wanted in my life. I also knew that by casting me as Westley he was giving me the keys to the castle."

He then went on to praise Reiner’s warm personality, as he continued: "The first thing I noticed about Rob was that he wore his heart on his sleeve.”

“This was a man who felt deeply. Whose heart was filled with love and compassion. He wasn’t impressed by how much money you had or if you had a privileged upbringing. He just wanted to know if you were a 'good guy.' He always tried to find the best in people.”

Reflecting on The Princess Bride in particular, he added: "I can’t remember a single day without laughter. The movie is about love, loyalty and sacrifice. Things that Rob held dear. Which is among the many reasons he was the perfect person to direct it.”

In his tribute, Elwes also acknowledged Michele’s passion and talent too, as he recalled: “Besides being a gifted photographer she was an incredibly loving, intelligent person. “

“Deeply passionate about her family and about lifting others up. To say that they were a great team would be an understatement. Their only interest in fame was that it allowed them to shine a light on causes they believed in, especially helping those who were marginalized."