Man who interviewed Nick and Rob Reiner recalls heartbreaking remarks late director made about his son

A journalist who interviewed Nick and Rob Reiner back in 2015 has reflected on a key remark he remembers the late director making about his son.

The world was shocked to learn that famed actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead at their Los Angeles home on December 14.

Initially, it was simply confirmed the couple had died, but authorities later revealed that they were launching a homicide investigation into the pair’s death.

A spokesperson for the family confirmed that Rob and Michelle had died in a brief statement emphasizing their sorrow.

They added: "We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time."

While many tributes flooded in on social media for the couple aged, 78 and 68 respectively, people were also desperate for answers.

Rob Reiner and wife Michelle were found dead in their home in LA (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

The situation took another turn when authorities revealed that the couple’s son, Nick Reiner, had been arrested.

The LASD say Nick has been charged with two counts of first degree murder, a felony-level crime, with the agency involved listed as LAPD-gang activity.

Nick is the middle son of the Reiner's and most-notably co-wrote 2015's Being Charlie film, which his father directed. The movie is based loosely on Nick's addiction struggles.

The film follows character David, an accomplished actor now running for governor and his drug addicted son, who feels his father is being to brutal with his pushes for him to get clean.

Journalist Steven Zeitchik has spoken out about a dinner he had with the pair following the premier for the film in 2015 and what Rob Reiner said about his son.

At one point at the meal, a person came up to the table to speak about the film and how much it meant to them. They had said that their niece had survived multiple suicide attempts and hopes that his family could find solace in the film.

Reflecting on the moment, Zeitchik explained: “Thank you, that’s the point,” Rob said to him. He almost glowed. His own pain was making others feel less alone. All Rob Reiner wanted to do, with all his movies and now with this one, was to make people feel less alone.

“He turned back to the table. ‘It was very hard. The number one job of any parent is to keep their child safe. And I hadn’t done that.’ He was almost tearing up. ‘And now, here, I have done that. I kept him safe. He came out alive.'"

Rob and Nick Reiner released a film in 2015 loosely based on Nick's drug addiction struggles (Adela Loconte/WireImage)

Zeitchik noted that he has been thinking about this evening’s conversation following the news that Rob has died.

Footage has been released on Nick's movements before being apprehended by police in the area of Exposition Boulevard.

The footage shows Nick strolling around a gas station store, only to become uncomfortable when what looks like a law enforcement officer comes in.

Nick was stopped by police after he left the store, a few blocks. Nick appeared in court today (Wednesday 17).