Easily one of the best actors of all time, Kathy Bates' incredible skills have allowed her to work with many of the most talented people in Hollywood. Given that Rob Reiner was a truly incredible storyteller, it makes perfect sense that the two master artists crossed paths during their careers. Still, the fact that Reiner directed Bates when she gave the best performance of her career, in the movie Misery, ensured they were always bonded.
Even though it has been decades since they worked together, there is no doubt that the Matlock star continued to value her relationship with Reiner for decades. That obviously is the case because Bates released a statement on the tragic passing of Reiner that showed how much he continued to mean to her and how shocked she was by what happened to him.
In December 2025, people around the world were shocked to learn that Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, had suddenly lost their lives. As details of what happened to the couple began to surface, observers were truly aghast at the emerging news. As a result, it makes sense that there were lots of reports about the final hours of the couple's lives. However, the humanity of the people whose lives ended in such a tragic way should never be forgotten.
On December 15, 2025, one of the people who personally experienced who Rob Reiner was as a person spoke out on his sudden passing. In a statement to Deadline, Kathy Bates paid tribute to both Rob and Michele Reiner. While Bates addressed the fact that Rob Reiner directing Misery played a huge role in changing her life, she focused more on who he was as a person. Bates also wrote about working with Michele Singer Reiner before she tragically lost her life.
“I’m horrified hearing this terrible news. Absolutely devastated. I loved Rob. He was brilliant and kind, a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist. He also fought courageously for his political beliefs. He changed the course of my life. Michelle was a gifted photographer. She shot my beautiful photos for the Misery campaign. My heart breaks for them both. My thoughts are with their family."
Bates is among the many talented actors, whose career trajectory was impacted by Reiner, who have shared words of reflection in celebrating the life and career of the late Hollywood legend. The deaths of Reiner and his wife have sent shockwaves through Hollywood as the industry mourns the loss of an icon.