Billy Crystal will miss Rob Reiner and his wife Michele "forever"

The statement - first released to the Associated Press - praised Reiner's work as an actor and director and remembered him as a great friend. It read: "Rob Reiner not only was a great comic actor, he became a master story teller.

"There is no other director who has his range. From comedy to drama to 'mockumentary' to documentary he was always at the top of his game. He charmed audiences. They trusted him. They lined up to see his films."

It went on to add: "Rob was also a passionate, brave citizen, who not only cared for this country he loved, he did everything he could to make it better and with his loving wife Michele, he had the perfect partne.

"Strong and determined, Michele and Rob Reiner devoted a great deal of their lives for the betterment of our fellow citizens ... They were a special force together-dynamic, unselfish and inspiring."

The statement then added: "We were their friends, and we will miss them forever."

Also among those behind the statement were Albert Brooks' wife Kimberly, former Saturday Night Live writer Alan Zweibel and his wife Robin, Larry David's film producer wife Ashley Underwood, lyricist Marc Shaiman and his partner Lou Mirabal and former United States Ambassador to Spain James Costos and his partner Michael Smith.

The bodies of Reiner and his wife were found at their Los Angeles home on Sunday (14.12.25) and the couple's 32-year-old son Nick Reiner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a special allegation of using a knife.

Nick was arrested in connection with the murders several hours after his parents were killed.

He is currently being held without bail at Los Angeles' Men's Central Jail and was had been to appear in court on Tuesday (16.12.25). However, the hearing was delayed because Nick hadn't been medically cleared to appear in court, according to his attorney, Alan Jackson.