When I was working as a consultant for Warner Bros. TV a few years ago, I became friends with Rob and Michele Reiner. I spent several happy days with them at their home, the bungalow they had at the Malibu Colony, or just meeting for dinner somewhere. It didn’t matter. These were the two most down-to-earth people in Hollywood. Their real superpower was their exceptional kindness to everyone.
Yet a year or so ago, Rob asked me for some advice. Usually, everyone I know in Hollywood asks me security advice, but this was so personal for him.
It was about family.
The Question: What would I do in a situation like the one he had with his son, Nick? After years of rehab and homelessness, Rob had him living in the house and wanted to keep him close. He was a very caring parent who loved his son.
My advice remains the same for all parents with kids with drug, alcohol, and mental health challenges. 1) Love your child, but know there are limits. 2) If possible, keep the safe from self-harm. 3) Know that if they go, you cannot stop them.
Rob said he chose to keep him close and get him help as much as possible. I agreed with that. I could feel his love and his desire to bring this child back to a good life.
Let's stipulate something: Rob loved his kids. Whenever Romy, his daughter, would walk into the room, he beamed with pride. I liked her IMMENSELY. I never met Jake, but I did meet Nick. He was quiet and surly around outsiders. I did not know about his explosive outbursts, but he kept to himself. I remember this conversation because as we sat in the living room, the big pane doors looked right out across a short lawn to Nick’s rooms. Once while we were talking, he came out, walked to the kitchen door, made a sandwich, and walked out. Rob tried to engage him, but he was not having it. He wanted a sandwich and to return to his space. It is now frozen in my mind, the image of him coming out of that room.
I will end with this. We are not here forever, and sharing our love and empathy is best done whenever one can.
Someday I will write some of the FUNNY conversations I had, but not today. Lets celebrate our love for a true patriot and his powerhouse of a wife.
I will always love them and miss them.
PS. I have loads of photos but this is too painful. I won’t share them. But someday, when we all have had a chance to find that moment when the memory of Rob and Michel brings a smile to my face rather than a tear to the eye, as Joe Biden always says, I may post some happy memories.
