'SNL' Pays Emotional Tribute to Rob Reiner After Tragic Death
- - 'SNL' Pays Emotional Tribute to Rob Reiner After Tragic Death
Isabella TorregianiDecember 22, 2025 at 12:28 AM
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Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
Saturday Night Live closed out its final episode of the year with a tribute to Rob Reiner, honoring the legendary filmmaker’s early role in shaping the show after his tragic death.
On Saturday, December 20, viewers saw a commemorative card honoring Rob appear on screen just before the goodnight segment, featuring an image of the late director alongside his name.
Rob, who hosted the third-ever episode of Saturday Night Live on October 25, 1975, died last Sunday alongside his wife, Michele Reiner, in their Los Angeles home.
Unlike Episode 1 host George Carlin and Episode 2 host Paul Simon, the filmmaker took part in multiple sketches. Penny Marshall, his wife at the time, joined him during the episode, including a sketch featuring the Bees.
Rather than a traditional musical guest, Rob’s episode featured John Belushi performing “With a Little Help From My Friends” in his Joe Cocker impersonation.
Rob Reiner 🤍 pic.twitter.com/hEWKw7nYl5
— Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) December 21, 2025
Back then, the show’s cast included John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, Michael O’Donoghue and Gilda Radner.
Nearly 20 years after his original appearance, Rob was impersonated by Chris Farley during SNL’s cold open on February 20, 1993.
Rob and Michele were also among the attendees at SNL50: The Homecoming Concert in New York City earlier this year.
On Sunday, December 14, Rob and Michele were found dead at their mansion in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles.
Soon after the news broke, the family shared a statement, “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
According to People, Rob and Michele’s daughter RomyReiner was the one who discovered her parents after they were killed.
The couple’s son, Nick Reiner, was arrested and charged with the deaths of his parents.
This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
