Hollywood actor Michael Douglas has revealed that he spent a significant amount of time discussing Rob Reiner’s son Nick Reiner’s drug issues.
Tragically, director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their home on December 14. Their son Nick, open about his struggles with addiction, is currently in jail after being charged with double murder.
Douglas has faced similar drug problems in his own family; his son Cameron Douglas battled addiction for years. Michael expressed that he connected with Reiner over their shared experiences.
In the CBS News TV special, ‘Rob Reiner: Scenes from a Life’, Douglas said, “With this terrible tragedy, we’re realising how much pressure he was dealing with in his personal life with his son. I also had a son who had issues with drugs. I’m happy to say he’s overcome them and is living a prosperous life. We discussed a lot about what you can do as a parent and what you can’t do. Knowing all of that going on behind the scenes, this was a man who always gave it his best.”
Douglas also mentioned their common Hollywood experiences, growing up in the shadows of their renowned fathers—Douglas as the son of Spartacus actor Kirk Douglas and Reiner as the child of comedian/actor Carl Reiner.
“It’s tough watching someone like Rob. I could never be the man my father was. He could do everything. He was Spartacus. Stepping into the same industry makes that reality glaringly evident. In Rob’s case, the question is, are you as funny as your father?” he shared. “This also instilled tenacity and strength in him, qualities that aren’t often highlighted about Rob’s endurance.”
In the TV special, Reiner was also commemorated by his Misery co-star Kathy Bates. She likened landing the role in the Stephen King adaptation to a pivotal moment in Frank Capra’s 1946 classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, saying it redirected her life entirely.
“If I hadn’t done Misery, it would be like (the character) George Bailey realizing what his life would have been without his influence. I’ve always dreamed of being an actress, and without Rob, I don’t think I would have realized that dream in such a dramatic and incredible way,” she stated.
“Rob changed the course of my life, and if he hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here today,” she added.