Dick Van Dyke Reportedly Battling Sleeplessness Over Rob Reiner's Death

As Hollywood continues to mourn the loss of one of its beloved directors, Rob Reiner, his longtime pal had a sleepless night following the tragic news. 

Dick Van Dyke, an entertainment legend, is well-known for his close relationship with the Reiner family, which started with the deceased's father, Carl Reiner. The late actor was the creator of “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” which aired from 1961 to 1966.

According to Dick Van Dyke's longtime wife, Arlene Silver, the death of his years-long friend hasn't been an easy pill to swallow, given the circumstances and timing of his demise. Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were brutally murdered in their Los Angeles home on December 14.

Dick Van Dyke's Wife Says He's Been Having A Hard Time With Rob Reiner’s Death

The weekend was a bittersweet time for Van Dyke, who officially became a centenarian on Saturday, December 13. However, the joy of his milestone birthday didn't last as he received news of his longtime friend's death the next day.

Silver addressed the double homicide on Instagram, confessing it was “a weird, wonderful, awful weekend” for them. Although she had wanted to keep celebrating Van Dyke's birthday, she couldn't keep the festivities going following the Reiner family tragedy.

“Dick didn’t sleep last night because he wanted to stay up to just know … we didn’t know what happened. It just said, the first reports are ‘two people found in the house,’” Silver explained in tears. She added that they had stayed up to learn more about the incident while nursing their broken hearts.

The Hollywood Legend's Wife Recalled Their Years-Long Friendship

Silver recalled that she and Van Dyke had spoken to Rob two weeks ago on the phone while Michele had dropped “so many messages” for the icon's 100th birthday. She reflected on their years-long bond, noting Rob had been friends with her husband since he was a teenager.

“Rob and Carl were the first people I ever met with Dick,” Silver claimed, referencing the late Reiner patriarch who created her husband's hit show. She added that she always felt a part of the Reiner family and had a great relationship with Michele as well.

Silver lamented the horrific way the couple died and the shocking arrest of their son, Nick Reiner, who was booked for allegedly murdering his parents. “You know that they did everything for that kid. I’d never met him, but I met [Rob’s] other kids, and they loved their kids,” Van Dyke's wife said.

Fans Are Devastated For The 'Mary Poppins' Star And His Longtime Partner

 

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Silver's emotional video resonated deeply with fans, who echoed similar sentiments of pain and loss. “I can't imagine how you, Dick, and everyone who personally knew and loved the Reiners are feeling,” an IG user wrote in part. They added that “there are no words for this kind of tragedy.”

Another agreed, noting they immediately thought of Silver and Van Dyke after hearing about the Reiner family tragedy. “Yes, this weekend left me speechless... I'm so sorry for the loss of your friends,” someone added. The love and support continued, with a fan claiming Silver's heartbreak was painful to watch.

“The shock must be overwhelming. Much love to all of you,” a fan added. More IG user penned their condolences and urged Silver to stay strong for her husband, who must be having a harder time dealing with the loss of his longtime friend.

The Brentwood Neighborhood Was Left Shaking In Fear Due To A False Shooter Threat

December 14 was a difficult day for everyone in the Brentwood neighborhood, as the deaths of Rob and Michele sparked a false active shooter threat. A neighbor, who did not wish to be identified, spoke to The Blast about their experience on the fateful day.

They claimed they were left shaking in fear as helicopters and sirens took over their once quiet neighborhood. No one knew what was happening and became increasingly alarmed after a warning about an active shooter was sent to the community's group chat.

The neighbor noted that the lack of information from the police did not ease their fears, as they only confirmed that a man and a woman matching Rob and Michele's ages had been found dead in their Brentwood home. “It was kind of scary, and all we can hear is helicopters for a while,” the source recalled.

Rob Reiner's Son Has Been Charged With Two Counts Of First-Degree Murder

According to a recent report from The Blast, Rob and Michele's son, Nick, has officially been charged with two counts of first-degree murder for their deaths. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed the District Attorney’s Office had filed the charges against the 32-year-old alleged killer.

McDonnell described the case as “heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for our entire city.” Authorities took Nick into custody on December 14 following the gruesome crime without incident at Exposition Park in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman added that his office had yet to decide if they would pursue the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. Nick is currently being held without bail, with officials noting that once he is medically cleared for transport, he will be formally arraigned and allowed to enter a plea.