James Woods Stuns Fans With Statement About Old Collaborator Rob Reiner's Death
- - James Woods Stuns Fans With Statement About Old Collaborator Rob Reiner's Death
Emy LaCroixDecember 15, 2025 at 9:05 PM
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Actor James Woods and director Rob Reiner had a decades-long friendship despite being passionately outspoken on opposite ends of the political spectrum, and fans were touched to see Woods' tribute to his Ghosts of Mississippi collaborator shortly after Reiner's shocking death on Sunday, Dec. 14.
Related: Who Are Director Rob Reiner’s Children? Fans Send Love to His 4 Kids After Shocking Death
"Rob and I remained good friends ever since we made Ghosts of Mississippi," Woods posted on X after the news broke. He gave credit to Reiner for sticking up for him when it came to casting the 1996 film in which Woods plays white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith. "The studio didn’t think I was old enough to do the part, but Rob fought for me," he shared.
Rob and I remained good friends ever since we made GHOSTS OF MISSISSIPPI. The studio didn’t think I was old enough to do the part, but Rob fought for me. Political differences never stood in the way of our love and respect for each other. I am devastated by this terrible event. https://t.co/eL1lurqyzV
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) December 15, 2025
"Political differences never stood in the way of our love and respect for each other," he concluded. "I am devastated by this terrible event."
Fans quickly responded with their thoughts. "I really appreciate how you firmly state your personal beliefs, but how you also are quick to point out that you maintain friendships with those who think completely different than you," said one follower, while another added, "Good people recognize the depth in each other behind the politics. It makes for a beautiful relationship, and it helps both people grow their understanding & humanity, and focus on what’s important." A third wrote, "Friendship is friendship, Love is Love. Such a tragedy."
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Woods is as outspoken a conservative as Reiner was a democrat. Reiner often criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, while Woods was a passionate longtime supporter of his. Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, were found dead in their Brentwood, CA, home on Dec. 14, due to knife wounds, and while Woods drew support for his statement about the slain director, Trump's response was deemed "inappropriate."
Rob Reiner Directs James Woods and Alec Baldwin in 'Ghosts of Mississippi'Getty
"Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME," the president wrote. Commenters called the response "vile" and "disgusting."
Related: President Donald Trump Draws Backlash for ‘Inappropriate’ Statement on Rob Reiner’s Death
Reiner's family confirmed the news of his tragic death, writing, “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 Variety.
This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
