‘The Princess Bride’ star Cary Elwes reflects on Rob Reiner’s lasting impact

Cary Elwes has shared a moving tribute to the late Rob Reiner, reflecting on the director’s influence on his life and career decades after they first worked together on The Princess Bride.

Elwes, who played Westley in the 1987 fantasy classic, posted a statement on Instagram alongside behind-the-scenes footage from the film, recalling how quickly a professional collaboration turned into a lifelong friendship. He said meeting Reiner at the age of 24 was a defining moment, describing the director as someone whose warmth and generosity left an immediate impression.

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The actor wrote that he admired Reiner long before they met, and that being cast in The Princess Bride felt like a rare act of trust from a filmmaker who believed deeply in people. Elwes said Reiner’s approach to filmmaking was rooted in joy, curiosity and a genuine love of the creative process.

He recalled that Reiner often spoke about how making a film was the most meaningful part of the journey, stressing that once a project was released, it belonged to audiences, but the time spent creating it was something special and fleeting. Elwes said that philosophy shaped his own outlook on work and collaboration.

The tribute also touched on Reiner’s personality off set. Elwes described him as emotionally open, deeply compassionate and someone who never lost his sense of humour. He said laughter was a constant presence during filming and that making Reiner laugh in return felt like a personal victory.

Elwes also paid tribute to Reiner’s wife, Michele, describing the couple as inseparable and united by shared values. He noted that both used their platform to support causes they believed in and to advocate for people whose voices were often overlooked.

Rob Reiner, a towering figure in American film and television, was best known for directing The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men. He and Michele Reiner were found dead at their Los Angeles home earlier this month. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged in connection with their deaths. The case remains ongoing.

For Elwes, the loss has been deeply personal. He said the love, laughter and lessons he shared with Reiner continue to resonate, adding that the director’s spirit lives on through his work and the many people he inspired.