Kevin Bacon was on the verge of tears as he posted an emotional video tribute on Instagram to Rob Reiner, who directed him in the 1992 legal drama “A Few Good Men.” It was nominated for four Oscars.
Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their Los Angeles home Sunday, and their son Nick is being held on suspicion of murder.
Bacon co-starred as a young Marine captain in the film, which starred Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise. “I’m not sure how to do this,” Bacon starts out in the video, sounding emotional. “But Rob Reiner gave me a job in ‘A Few Good Men.’ Sometime in the ’90s, I guess it was. I was over the moon to get that job — people may or may not know but ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ is my all-time favorite movie and when he called me, I was just so thrilled.
“The making of that movie was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had on a set,” Bacon continued. “He was so fun. It really comes down from the top, you know? You can set a tone where people feel like we are working hard but also working hard in a safe and pleasant and fun situation. You know, we had lunch together every day. I’ve never done that with a director before or since, I’d never gone to have lunch. And Michele would be there, and the two of them were so great together. Kyra would come by, she was pregnant, and bring Travis. It was a magical time.
“So I’m just sending love to everybody that knew him because I know that everyone’s hurting today,” Bacon concludes.
Bacon’s co-star Demi Moore also had some heartfelt thoughts about her “A Few Good Men” director.
“There are no words to truly express the unfathomable devastation of losing Rob and Michelle Reiner,” Moore wrote on Instagram. “Our kids grew up together, we worked together, and as our lives intertwined personally and professionally I will always cherish the moments and memories of what we shared.
“They were amazing people and wonderful parents who gave of themselves to make the world a better place. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with their family, friends, and all that are affected by this tragedy.”
Kiefer Sutherland, whose first film with Reiner was “Stand By Me” before he went on to play a second lieutenant in “A Few Good Men,” said in a statement, “Like so many, my heart was broken today when I heard the news about Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife, Michele. Rob was one of the kindest gentleman I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, when I was very young he gave me an opportunity that changed my life, and I will forever be grateful.”
