Reiner Gala: Jake and Romy Honor Parents with New Charity Award
Eleven months after their parents' deaths, the Reiner children presented Jamie Lee Curtis with an award while sharing personal memories of the couple.
By Ella Cox ·
The Reiner children spoke publicly at a New York City charity event on Nov. 8, eleven months after their parents were found dead in Los Angeles.
At the Children’s Institute annual Cape & Gown Gala, Jake and Romy Reiner presented actor Jamie Lee Curtis with the inaugural Michele and Rob Rob Reiner Champion for Change Award. The ceremony marked the first major public appearance by the siblings since the Dec. 14, 2025, discovery of their parents' bodies in their home. Nick Reiner, their son, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and faces a trial scheduled for next year.
Jake Reiner addressed the audience regarding the difficulty of the past year. He noted that the family could barely stand in front of a crowd eleven months ago. He stated that the family is attempting to emulate their parents' daily commitment to leading with love and compassion. He described carrying forward their legacy as a tough question and an even tougher act to follow. He explained that he is currently focusing on surviving the trauma and healing. He cited the belief that his parents instilled in him as a reason to keep helping people.
He shared specific memories of his parents to illustrate their absence. He recalled his mother squeezing his knee under a table when a guest said something ridiculous. He also remembered his father making a humorous comment about salad and dessert being served simultaneously. He described the post-party analysis during car rides home as a favorite ritual. He stated that the loss leaves the family wanting more moments with the couple. He said he often wishes to bounce ideas off them or receive their advice.
Romy Reiner thanked Jamie Lee Curtis and her husband, Christopher Guest, for their support during the grieving process. She said the couple showed up for her in ways few others have. She expressed feeling honored that Curtis is receiving the award, calling her a beautiful soul inside and out. Curtis, a longtime friend of the late director and his wife, had previously honored him during an In Memoriam tribute at the 2026 Emmys.
The award recognizes individuals who champion change in line with the Reiner family's philanthropic values. The Children’s Institute benefits from the gala's fundraising efforts. The next major legal proceeding for the Reiner family is the trial of Nick Reiner, which is expected to begin in 2027.
