Jamie Lee Curtis Honors Rob Reiner at 78th Emmys, Highlighting His Posthumous 'The Bear' Win

Key points

• Jamie Lee Curtis closed the In Memoriam segment at the 78th Emmys by honoring Rob Reiner, describing him as 'generous, kind, and funny as hell.'
• Reiner won a posthumous Emmy for guest actor in a comedy series for his appearance in FX's 'The Bear,' his third Emmy win overall.
• This win broke the record for the longest span between acting Emmy wins, surpassing the previous record held by his father, Carl Reiner.
• Folk singer Noah Kahan performed Simon & Garfunkel's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' with a string ensemble during the tribute.
• Reiner, who died in December 2025 at age 78, was also honored at the 2026 Oscars and Critics Choice Awards.
• His son, Nick Reiner, is in custody at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility on two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances, facing a potential death penalty.

Background

Rob Reiner's posthumous Emmy win for 'The Bear' was first reported in early September 2026, where he beat out nominees including Michael J. Fox and Brett Goldstein. The 78th Emmy Awards ceremony on September 14, 2026, featured further tributes to Reiner, including a performance by Noah Kahan and remarks by Jamie Lee Curtis. Reiner had previously won Emmys in 1974 and 1978 for 'All in the Family.' His death in December 2025 at age 78, along with his wife Michele, was attributed to his son Nick Reiner, who was indicted by a Los Angeles County grand jury.

Why it matters

The tribute underscores the enduring impact of Rob Reiner's career, spanning from his iconic role in 'All in the Family' to his directorial classics like 'The Princess Bride' and 'When Harry Met Sally.' His posthumous Emmy win not only honors his recent work in 'The Bear' but also sets a new benchmark for longevity in acting awards. The ongoing legal proceedings against his son, Nick Reiner, continue to cast a shadow over the industry's mourning, highlighting the complex personal and legal dimensions surrounding Reiner's legacy.

What to watch

Nick Reiner is scheduled to appear before a court on October 23, 2026, for a hearing to access $1.5 million in trust assets to rehire his private defense attorney. The case, which involves two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances, may lead to a death penalty eligibility hearing. The industry will continue to honor Reiner's legacy through various tributes and recognitions in the coming months.