Jerry O'Connell Speaks Out On Nick Reiner Trial, Says It Will Be Difficult To Watch

Actor and TV show host Jerry O'Connell is following the case of Nick Reiner, who stands accused of murdering his parents, director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner.

O'Connell, who worked with Rob in his first movie, had a close relationship with the director and is reflecting on how hard the trial will be to watch.

O'Connell has a week-long guest-hosting stint on Fox's "Good Day New York," and on February 23, the anchors talked about Nick Reiner pleading not guilty to the murder of his parents.

O'Connell talked about the case, saying that he worked with Rob in the movie "Stand By Me," released in 1986, when he was just 12 years old. "It was my first job, and Rob Reiner was the director of 'Stand By Me.' And this is very emotional for me to hear about," he told his co-anchors.

The coming-of-age film featured O'Connell alongside Corey Feldman, Wil Wheaton, and River Phoenix.

O'Connell said that he would be watching the trial, but admitted that it was going to be "very difficult" for him. "I'm going to be watching it closely in the hopes that it doesn't become one of these circuses that sometimes happen around these murder trials," he said, adding that the circumstances are "chilling" and "churns up a lot of emotions."

After news broke about Rob and Michele's passing, O'Connell spoke via video from his home about his relationship with the director on "CBS Mornings." Just like many in the entertainment industry, the actor was shocked to hear the devastating news.

O'Connell, who was visibly upset, said, "Rob was like a father to me." He shared that he always got into minor trouble at school with his teachers, and while on the set of "Stand By Me," when Rob yelled "cut" after he had ad-libbed a scene, he thought he was in trouble. Instead, the director praised him and encouraged him to do more.

O'Connell then gestured to his surroundings, saying that everything he had was because of Rob.

O'Connell played the role of Vern Tessio in "Stand By Me," his first acting job. Before that, he had only been in a commercial. In 2017, the actor recalled the summer they spent shooting the film, calling it "one of the best experiences" of his life, adding, "That summer was maybe the best summer of my life!"

He vividly remembers his first day on set and admitted that he didn't know what he was doing. Rob gave him the guidance he needed, saying, "You're as important to the scene as [anyone here]. You all have to do this. You have to listen to every word that's on set." It's a lesson that O'Connell carried with him throughout his career.

"We had a summer of just walking around the woods and goofing around. Rob was really good at rehearsing with us," O'Connell said, sharing that he wasn't even aware they were rehearsing. In his young mind, they were only playing games.

For that summer, the actor said he was best friends with Rob and his co-stars.

On the 35th anniversary of "Stand By Me," O'Connell and Feldman reunited to talk about how the movie made such an impact on them. O'Connell shared that it was a "badge of honor" to be part of a movie that has moved many people.

Feldman agreed, saying "Stand By Me" is still one of the movie's many "hold in high regard" despite being decades old. The two also maintained their friendship throughout the years, sharing that they communicate often.

O'Connell reflected on his experience, saying, "It really changed my life, being in 'Stand by Me.' You don't even realize it at the time. You don't even realize it until now when you're talking about it 35 years later."

Rob and Michele were found deceased in their LA home on December 14, 2025. The couple died of multiple sharp-force injuries. Their son, Nick, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

As reported by The Blast, Nick pleaded not guilty to his charges and is facing life in prison or the death penalty. He remains in jail on no bail, and his next court appearance is on April 29, where his preliminary hearing will be scheduled.