At the Los Angeles premiere of the HBO documentary Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man, co-director and executive producer Judd Apatow paid tribute to the late Rob Reiner, who features prominently in the film.
“It’s an indescribable tragedy because he was just the best person and so is Michele,” Apatow told Variety. “They really fought for political causes that they believed in. I think they took their time and made the world a better place, not just with their artistry. That’s a hole that can’t be filled.”
Reiner plays a key role in the two-part documentary, which premiered Thursday, Jan. 22, on HBO. The Reiner family has had a close relationship with Brooks for decades. Rob’s father, Carl Reiner, and Brooks are collaborators and close friends, and famously created the “2,000 Year Old Man” routine together. Carl Reiner passed away in June 2020, and Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their home on December 14, 2025. Their son Nick has been charged with first-degree murder and is awaiting arraignment.
Apatow said of Rob Reiner’s contribution to the film, “He was an incredible voice because he knew everything about Mel and Carl’s relationship and dissected it thoroughly and explained why they were so close.” “He’s so warm and funny in the documentary, so it’s very special to have him in it.”
Co-directed by Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, the three-and-a-half-hour documentary chronicles the 99-year-old comedy legend’s life and career, exploring classic films such as Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles, his 40-year marriage to Anne Bancroft, and his friendship with Carl Reiner. The film was completed before Rob Reiner passed away.
