Rita Wilson Reveals the Unusual Tradition 'Joyful' Rob and Michele Reiner Hosted
Rita Wilsonis sharing some of the unforgettable traditions that made late couple Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner so beloved among their Hollywood pals.
Speaking about the pair to PEOPLE in an article shared Thursday, May 7 , Wilson recalled one especially memorable gathering the couple loved to host: a "Bad Showbiz Party."
Guests were required to bring clips of their worst on-screen performances and watch them together as a group. "You have to bring a clip of your worst performance ever. Doesn't matter what it was from or how far back it went; you have to bring that,'" the 69-year-old recalled.
The actress explained that despite the cringe-worthy concept, pretty much everyone participated. "You have to put your worst showbiz moment on screen in front of all of these people, but everybody's in the same boat, so you know you're kind of safe," she added.
Wilson, who worked with Reiner on films like Sleepless in Seattle and Mixed Nuts, also remembered another one of the couple's elaborate get-togethers centered around The Godfather. According to Wilson, the marathon event included screenings of both films separated by a massive Italian dinner.
"They started [The Godfather] at maybe 3 p.m., and when that finished, they had a full Italian meal brought in," she recalled. "We would have a full Italian meal and then screen The Godfather II."
And those kinds of gatherings perfectly summed up who Rob and Michele were at their core. "There wasn't anyone more joyful," she said, adding that "everything was a celebration" for the pair.
The memories come months after the couple were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Decemebr 14, 2025. Their son, Nick Reiner, was later arrested and charged in connection with the deaths.
Nick made another court appearance last week tied to the ongoing case. During the April 29 hearing in Los Angeles, the 32-year-old waived his right to the standard 30-day preliminary period, allowing the proceedings to move forward more quickly. Prosecutors are now expected to formally present evidence during a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 15, 2026.
According to reports from the courtroom, Nick appeared mostly emotionless throughout the hearing, speaking only briefly to answer the judge's questions. He previously pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder back in February.
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This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 10:34 AM.