Conan O’Brien opened up about the emotional impact of losing his close friends Rob and Michele Reiner while attending an event celebrating their charitable contributions.
The comedian reflected on his grief during the Children’s Institute’s annual Cape & Gown Gala, where family members and celebrities gathered to honor the late couple’s legacy.
Conan O’Brien reflects on the loss of his friends Rob and Michele Reiner at gala honoring their legacy
O’Brien, 63, attended the charity gala at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Sunday, Nov. 8.
According to People, the event brought together more than 600 guests and raised a record $4 million for the Children’s Institute.
During the gathering, O’Brien discussed how the couple’s absence continued to affect him nearly a year after their deaths.
“It’s so devastating and surreal that Rob and Michele are not with us anymore,” he said. “I think multiple times a week, it will hit me that they’re not here. It leaves you feeling very hollow.”
The comedian also emphasized the importance of supporting the causes that mattered to his late friends.
He encouraged attendees to continue their charitable efforts, explaining that their contributions could help preserve the couple’s legacy.
O’Brien’s remarks followed a previous interview with The New Yorker, in which he recalled his final meeting with the Reiners.
Rob and Michele attended his holiday party on Dec. 13, 2025, alongside their son Nick.
The following day, authorities discovered the couple dead inside their Los Angeles residence.
Investigators subsequently arrested Nick and charged him with two counts of first-degree murder. He also faces special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and lying in wait, along with an allegation of using a knife.
During his earlier interview, O’Brien admitted that learning about their deaths shortly after spending time together had left him in shock.
Meanwhile, the November gala also recognized the Reiners’ contributions to children’s welfare.
Their children, Jake and Romy Reiner, presented the inaugural Michele & Rob Reiner Champion for Change Award to Jamie Lee Curtis.
The family established the honor alongside Martine Singer, Michele’s sister and president and CEO of the Children’s Institute.
Curtis paid tribute to the Reiners while acknowledging their dedication to charitable causes.
The evening also included a performance by John Mayer and remarks from Chelsea Handler.
Handler emphasized the importance of continuing the couple’s work through the organization.
O’Brien similarly encouraged supporters to honor Rob and Michele by carrying forward the initiatives they had championed.
