Kevin McEnroe he admits he can relate to Nick Reinerstruggles with addiction and what it’s like to be born into a famous family, even after Nick was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the death of his parents. Rob Reiner i Michele Singer Reiner.
Kevin – the son of John McEnroe i Tatum O’Neal – wrote an essay for The Little Archposted on Monday, February 2, about his thoughts on the film be charliea film that Nick wrote and directed his late father. (The film is based on Nick’s past experiences with addiction and homelessness.)
“As someone who comes from a famous family and has a history of drug abuse and being institutionalized, I could offer a perspective where the goal … is identification — an attempt to identify with someone who has done something really, really wrong, and maybe a way to see how they got there,” Kevin, 39, shared. “Because compassion is what you do in recovery, and justified anger is not, even when it’s so justified that anything other than anger makes me sick. Even then, it might be worth a shot. But I guess we’ll see.”
Kevin added that on top of the addiction issues, it’s even harder to be anonymous as someone’s child.
“For many years, after university, I worked in bars and I always enjoyed the first few months because no one knew who I was,” he reflected. “Someone used to understand – often the boss, and he explained – and people liked me more or less for my father, but it was never the same. Sports fans seemed to want to hang themselves, but most people had a lot of questions.”
Kevin explained that being the child of a celebrity poses its own unique challenges.
“I just wanted to live without eyes. But when your birth is announced on the cover of Star Magazine, or if your dad directed Stand By Me, you don’t really have that option,” she wrote. “You’ll never have that choice. You can run from it or you can embrace it; either way, you don’t care what people think.”
Kevin’s essay also had a disclaimer at the top The death of Rob and Michele.
“I’m not usually one to take responsibility, but the unusual brutality that serves as the backdrop to this story makes me want to start by saying that I can’t imagine how the Reiners feel after this tragedy, but also to say, from mine to yours, we love you,” he wrote. “Without any personal relationship or information, I’m just here to offer perspective on this film, and I hope to do so in a way that helps someone else without hurting any of you. I promise I did my best and I hope, again, you’ll agree. Thank you for your courage during this time.”
Rob and Michele were found dead in their Brentwood home in December 2025 after suffering “apparent stab wounds”. Rob was 78, while Michele was 70.
Before Nick Reiner was arrested in connection with the deaths of his parents Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, his son had been open about how addiction contributed to their complicated relationship over the years. Rob and Michele, who married in 1989, shared three children: Jake, Nick and Romy. (Rob also adopted ex-wife Penny Marshall’s daughter, Tracy.) (…)
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” a spokesperson for the Reiner family said in a statement, shared with variety. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss and ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”
Their deaths were ruled a homicide. Nick, 32, was later arrested for his murders. He remains in custody without bail.
Last month, Nick appeared in court. During the hearing, his lawyer, Alan Jacksonresigned as legal representative and a public defender was assigned to Nick’s case. Nick has yet to enter a plea in the case. His appearance was extended until February 23.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, reach out Administration of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).