Jerry O’Connell Breaks Down In Tears Over Devastating Death

Actor Jerry O’Connell is an actor with a long career, first getting his start as a child actor. Recently, O’Connell shared an emotional tribute over a recent tragedy. This also wasn’t the first time he shared his reaction to what happened with fans.

Jerry O’Connell Has Become Known For A Number Of Films & Television Shows

One of O’Connell’s first big roles was appearing as Vern Tessio in Stand by Me, based on Stephen King’s novella The Body. He was only around eleven years old when he got the part.

Over the years, O’Connell has become known for appearing in various television series, including Sliders and Crossing Jordan, and films, like Jerry Maguire. Outside of acting, O’Connell has also established himself as something of a television personality, serving as a co-host on The Talk.

However, the actor hasn’t forgotten where he got his start. Recently, he appeared in a CBS special honoring Stand by Me director Rob Reiner, who was tragically found dead alongside his wife, Michele, in their Brentwood home earlier this month. As noted by USA Today, their son Nick Reiner has since been charged in their death.

In the special, “Rob Reiner – Scenes from a Life,” O’Connell touched on Rob’s kindness, recounting a story about him when he was a kid. He shared, “Rob Reiner heard I was in LA, and he took me out to lunch, man. He didn’t have to do that, you know what I’m saying?”

The Actor Previously Paid A Tribute To Rob Reiner On Social Media

“It was months after the movie came out, and he was a busy man. He took a 12-year-old me out to lunch, just to be like, ‘Thanks so much.’”

It was at this point that O’Connell started to choke up. He continued, “That lunch meant so much to me. It’s just stuff that kids need to hear.”

When Jerry O’Connell was 11, he was cast as Vern Tessio in “Stand By Me.”

Rob Reiner was like a father figure to O’Connell while working on the film — and after it hit theaters.

“He was a busy man, and he took a 12-year-old me out to lunch.” pic.twitter.com/h6D78oRPVZ

— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 22, 2025

Throughout the special, the actor continued to share kind words in Reiner’s memory. Elsewhere, he described him as “the best director ever, period.” Showing gratitude for all that Reiner did for him, he noted, “Everything I have in my life is because I was in ‘Stand By Me.’”

This isn’t the first time O’Connell has broken his silence over Reiner’s death. Around a week prior, he shared a photo of him with Reiner while on the set of Stand by Me. In a caption, he wrote, “Love you, Rob. Sincerely.”

Have you been following this story? What do you think of Jerry O’Connell’s recent shares? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.

John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.

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