Billy Crystal and his wife, Janice Crystal, along with other close friends, are mourning the sudden death of Rob and Michele Reiner. Following their devastating murders, the couple joined Albert and Kimberly Brooks, Martin Short, Alan and Robin Zweibel, Larry David, Ashley Underwood, Marc Shaiman, Lou Mirabal, Barry and Diana Levinson, Ambassador James Costos, and Michael Smith in releasing an emotional tribute to the Associated Press on Tuesday. Remembering Rob as "a great comic actor" and "a master story teller," they said: "Going to the movies in a dark theater filled with strangers having a common experience, laughing, crying, screaming in fear, or watching an intense drama unfold is still an unforgettable thrill. Tell us a story audiences demand of us. Absorbing all he had learned from his father Carl and his mentor Norman Lear, Rob Reiner not only was a great comic actor, he became a master story teller." Related: Rob's Son Left Behind Gruesome Hotel Room Scene After Parents' Murders The pals went on to describe Rob as a director with "range," saying: "There is no other director who has his range. From comedy to drama to 'mockumentary' to documentary he was always at the top of his game. He charmed audiences. They trusted him. They lined up to see his films. His comedic touch was beyond compare, his love of getting the music of the dialogue just right, and his sharpening of the edge of a drama was simply elegant. For the actors, he loved them. For the writers he made them better." However, they shared that "his greatest gift was freedom." They explained: "If you had an idea, he listened, he brought you into the process. They always felt they were working as a team. To be in his hands as a film maker was a privilege but that is only part of his legacy." They praised Rob and Michele for devotion to making this country a better place for everyone: "Rob was also a passionate, brave citizen, who not only cared for this country he loved, he did everything he could to make it better and with his loving wife Michele, he had the perfect partner. Strong and determined, Michele and Rob Reiner devoted a great deal of their lives for the betterment of our fellow citizens... They were a special force together-dynamic, unselfish and inspiring." Rob and Michele sound like great people. The group concluded the heartfelt statement, expressing how the pair left an "awful hole" in their hearts now: "We were their friends, and we will miss them forever. There is a line from one of Rob's favorite films, 'It's a Wonderful Life,' 'Each man's life touches so many other lives, and when he isn't around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?' You have no idea." A beautiful tribute. Rob and Michele's friends clearly loved them so much and will miss them dearly. Our hearts go out to them during this time. We can't imagine how they must feel about this tragic news, especially after Rob and Michele's son, Nick Reiner, was arrested and charged with allegedly killing them. What are your reactions to the tribute, Perezcious readers? Let us know in the comments. [Image via FayesVision/MEGA/WENN] The post Billy Crystal Remembers Friends Rob & Michele Reiner In Joint Emotional Tribute With Larry David, Martin Short, & More After Their Murders appeared first on Perez Hilton.