Alan and Robin Zweibel

Source: MEGARob Reiner's friends paid tribute to him following his death on December 14.

Rob Reiner's death left a lasting void in the hearts of his closest friends in the industry.

In a statement to The Associated Press, several of Rob and Michele Reiner's famous pals remembered the slain couple after they were stabbed to death in their Brentwood home on December 14. Alan and Robin Zweibel signed the message alongside Billy Crystal, Janice Crystal, Albert Brooks, Kimberly Brooks, Martin Short, Larry David, Ashley Underwood, Marc Shaiman, Lou Mirabal, Barry Levinson, Diana Levinson, Ambassador James Costos and Michael Smith."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," the statement began. "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."It added, "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."Rob's friends praised his comedic touch and the ways he worked on the films, noting the filmmaker always "brought" everyone "into the process" by listening to their ideas."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," the statement continued.

They also called the All in the Family actor 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."The statement ended with a quote from one of Rob's favorite films It's a Wonderful Life, which read, "Each man's life touches so many other lives, and when he isn't around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"

Albert and Kimberly Brooks

Source: MEGAAlbert Brooks talked about his 'oldest friend' in an interview.

In the one-hour special CBS News: Rob Reiner - Scenes from a Life, which aired on December 21, Albert opened up about his "oldest friend" whom he had known the longest."I met him when I was 14 years old," he said. "I'm still in that not believing it stage."Albert, who attended Beverly Hills High School with Rob, admitted he often finds himself dialing Rob's number but later stops."I know it happened, but, you know, I'm driving around and all of a sudden - I actually two days ago, I called his number," he added.

Ambassador James Costos and Michael Smith

Source: MEGAJames Costos issued a joint statement with Michael Smith.

James and Michael were both heartbroken by the "tragic loss" of their "dear friends.""Michael and I were so fortunate to know them for a lifetime and to experience their generosity, spirit and the joy they brought to everyone around them," he wrote on Instagram. "Above all, they were deeply loving, proud parents and their devotion to their children was always front and center, and they worked tirelessly to advance early childhood development, believing that investing in young children was essential."The ambassador said he will honor the late couple's legacy everyday through his work with the Human Rights Campaign.

James concluded the post by expressing how the loss "is simply devastating and [his] heart is everyone who loved them.""Rob and Michele will live on in the values they stood for, the creativity they shared and the countless lives they touched. They will be deeply missed and forever remembered," he continued.

Annette Bening

Source: MEGAAnnette Bening worked with Rob Reiner in the 1995 film.

Annette Bening, who worked with Rob in the 1995 film The American President, also appeared in the CBS News special.

Following the filmmaker's death, she reminisced how Rob ensured the cast and crew could still have quality time with their families while filming."On the set, he had that kind of enthusiasm that is infectious. The leader sets the tone, right? So he was wonderful that way. And a real avid family man," said Annette. "He would insist that the day ended at a same time, which in show business is kind of unusual. But, he said, 'No, we want everyone to be able to have dinner with their kids.'"

Barry and Diana Levinson

Source: MEGABarry and Diana Levinson also signed the group statement.

Barry and Diana, who wed in 1983, were among the closest friends of Rob and Michele. They signed the statement along with the other pals and collaborators of the late couple.

Billy and Janice CrystalSource: MEGAA neighbor said Billy Crystal 'looked like he was about to cry' when he wa