Cary Elwes has shared a deeply personal reflection on the life and influence of filmmaker Rob Reiner, offering readers a thoughtful look at their creative bond during the making of The Princess Bride. The tribute was posted on Instagram and included archival footage from the 1987 film, which Reiner directed and Elwes starred in as Westley. According to Elwes, the post marked the first time he felt able to fully express his grief following the deaths of Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, on December 14. The actor framed the message as both a remembrance and a thank-you, highlighting how formative the experience was early in his career.
Cary Elwes Reflects on Working With Rob Reiner During The Princess Bride
Elwes explained that he was only 24 years old when he first met Reiner and that the meeting left an immediate and lasting impression. He shared that he was already an admirer of Reiner’s work, and meeting him in person felt like a milestone moment. As they spent more time together, Elwes said he realized Reiner was someone he wanted in his life beyond the project itself. Being cast as Westley, he noted, felt like being handed an extraordinary opportunity and a profound vote of confidence from a director he respected deeply.
The actor also described Reiner’s personal qualities, emphasizing that the filmmaker led with empathy and emotional openness. Elwes recalled noticing that Reiner valued kindness over status and cared deeply about the well-being of others. He portrayed Reiner as someone who sought out the best in people, felt compassion for those facing difficulties, and placed immense importance on family and friendship. These traits, Elwes suggested, shaped both the atmosphere on set and the spirit of the film itself.
