Carl Reiner: Mel Brooks pays emotional tribute to late comedy pioneer

Reiner has died aged 98

Carl Reiner

Mel Brooks has paid tribute to the late comedy pioneer Carl Reiner following his death at the age of 98.

Reiner died on Monday at his home in Beverly Hills, California.

Recalling his first time meeting Reiner in 1950, director Brooks tweeted: “Carl was a giant, unmatched in his contributions to entertainment. He created comedy gems like The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Jerk, and Where’s Poppa? I met him in 1950 when he joined Sid Caesar on Your Show of Shows, and we’ve been best friends ever since. I loved him.”

He continued: “When we were doing The 2000 Year Old Man together there was no better straight man in the world. So whether he wrote or performed or he was just your best friend – nobody could do it better. He’ll be greatly missed. A tired cliché in times like this, but in Carl Reiner’s case it’s absolutely true. He will be greatly missed.’

Reiner’s son Rob, himself an award-winning comedian, actor, and filmmaker, tweeted on Tuesday: “Last night my dad passed away. As I write this my heart is hurting. He was my guiding light.”

Many honoured Reiner’s legacy after news of his death broke.

Among them was comedian Jason Alexander, who wrote: “Carl Reiner was comedy genius. Often that genius made other funny people even funnier. But give him a stage and he could spin laughter out of any moment. I watched him do it time and again. His contributions to comedy are eternal. And a lovely man, as well.”

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo paid tribute to Reiner, a Bronx native, with the following message: “Carl Reiner, Bronx born and bred, made TV comedy that endures to this day. He made America laugh — a true gift. New York extends our condolences to his family and many friends.”

Author Stephen King tweeted: “I’m so sorry to hear that Carl Reiner has passed on. He was a great entertainer and a fine man.”

“My friend Carl Reiner died last night. His talent will live on for a long time, but the loss of his kindness and decency leaves a hole in our hearts,” actor Alan Alda wrote. “We love you, Carl.”

Emily Osment, who worked with Reiner on an episode of Young & Hungry also starring Betty White, shared a photo of the two of them, writing: “We lost comedy legend @carlreiner at 98 yesterday. He was a pillar in our community and brought so much joy to our screens for so many years. I had the pleasure of working with him in 2017 and I will never, ever forget it. Thank you, Carl.”