Nikki Glaser paid heartfelt tribute to the late director Rob Reiner during her closing remarks at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards. On January 11, she donned a hat featuring the logo of his iconic film, This Is Spinal Tap, and quoted one of its most memorable lines, bringing a personal touch to the evening.
As the ceremony concluded, Glaser addressed the audience, expressing gratitude for the night while referencing the film’s famous quote: “Thank you guys for an amazing night, and I hope we found the line between clever and stupid.” This phrase closely mirrors a line from the 1984 classic, “It’s such a fine line between stupid and clever,” further emphasizing her connection to Reiner’s work.
In the days leading up to the awards, Glaser spoke with USA Today, highlighting her desire to honor Reiner despite the absence of a traditional “In Memoriam” segment at the Golden Globes. She revealed, “There’s not a whole section set aside to honor everyone we’ve lost. But I have something planned that I’m going to do in my own way to just acknowledge and celebrate him.”
Glaser expressed admiration for comedian Chelsea Handler’s tribute at the Critics Choice Awards, noting its authenticity. She reflected on her relationship with Reiner, stating, “I knew him, but not that well. I’m not going to linger on it too much because I think that’s what we’ve been doing for the past few weeks. But obviously, I thought if something happened to me and Rob Reiner was hosting a show, how would I want him to handle it?”
Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, tragically passed away on December 14, 2025, in their Brentwood, California, home. The couple was discovered with apparent stab wounds, leading to the arrest of their son, Nick Reiner, who faces two counts of first-degree murder. Following the events, Nick’s legal representation changed, with public defender Kimberly Greene taking over his case after the previous lawyer, Alan Jackson, withdrew on January 7. Nick’s arraignment was initially planned for January 11 but has been rescheduled for February 23.
In a statement, siblings Jake and Romy Reiner expressed their profound grief: “The horrific and devastating loss of our parents is something that no one should ever experience. They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.” They also requested privacy during this difficult time, urging the public to remember their parents for the love and joy they brought to others.
Glaser’s tribute not only honored Reiner’s legacy but also highlighted the personal connection she felt to him, showcasing the impact he had on the entertainment industry and those who knew him.
