Billy Crystal distrusts God after Palisades fire, Rob Reiner death
Los Angeles Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Billy Crystal expressed a loss of faith in God following the 2025 wildfires that destroyed his home and the killing of his longtime collaborator Rob Reiner, stating he no longer trusts God due to the many bad things happening in the world.
- Crystal and his wife lost their 1930s ranch house in the Pacific Palisades wildfire, inspiring his new one-man Broadway show "860," which explores themes of luck, fate, resilience, laughter, and love rather than focusing solely on the fire.
- The actor reflected on his deep friendship with Rob Reiner, whom he met in 1976; Reiner's encouragement helped Crystal process his loss, and Crystal fondly recalled their close bond and collaboration, including Reiner casting him in "When Harry Met Sally…."
- Crystal's new show "860," premiering October 21 at the Imperial Theatre in New York, serves as a healing journey for him, and he shared poignant moments of still feeling connected to Reiner despite his tragic death in December 2025.
