Shortly after veteran Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their California home, legendary actor Michael Douglas shed light on Reiner’s personal struggles. Douglas has collaborated with Reiner on more than one occasion in the past.

Michael Douglas starred as Hank Pym in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He recently spoke about the private issues affecting director Rob Reiner. Reiner is widely considered one of the finest filmmakers in Hollywood.

In the CBS News special Rob Reiner: Scenes from a Life, Douglas was one of the key figures to speak out. He shared conversations he had with Reiner about the challenges of parenting a child battling addiction. Douglas has also been open about his own journey supporting his son, Cameron Douglas, who struggled with addiction for years.

Douglas said, “With this terrible tragedy, we’re realizing how much pressure he was dealing with in his personal life with his son.” He continued, “I also had a son who had drug issues. And I’m happy to say he’s overcome them and he’s living a prosperous life. But we talked a lot about that: What you can do as a parent, what you can’t do.” (via Parade)

The actor, who worked with Reiner on The American President (1995) and And So It Goes (2014), credited the director for his professionalism despite the turmoil he was facing. “So knowing with all of that going on behind the scenes, this was a man who always gave you his best,” Douglas added.

Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele, were found dead in their Los Angeles home on December 14. Since then, their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with the murders. As of now, he is awaiting arraignment, which is scheduled for January 7, 2025.