In a heartfelt and candid television appearance, conservative actor James Woods addressed the enduring friendship he shared with the late liberal director and activist Rob Reiner, a bond that transcended their stark political differences. Woods spoke out against the vitriol directed at Reiner following the tragic deaths of the director and his wife, Michele.
A Friendship Forged in Film and Respect
During an interview on Fox News with host Jesse Watters, Woods revealed the profound professional debt he owes to Reiner. The director "literally saved" Woods's career by championing him for a role in the 1996 historical drama "Ghosts of Mississippi." Woods portrayed white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith, who was convicted for the 1963 murder of civil rights leader Medgar Evers. The performance earned Woods an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Despite Reiner's staunch liberal activism and Woods's outspoken conservative views, their professional relationship blossomed into a genuine personal friendship. Woods recalled how their camaraderie at social events, where they were often seen laughing together, would later prompt questions from puzzled observers.
Patriotism Over Partisanship
Woods framed their relationship around a shared, fundamental love for America. "I think Rob Reiner is a great patriot," Woods would tell people. "Do I agree with some... of his ideas on how that patriotism should be enacted to celebrate the America that we both love? No. But he doesn't agree with me either, but he also respects my patriotism."
He described their divergent political beliefs as merely "a different path to the same destination." Woods expressed frustration with those on social media who attacked Reiner, insisting they "got it all wrong" about the director's character.
Context of Compassion Amidst Political Violence
The actor's public reflection comes in the wake of controversial online commentary, including from former President Donald Trump, who linked Reiner's death to "Trump Derangement Syndrome." Critics have since highlighted the hypocrisy of such remarks, contrasting them with Republican condemnation of jokes made about the September assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Woods specifically pointed to Reiner's measured and compassionate response to Kirk's death, where the director condemned political violence and commended Kirk's widow for her forgiveness. "People said such horrible things, and Rob did not," Woods stated.
In his closing remarks, Woods separated personal affection from political alignment. "Did I agree with [Reiner's] politics? I did not," he said. "Did I love him as a friend, as an artist, as an icon of Hollywood, and as a patriot? I most certainly did. And I am just absolutely devastated by this terrible event, especially for his family."
