Billy Crystal says he will miss Rob Reiner and his wife Michele 'forever'

Billy Crystal will miss Rob Reiner and his wife Michele "forever".

The 77-year-old film star paid tribute to his When Harry Met Sally ... director - who was killed at home in Los Angeles over the weekend alongside his partner Michele - in a joint statement released with his wife Janice and a group of the tragic couple's close friends including actors Martin Short, Larry David and Albert Brooks and filmmaker Barry Levinson

The statement - first released to the Associated Press - praised Reiner's work as an actor and director and remembered him as a great friend. It read: "Rob Reiner not only was a great comic actor, he became a master story teller.

"There is no other director who has his range. From comedy to drama to ‘mockumentary’ to documentary he was always at the top of his game. He charmed audiences. They trusted him. They lined up to see his films."

It went on to add: "Rob was also a passionate, brave citizen, who not only cared for this country he loved, he did everything he could to make it better and with his loving wife Michele, he had the perfect partne.

"Strong and determined, Michele and Rob Reiner devoted a great deal of their lives for the betterment of our fellow citizens … They were a special force together-dynamic, unselfish and inspiring."

The statement then added: "We were their friends, and we will miss them forever."