Jamie Lee Curtis says paying tribute to Rob Reiner at the Emmys was "tougher than I anticipated." The actress, 67, spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the loss of her close friends Rob and Michele Reiner, who were found dead in their Los Angeles home in December.

She described it as "a very private grief." She called him "a cherished legend" and her "beloved Meathead," after his role in All in the Family. "He was generous and kind, and funny as hell," she said.

She noted that the week before, Reiner had won a posthumous Emmy for guest actor in a comedy series for The Bear, giving him the record for the longest gap between acting Emmys at 48 years, passing his father Carl Reiner's 37. Asked about the moment, Curtis told The Hollywood Reporter: "I felt a responsibility to represent everyone, strangers, fans, colleagues, friends, close friends and family, in that moment at the Emmys.

I was happy to do it, but it was a little tougher than I anticipated." The friendship was close. Curtis and her husband, Christopher Guest, were married at Reiner's home in 1984, with Reiner as best man, and Reiner is godfather to the couple's daughter Annie.

Curtis will be the first recipient of the Michele and Rob Reiner Champion for Change Award from the Children's Institute, at its Cape & Gown Gala in November, where John Mayer will perform. The institute is headed by Michele Reiner's sister.

"They didn't just create together," Curtis said when the award was announced. "They lived a life of service." Of carrying on their work, she said it has been difficult but important.

TMZ reported that the Reiners' son Nick has been charged in connection with their deaths. The loss has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, as the couple was widely respected for their philanthropic efforts and long-standing contributions to the entertainment industry.

Curtis remains committed to honoring their legacy through her continued support of the Children's Institute and other charitable endeavors they championed during their lives.