Rob Reiner, the celebrated director of The Princess Bride and A Few Good Men, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were discovered dead in their Brentwood mansion on Sunday, according to a source close to the couple. The pair were found with apparent stab wounds, a finding confirmed by the Los Angeles Police Department.
The Tragic Discovery
A source confirmed to NBC News that the 78‑year‑old director and his 68‑year‑old wife were found inside their home with apparent stab wounds. The incident occurred in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, where the couple had lived since 1989.
Family Background and Career Highlights
Rob Reiner is the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner and rose to prominence in the 1970s as the character Meathead on the sitcom All in the Family. He later earned two Emmy Awards for his work in television. Reiner’s filmography spans decades and genres, including This is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, and The Princess Bride.
Reiner met Michele Singer while directing When Harry Met Sally. The couple married in 1989 and have three children together. Prior to his marriage to Michele, Reiner was married to actor‑director Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981; he adopted Marshall’s daughter, Tracy Reiner.
Carl Reiner died in 2020 at age 98, and Penny Marshall died in 2018.
Police Investigation Status
LAPD Deputy Police Chief Alan Hamilton stated that investigators are not pursuing a suspect or person of interest until the investigation is complete. Hamilton also noted that the identities of the victims had not been released, and that the LA County Coroner would provide that information later.
Reactions from Hollywood
Tracy Reiner, the director’s adopted daughter, told NBC News, “I came from the greatest family ever.” She added, “I don’t know what to say, I’m in shock.”
Actor Kathy Bates, whom Reiner directed in Misery, said, “I’m horrified hearing this terrible news. Absolutely devastated.” She continued, “I loved Rob. He was brilliant and kind, a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist. He also fought courageously for his political beliefs. He changed the course of my life. Michelle was a gifted photographer. She shot my beautiful photos for the Misery campaign. My heart breaks for them both. My thoughts are with their family.”
Josh Gad posted on social media, “Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were two of the most kind and caring souls you could ever imagine. He cared so much for those who had no voices. This loss is devastating. I cannot express how much this hurts.”
Ben Stiller wrote on X, “Rob Reiner was one of my favorite directors. He made some of the most formative movies for my generation. He came out form behind a huge comedic shadow of the great Carl Reiner and being a tv actor to being a a great director who made an incredible run of movies. Spinal Tap is one of the best comedies ever made – and the list goes on. He was a kind caring person who was really really funny.”
Political Tributes
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called Reiner’s death a “devastating loss for the city.” She added, “Rob Reiner’s contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice. An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom said, “Jen and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.” They praised his empathy and activism, noting his work against Big Tobacco, his fight for marriage equality, and his advocacy for early education.
Former President Barack Obama and wife Michelle posted on X: “Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele.” They highlighted his film legacy and his lifelong commitment to the goodness of people.
Lear Family Statement
The family of screenwriter and producer Norman Lear, who died in December 2023, expressed their grief: “The Lear Family is devastated by the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner,” the family said. “Norman often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary, to us and the world. Norman would have wanted to remind us that Rob and Michele spent every breath trying to make this country a better place, and they pursued that through their art, their activism, their philanthropy, and their love for family and friends.”
Key Takeaways
- Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead with stab wounds in their Brentwood home.
- Reiner’s career included The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men, and This is Spinal Tap.
- The investigation is ongoing; no suspect has been identified.
The loss of Rob Reiner and his wife has resonated across Hollywood, politics, and the broader community, underscoring the enduring impact of their creative and activist work.
