In a shocking turn of events on Sunday, director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their Brentwood mansion with apparent stab wounds. A source close to Reiner confirmed the deaths to NBC News. While no charges have been filed, law enforcement sources say Reiner’s son Nick is jailed on suspicion of murder.
Reiner’s Legacy
Rob Reiner, 78, is best known for films such as “This is Spinal Tap,” “A Few Good Men,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “The Princess Bride.” He began his career as a TV actor on the 1970s sitcom “All in the Family,” playing Meathead, and later earned two Emmy Awards.
Family and Colleagues React
Tracy Reiner
“I came from the greatest family ever,” Tracy Reiner told NBC News. “I don’t know what to say, I’m in shock.”
Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest
“Christopher and I are numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michelle Singer Reiner and our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them. There will be plenty of time later to discuss the creative lives we shared and the great political and social impact they both had on the entertainment industry, early childhood development, the fight for gay marriage and their global care for a world in crisis. We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.” – statement to The Associated Press.
Kevin Bacon
“I’m not sure how to do this, but Rob Reiner gave me a job in ‘A Few Good Men.’ Sometime in the 90s, I guess it was, and I was over the moon to get that job, because I, people may or not know, but ‘This is Spinal Tap,’ is my all time favorite movie. And when he called me, I was just so thrilled. But the making of that movie was one of the best experiences that I’ve ever had on a set. He was so fun, you know, and it really, it comes down from the top, you know, you can set a tone where people feel like we are working hard, but also working hard in a safe and pleasant and fun situation, you know. We had lunch together every day. I had never done that with a director before or since never gone to have lunch. And Michelle would be there, and the two of them were so great together. Kyra would come by. She was pregnant, bring Travis. You know, it was just, it was a magical time. So I’m just sending love to everybody that knew him, because I know that everyone’s hurting today.” – Instagram tribute.
Kathy Bates
“I’m horrified hearing this terrible news. Absolutely devastated,” Bates said. “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.”
Stephen King
“I’m horrified and saddened by the death of Rob Reiner and Michele,” King said. “Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine). Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me.”
Ron Howard
“Our careers and lives intersected often over the decades from Rob writing the pilot script for Happy Days and then as we each shifted from acting careers into directing and producing,” Howard said. “He proved to be a superlative filmmaker, a supportive colleague and at all times a dedicated citizen. Rob will be missed on so many levels. My heart goes out to his family and his many close friends.”
Josh Gad
“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.” – social media.
Ben Stiller
“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,” Stiller wrote on X.
Political and Public Figures
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
“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,” Bass said in a statement. “An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
“Jen and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner,” Newsom said. “Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love, with projects as wide-ranging as ‘The Princess Bride’ to ‘A Few Good Men.’ His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others – and encouraging us to dream bigger.
That empathy extended well beyond his films. Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights – from taking on Big Tobacco to fighting for marriage equality to serving as a powerful voice in early education. He made California a better place through his good works.
Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity.” – statement.
Former President Barack Obama
“Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele,” Obama said. “Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people – and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.” – X post.
Vice President Kamala Harris
“Rob Reiner’s work has impacted generations of Americans. The characters, dialogue, and visuals he brought to life in film and television are woven throughout our culture. Rob loved our country, cared deeply about the future of our nation, and fought for America’s democracy. Rob and his wife Michele loved each other very much. They were dear friends, and Doug and I are devastated to learn of their passing. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this tragic time.” – statement.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
“In Hollywood, Rob Reiner was a rare talent: he could act, he could produce, he could direct, and he was amazing at all three. He was a creative genius who left us some of the greatest movies of all time, and he was a wonderful friend. My thoughts are with his family.” – statement.
Rita Wilson
“Rob and Michele Reiner are two people who really did make the world a better place. This is truth. We have been friends since our kids were toddlers attending the same preschool. It’s impossible to reconcile the tragedy of their deaths with the beauty they offered the world. Michele was an enormously talented photographer whose eye applied not only to what she captured on film but also to her own personal esthetic. Her work as a producer focused on social justice and creating awareness of our world. She was wry, funny, opinionated but also reasonable and self reflective. She was so close to her sister and her family understanding the importance of close connection. Their mother was a Holocaust survivor. When her mom was alive she and Rob gave her a life that brought her joy and grandkids. They often screened movies with themes. Once we watched The Godfather, took a break for a sumptuous Italian dinner then watched The Godfather Part 2. There were many nights like this. Rob was pure joy. I was lucky enough to call him a friend and also a peer who I worked with on North and The Story of Us. Rob was a generous director who loved actors , because he was one himself. He gave actors freedom and trusted our choices. When we saw each other it was as if time was a continuous thread in a metaphorical needlepoint work that picked up where we left off. His work as an actor, writer and director will live on, as will all the works he and Michele endeavored so hard to establish for our civil good. Our hearts go out to their families with the deepest of sorrow and love. Rob and Michelle, may their memories be eternal.” – Instagram.
Other Tributes
- Jerry O’Connell: “Love you, Rob.” – Instagram post.
- James Woods: “Rob and I remained good friends ever since we made GHOSTS OF MISSISSIPPI. The studio didn’t think I was old enough to do the part, but Rob fought for me. Political differences never stood in the way of our love and respect for each other. I am devastated by this terrible event.” – X.
- Paul McCartney: “What a tragedy the death of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, is. It is so shocking in many ways but for me especially so, because over the last year I had been working with him. He directed me in ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’. He was such an upbeat, lovable man. Life can be so unfair and this tragedy proves it. His father, Carl Reiner, was a great humourist before him and Rob followed in his dad’s footsteps doing a terrific job making many great films. I will always have fond memories of Rob and the idea that he and his wife will no longer be in the world with us is heartbreaking. Thanks for all the humour, Rob. Rest in Peace. Love Paul.” – Instagram.
- Paul Walter Hauser: “Grieving the loss of my favorite director of all-time. A Few Good Men is THE reason I became an actor, and Rob’s filmography behind the camera is THE reason I wanted to direct and still do.” – Instagram.
- Nancy Pelosi: “The news of a deadly assault on Rob and Michelle Reiner in their home is devastating. It’s hard to think of anyone more remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavor they pursued. Rob was creative, funny, and beloved. And in all of their endeavors, Michelle was his indispensable partner, intellectual resource, and a loving wife.” – X.
- Elijah Wood: “Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle. So much love to their kids and family.” – X.
- Joe Russo: “I can’t handle the truth that one of the greatest filmmakers to ever live is gone. We lost one of the few good men.” – X.
- Virginia Madsen: “Thank you Rob for giving us so much joy to hold on to. Life and talent always turned up to 11.” – Instagram.
Norman Lear Family
The family of screenwriter and producer Norman Lear, who died in December 2023, remembered the couple for their activism and philanthropy. “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 in their Brentwood home with stab wounds; their son Nick is jailed on suspicion of murder.
- The director’s career spanned decades, from a TV actor to a celebrated filmmaker and political activist.
- Tributes poured in from Hollywood peers, political leaders, and fans worldwide, underscoring Reiner’s impact on film and society.
The tragic loss of Rob Reiner and his wife has left an indelible void in the entertainment world and beyond, as friends and officials mourn the devastating blow to a life that shaped generations.
