Hollywood and US political figures have expressed grief and shock following the reported deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, at their Los Angeles residence.
The filmmaker, 78, and his wife, 68, were pronounced dead at their home in an upscale Los Angeles neighborhood on Sunday. Their son, Nick Reiner, has reportedly been taken into custody.
Reiner is celebrated for directing a diverse range of classic films, including *When Harry Met Sally*, *This is Spinal Tap*, *Stand By Me*, *Misery*, and *A Few Good Men*, and for his advocacy of liberal causes and Democratic politics.
Christopher Guest, of *Spinal Tap*, and his wife, Jamie Lee Curtis, described themselves as “numb,” while former President Barack Obama stated that he and Michelle were “heartbroken” by the news.
President Donald Trump commented on the “very sad” situation in California, while also referencing Reiner’s past criticisms of him.
Nick Reiner, 32, is reportedly in custody with bail set at $4 million, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department records.
The Los Angeles Police Department has stated that they are investigating what appears to be a “homicide.”
The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed to the BBC that they received a call for medical assistance at a Brentwood home, a neighborhood known for its celebrity residents, at approximately 3:38 PM local time (23:38 GMT).
Among those offering tributes was author Stephen King, whose works served as the foundation for *Misery* and *Stand By Me*. He expressed that he was “horrified and saddened” by the news.
“Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine),” he wrote. “Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me.”
Director Ron Howard remarked: “He proved to be a superlative filmmaker, a supportive colleague and at all times a dedicated citizen.”
Sir Elton John, who appeared in this year’s *Spinal Tap* sequel, shared: “I am in disbelief at today’s news of Rob and Michele.
“They were two of the most beautiful people I’d ever met and they deserved better.”
Monty Python’s Eric Idle posted on X that he had spoken with Reiner “for over an hour” the previous night. He added that they first met 50 years ago and that Reiner was “a clever, talented and very thoughtful man.”
Kathy Bates, who starred in Reiner’s *Misery* in 1990, told NBC News that Reiner was “a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist,” and described his wife, Michele, as a “gifted photographer.”
Fellow actor John Cusack, who starred in Reiner’s 1985 film *The Sure Thing*, called him “a great man”, while Elijah Wood, of 1994’s *North*, stated he was “horrified” by the couple’s deaths.
*The Princess Bride* star Cary Elwes shared a photo of chairs on the film’s set bearing both of their names, along with the caption: “No words…”
*Stand By Me* actor Corey Feldman said: “All I can say is I’m shocked & saddened, but I #love u Rob! U will b 4ever missed!”
James Woods, who received an Oscar nomination for his role in Reiner’s 1996 drama *Ghosts of Mississippi*, said he was “devastated by this terrible event.”
Comedy star and director Ben Stiller shared that it was “a huge loss,” adding that Reiner had “made some of the most formative movies for my generation.” He emphasized: “*Spinal Tap* is one of the best comedies ever made – and the list goes on.”
*One Tree Hill* actress Sophia Bush described Reiner as an “almost indescribably wonderful man,” noting that he was “kind, jovial, thoughtful, and generous.”
Mira Sorvino, who appeared with Reiner in the 2020 TV series *Hollywood*, said she was “in absolute shock.”
“Rob Reiner was a legend and a kind, brilliant man, a wonderful actor to work opposite on Hollywood, an iconic director,” she wrote, also describing Michele as “a lovely generous person.”
*Frozen* actor Josh Gad referred to Reiner as “one of the greatest directors of our time,” adding: “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.”
A family spokesperson released a statement to US media confirming the couple’s death.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” it read. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
During a news conference on Sunday night, the LAPD did not provide details about the deaths or what they found upon arrival.
Sunday night’s police press conference also did not yield any details about any injuries the pair sustained, nor if any weapon was found or used. Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said a cause of death would be determined by the LA coroner’s office.
Reiner, the son of comedy icon Carl Reiner, began his career in the 1960s and achieved significant recognition playing Meathead in the groundbreaking TV sitcom *All in The Family* in the 1970s.
The program, a US adaptation of the British comedy *Till Death Us Do Part*, earned him two Emmy Awards.
Reiner achieved further success with the cult mockumentary *This Is Spinal Tap* in 1984, which he directed and in which he played on-screen director Marty DiBergi.
That marked the start of a series of classic Hollywood films directed by Reiner, including *Stand By Me* (1986), *The Princess Bride* (1987), *When Harry Met Sally* (1989), *Misery* (1990), and *A Few Good Men* (1992), the latter of which garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
He reunited with *Spinal Tap* for the long-awaited sequel, *Spinal Tap II: The End Continues*, which was released in September.
As an actor, he also appeared in *The Wolf of Wall Street*, *Postcards from the Edge*, and *Bullets Over Broadway*, in addition to TV shows like *New Girl* and *The Bear*.
Reiner also co-founded the successful Castle Rock Entertainment production company.
He was married to *Laverne & Shirley* actress Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981 and is the adoptive father to Marshall’s daughter, actress Tracy Reiner.
He married Michele Reiner, an actress, photographer, and producer, in 1989, recalling that they met during the production of *When Harry Met Sally*. The couple has three children together.
Michele owned the Reiner Light photography agency and production house.
Reiner was also an active campaigner for social and political causes, as well as for Democratic political candidates.
Politicians who offered their tributes include Obama, who stated: “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.”
Nancy Pelosi, former House speaker, said: “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 loving wife.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom said: “Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights – from taking on Big Tobacco, fighting for marriage equality, to serving as a powerful voice in early education.”
LA Mayor Karen Bass called the incident a “devastating loss for our city and country,” and recognized the couple’s charitable contributions towards childhood development and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Trump wrote that “a very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood” before adding that Reiner and his wife “reportedly” died “due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction” with “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
It is unclear what reports the president is referring to, and while the investigation is being treated as a homicide, police have yet to comment on any possible motive.
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