Family, Hollywood colleagues, political figures and more reacted with shock and grief Sunday after director Rob Reiner, one of the entertainment industry’s most prolific talents, and his wife Michele were found dead inside their Los Angeles home.
A source close to Reiner, whose film credits span decades and genres, confirmed to NBC News that Reiner and his wife were found dead inside their Brentwood mansion with apparent stab wounds. Reiner is best known for hits like “This is Spinal Tap,” “A Few Good Men,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “The Princess Bride” and more.
“I came from the greatest family ever,” daughter Tracy Reiner told NBC News. “I don’t know what to say, I’m in shock.”
Reiner, son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, was married to photographer Michele Singer Reiner, 68, since 1989. The two met while he was directing “When Harry Met Sally” and have three children together.
LAPD Deputy Police Chief Alan Hamilton said investigators are not seeking anyone as a suspect or as a person of interest until they conduct their investigation. Hamilton did not release the identities of the victims and added that the LA County Coroner would release that information later.
Reiner, 78, rose to TV fame in the 1970s on the classic sitcom “All in the Family,” playing the role of Meathead. Reiner won two Emmy Awards.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called Reiner’s death a devastating loss for the city.
“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.”
Reiner was previously married to actor-director Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981. He adopted her daughter, Tracy Reiner. Carl Reiner died in 2020 at age 98 and Marshall died in 2018.
The family of screenwriter and producer Norman Lear, who died in December 2023, remember the Reiners 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.”
Actor Kathy Bates, whom Reiner directed in the 1990 psychological horror film “Misery,” said her heart is broken.
“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.”
Actor Josh Gad praise the Reiners on social media for their kindness.
“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.,” said Gad.
Ben Stiller says Reiner was one of his favorite directors and called the filmmakers death “a huge loss.”
“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,” wrote Stiller on X.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom paid tribute to Reiner the director, writer, and activist, and his wife.
“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.”
Former President Barack Obama and wife Michelle paid tribute to Reiner’s film legacy in a post on X.
“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.”
