Rob Reiner, the acclaimed filmmaker whose work reshaped American film and television across five decades, and his wife, producer, actor and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead Sunday at their home in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles. He was 78. She was 67.
Authorities said the Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the deaths as an apparent homicide.
Police said officers responded to the Reiners’ residence shortly before 3:40 p.m. Sunday, after a family member discovered two people dead inside the home. LAPD officials said no suspects were being sought as of late Sunday and emphasized that the investigation remains in its early stages.
In a statement released through a family spokesperson, relatives confirmed the deaths and asked for privacy.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time,” the spokesperson said.
Reiner was one of the most influential directors of his generation, with a body of work that ranged from satire to courtroom drama to romantic comedy. His films included “This Is Spinal Tap” (1984), “Stand by Me” (1986), “The Princess Bride” (1987), “When Harry Met Sally” (1989), “Misery” (1990) and “A Few Good Men” (1992).
He was also widely known for his earlier acting role as Mike Stivic on the groundbreaking television series “All in the Family,” which earned him two Emmy Awards.
Born March 6, 1947, in the Bronx, Reiner was the son of legendary comedian and writer Carl Reiner and actress Estelle Reiner. He studied film at UCLA and later founded Castle Rock Entertainment, which became one of Hollywood’s most successful production companies.
Singer Reiner built her own career in Hollywood as a producer, photographer, and occasional actor. She collaborated closely with her husband on several projects, including “Misery,” “Shock and Awe” (2017), and “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” which was released earlier this year. She was also nominated for an Emmy Award for producing the documentary “Albert Brooks: Defending My Life” (2023).
The couple met while working on “When Harry Met Sally” and married in 1989. They were prominent advocates for marriage equality, early childhood development, and civil rights causes, including co-founding the American Foundation for Equal Rights.
Tributes poured in from across politics, entertainment, and labor organizations.
The Screen Actors Guild said Reiner was “one of the most significant figures in the history of film and television,” while California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the deaths “a tragic loss for California and for American culture.”
Former President Barack Obama said Reiner’s work reflected “a deep belief in the goodness of people and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.”
While other politicians shared their condolences, including former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, President Donald Trump disparaged the Reiners in a Truth Social post.
He claimed the director died “due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.”
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell announced Monday that Nick Reiner, one of the couple’s sons, has been arrested and booked on murder charges in relation to their death, and is being held without bail.
The 32-year-old son had long struggled with drug addiction and his father’s 2015 film “Being Charlie,” for which he contributed as writer, is loosely based on his life.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the Reiners, a tragic incident,” McDonnell said during a Monday news conference.