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 a death investigation at the Reiners’ residence shortly before 3:40 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 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.”
Reiner is survived by his children Tracy, Jake, Nick, and Romy. He and Michele Singer Reiner shared three children together.
LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said Sunday night that investigators are working to establish the facts surrounding the deaths.
“We are not looking for anyone as a suspect,” Hamiltons said, “or in any other manner at this time.”
Source: Washington Informer
