The news of the sudden death of director and actor Rob Reiner, who was found dead with his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, has shaken Hollywood and beyond.
A spokesperson for the Reiner family confirmed their deaths on Sunday evening, saying: “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Few details have been revealed about the deaths, but a homicide investigation has been opened as investigators believe the couple suffered stab wounds.
The director of classics like This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, Misery and countless other movies was a beloved figure in the film industry. Reiner reunited with Spinal Tap for the long-awaited sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which was released this September.
Michele Singer Reiner, 68, was an accomplished producer, actor and photographer and collaborated with Reiner on many of his most famous projects.
Celebrities and politicians have paid tribute to “one of the greatest filmmakers to ever live”.
Former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris led tributes.
“Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele,” Obama wrote on X. “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, in truth, and in justice.”
“Rob Reiner’s work has impacted generations of Americans,” Harris posted. “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.”
As for Nancy Pelosi, she wrote: “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.”
Reiner, 78, was a longtime political activist and philanthropist.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom, said in a statement: “Jen and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love. His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others – and encouraging us to dream bigger.”
They added, “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.”
Christopher Guest, who starred in This Is Spinal Tap and The Princess Bride, and his wife Jamie Lee Curtis said in a joint statement that they were “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,” the couple wrote. “We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.”
Actor and director Paul Feig called Reiner “a true visionary titan and a lovely, lovely person,” while Elijah Wood, who starred in Reiner’s film North, said: “Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle. So much love to their kids and family.”
Monty Python star Eric Idle said: “I spoke to him last night for over an hour. I always enjoyed his company. I met him at his Dad’s in 1975. He was telling me about fiming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future. This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful.”
Ben Stiller tweeted: “What 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. I didn’t know him well but was always a fan and I feel a real sadness for those who did, and his family.”
Actress Virginia Madsen wrote on Instagram: “Thank you Rob for giving us so much joy to hold on to. Life and talent always turned up to 11.”
Filmmaker Joe Russo wrote: “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.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass added: “This is a devastating loss for our city and our country. 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.”
LAPD chief detective Alan Hamilton said the death investigation is ongoing, adding that while many family members would be interviewed, “no one has been detained; no one is being questioned as a suspect.”