Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of acclaimed Hollywood director Rob Reiner, has been arrested and is being held on a substantial bail following the death of his father and mother, Michele Reiner.
Arrest and Investigation Details
Nick Reiner was arrested on Sunday night and is currently in custody. The Los Angeles Sheriff Department Inmate Information Centre confirmed his bail is set at four million dollars, equivalent to approximately £2.9 million.
This development comes after the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) informed the Press Association that detectives had opened an investigation into an "apparent homicide." This probe was launched after two bodies were discovered at the director's home on Sunday.
While authorities have not formally released the identities of the deceased, a spokesman for the Reiner family has confirmed the tragic passing of the filmmaker and his wife of over 35 years in a statement reported by US media outlets.
A Legacy in Film and a Troubled Collaboration
Rob Reiner was a prolific and influential figure in cinema, creating some of the most iconic films of the 1980s and 1990s. His celebrated works include the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally (1989) and the legal thriller A Few Good Men (1992). He also directed adaptations of Stephen King novels, such as Stand By Me (1986) and Misery (1990).
Nick Reiner had previously collaborated with his father on the 2016 film Being Charlie, which he co-wrote. The film, directed by Rob, was loosely inspired by Nick's personal struggles with addiction and stints in rehabilitation facilities.
In an interview with People Magazine, Nick clarified that the movie was not a direct autobiography but acknowledged drawing from his own experiences, including multiple rehab visits during his teenage years and periods of homelessness.
An Outpouring of Tributes from Icons
The shocking news has prompted a flood of condolences from across the political and entertainment worlds.
Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle said they were "heartbroken," praising Reiner's belief "in the goodness of people." Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton also issued a joint statement, calling the couple "good, generous people."
Stephen King, whose books Reiner adapted, expressed he was "horrified and saddened," calling Reiner a "wonderful friend" and "brilliant filmmaker."
Sir Elton John, who appeared in the recent sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, and Sir Paul McCartney, who also featured in the film, paid heartfelt tributes. McCartney described Rob as "an upbeat, lovable man."
US President Donald Trump commented on the death via a post on Truth Social, describing Reiner as a "once very talented movie director" and controversially suggesting the deaths were politically motivated, linking them to what he termed "Trump derangement syndrome."
Actress Kathy Bates, who won an Oscar for her role in Reiner's Misery, said she was "absolutely devastated," stating the director "changed the course of my life." Tributes also came from actors James Woods, Ben Stiller, and Elijah Wood, among others.
Rob Reiner's recent work included a role in the fourth season of the hit series The Bear. His father was the legendary comedian and actor Carl Reiner, who died in June 2020.
