Hollywood is in mourning after the bodies of acclaimed actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were discovered in their Los Angeles home on Sunday in a suspected double homicide.
A Tragic Discovery in Brentwood
Law enforcement responded to the couple's property in the upscale Brentwood neighbourhood at approximately 3:40 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. The Los Angeles Fire Department had initially been called to provide medical aid but found the pair already deceased. According to law enforcement sources cited by multiple outlets, the victims, aged 78 and 68 respectively, suffered wounds consistent with a knife attack.
The Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed the robbery-homicide division is leading the investigation, treating the deaths as an "apparent homicide." At a press conference, Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton stated, "We have not identified a suspect at this time. No one has been detained." The Los Angeles Times reported that a family member was being questioned by authorities.
Outpouring of Grief from Family and the World
The Reiner family released a heartbroken statement confirming the tragic loss. "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner," the statement read. "We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time."
Tributes have poured in from across the political and entertainment spectrum. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called it a "devastating loss for our city and our country," praising Reiner's creative work and advocacy. California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted Reiner's "boundless empathy" and his passionate advocacy for civil rights and children.
Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama shared a joint message on X, writing they were "heartbroken by the tragic passing." They noted his "deep belief in the goodness of people" and lifelong commitment to action.
A Storied Career and Personal Life
Rob Reiner, son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, first found fame as Mike "Meathead" Stivic in the iconic sitcom All in the Family, a role that earned him two Emmy Awards. He transitioned to directing, creating a string of beloved classics including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally..., Misery, and A Few Good Men, the latter earning him a Best Picture Oscar nomination.
He met his wife, photographer Michele Singer, while filming When Harry Met Sally... They married and had three children: Jake, Nick, and Romy. Reiner was previously married to director Penny Marshall, with whom he shared an adopted daughter, actress Tracy Reiner.
Close friends and collaborators expressed shock and devastation. Christopher Guest and Jamie Lee Curtis said they were "numb and sad and shocked," while actor James Woods, who starred in Reiner's Ghosts of Mississippi, recalled their friendship transcending political differences. Director Paul Feig called Reiner a "hero" and noted he had seen the couple just days before the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the entertainment world and beyond are left to grapple with the sudden and violent loss of a cinematic giant and his partner, remembered for their artistic contributions and profound humanitarian efforts.
