Celebrated Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner and his spouse, Michele Singer Reiner, were discovered dead inside their Los Angeles home, Sky News confirmed. Both victims sustained fatal stab injuries, with investigators currently questioning a relative about the deaths. The couple was found by their daughter Romy, according to People magazine.
LA Fire Department personnel found a 78-year-old male and a 68-year-old female deceased at the property, though officials declined to identify the victims, according to Sky News. Detectives from the LAPD Robbery Homicide Division took charge of the case, the force announced. Captain Mike Bland characterized the investigation as an "apparent homicide," Sky News noted. According to People magazine, sources said the couple was killed by their son, Nick.
The director built his reputation helming iconic 1980s and 1990s films, including beloved classics such as "The Princess Bride," "When Harry Met Sally," "A Few Good Men," and "Stand By Me." He also maintained an acting presence, with roles in "Sleepless in Seattle" and "The Wolf of Wall Street," with his latest major work on the Emmy-winning show "The Bear."
The filmmaker encountered his wife, Michele Singer, in 1989 while directing "When Harry Met Sally." The pair raised three children together. Singer pursued photography professionally, notably shooting US President Donald Trump's portrait for his volume "Trump: The Art Of The Deal."
A family spokesman stated, "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," according to Sky News. LA Mayor Karen Bass termed the director's death a crushing blow to the city.
"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," she commented. "An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in the service of others," the mayor added.
Former President Barack Obama spearheaded tributes, posting on X that "Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob's achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen."
Entertainment industry figures also expressed their grief following the deaths, with actor John Cusack characterizing the deceased filmmaker as "a great man", while Elijah Wood stated he was "horrified" by the couple's deaths. James Woods, who received an Oscar nomination for performing in the director's 1996 drama Ghosts of Mississippi, stated he was "devastated by this terrible event." Actor and director Ben Stiller described it as "a huge loss," and added, "Rob Reiner was one of my favorite directors." He continued, "He made some of the most formative movies for my generation. He came out from behind a huge comedic shadow of the great Carl Reiner, and being a TV actor to being 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."
Frozen actor Josh Gad termed the filmmaker "one of the greatest directors of our time," adding, "He was simply a beautiful person. Rob Reiner and his wife Michell,e were two of the most kind and caring souls you could ever imagine. He cared so much for those who had no voices. This loss is devastating. I cannot express how much this hurts. Love you, Rob and Michelle. Thank you for all you gave us," he concluded.
