Acclaimed director and actor Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife of 36 years, producer and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found dead in their upscale Brentwood home on Sunday afternoon.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is investigating the incident as an apparent double homicide, with multiple sources reporting that the couple suffered fatal stab wounds.
First responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived at the Reiners’ residence on South Chadbourne Avenue around 3:30 p.m. following a medical aid call.
Upon entering the property, they discovered the bodies of a man and woman matching the couple’s descriptions.
The LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division quickly assumed control of the investigation, sealing off the street and processing the scene late into the evening.
While authorities have not officially named a suspect or confirmed a motive, multiple credible outlets, including People magazine citing sources close to the family, report that the couple’s son, Nick Reiner, approximately 32, is alleged to have been responsible for the killings.
Sources indicate that Nick, who has publicly discussed his long-term struggles with substance abuse and multiple stints in rehabilitation, was involved in the incident.
One report suggests the couple’s daughter, Romy Reiner, discovered her parents’ bodies and alerted authorities.
The Reiner family issued a brief statement late Sunday: “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.
ob Reiner, born in 1947 as the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner and actress Estelle Reiner, rose to fame in the 1970s as Michael Meathead Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family, earning two Emmy Awards.
He transitioned seamlessly into directing, helming a string of beloved classics including 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). His most recent project, the sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, was released earlier this year. Reiner was also a prominent political activist, advocating for progressive causes and Democratic candidates.
Michele Singer Reiner, whom Rob met on the set of When Harry Met Sally…, collaborated with her husband on several films as a producer, including recent works like Albert Brooks: Defending My Life (2023). The couple shared three children: Jake, Nick, and Romy. Rob also had an adopted daughter, Tracy Reiner, from his previous marriage to the late Penny Marshall.
Tributes poured in swiftly from across Hollywood and beyond.
Former President Barack Obama described the couple as living lives defined by purpose, adding that they will be remembered for the values they championed.
California Governor Gavin Newsom called Reiner a big-hearted genius whose work and advocacy improved lives.
Actors including Billy Crystal, Larry David, John Cusack, and Cary Elwes expressed profound shock and grief, with many highlighting Reiner’s enduring friendships and creative legacy.
The Norman Lear family, deeply connected to Reiner through All in the Family, issued a statement expressing devastation, noting that Lear often referred to Rob as a son.
As the investigation continues, the LAPD has stated no arrests have been made, and further details are expected in the coming days
