Rob Reiner, the director behind classic films such as This is Spinal Tap (1984), When Harry Met Sally… (1989), and A Few Good Men (1992), was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Sunday, according to multiple media reports.
Reiner, who was aged 78, died alongside his 68-year old wife, Michele Singer, a photographer whom he married in 1989.
Law enforcement are currently investigating the case as a homicide, as the pair were reportedly found to have sustained stab wounds. People.com are reporting that the killer is the couple’s son Nick Reiner and say he is currently being questioned. However, no arrests have been made and police have not issued any confirmations.
LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said at an earlier news conference “We are not looking for anyone as a suspect or in any other manner at this time.”
In a statement cited by the Hollywood Reporter, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said: “No further details are available as this is an ongoing RHD (Robbery Homicide Division) investigation, into an apparent homicide.”
“We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time,” Reiner’s family said in a statement.
According to reports, Reiner and his wife’s deaths were discovered by a family member who visited their house. The Los Angeles Fire Department arrived at the scene at around 3:40 pm to find the pair dead.
Reiner’s death has led to an outpouring of grief, with various celebrities and high-profile figures taking to social media to express their shock.
“The news of a deadly assault on Rob and Michelle Reiner in their home is devastating,” said former US House speaker, Nancy Pelosi. “It’s hard to think of anyone more remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavour they pursued.”
Meanwhile, director Paul Feig described Reiner as “my true hero” as well as “a true visionary titan and a lovely lovely person.”
Over the course of his decades-long career, Reiner garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations for Stand by Me and The American President.
Although Reiner is best known for his directorial work, he originally made his name as an actor in the sitcom All in the Family (1971-1979), playing the role of Mike “Meathead Stivic.” He continued to act even as his career as a director flourished, starring in notable films such as Sleepless in Seattle (1993), The First Wives Club (1996) and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).
His final film was Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, a 2025 sequel to his cult “mockumentary” classic.
