Rob Reiner death: Hollywood in shock as police investigate “apparent homicide”
Renowned filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner, best known for classics such as When Harry Met Sally, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, Misery and This Is Spinal Tap, has been found dead at his Los Angeles home along with his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. Reiner was 78, while his wife was 68.
According to reports, authorities discovered the bodies on Sunday afternoon at Reiner’s residence in Brentwood, Los Angeles, after the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical aid call. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) later confirmed that detectives from the robbery-homicide division are investigating the deaths as an “apparent homicide.” Media reports citing law enforcement sources said both victims appeared to have suffered injuries consistent with a knife attack.
A spokesperson for the Reiner family confirmed the deaths in a statement issued Sunday evening. “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss and ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time,” the statement said.
At a press conference on Sunday night, LAPD chief detective Alan Hamilton said the investigation remains ongoing. “At this time, the LAPD is not seeking anyone as a suspect or person of interest,” he said, adding that no one has been detained and no arrests have been made so far. Family members will be interviewed as part of standard procedure.
Reiner had been married to photographer Michele Singer Reiner since 1989. The couple met during the making of When Harry Met Sally, a film whose famously optimistic ending was inspired by their relationship.
Born in the Bronx in 1947, Reiner was the son of legendary comedian Carl Reiner and singer Estelle Reiner. He first rose to fame as actor Michael “Meathead” Stivic in the iconic sitcom All in the Family, earning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. He later became one of Hollywood’s most respected directors, debuting with This Is Spinal Tap (1984) and following it with an extraordinary run of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.
Over his career, Reiner received four Golden Globe nominations for best director and three Directors Guild of America nominations. His final film was Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, released in 2025.
Tributes have poured in from across Hollywood, with many calling Reiner “one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation.” As the investigation continues, the film industry and fans worldwide mourn the loss of a storyteller whose work shaped generations of cinema lovers.