Hollywood is mourning the loss of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, who were found dead in their Brentwood home on Sunday afternoon. The couple’s deaths are being investigated as a homicide by the Los Angeles Police Department. TMZ’s sources say the two suffered lacerations consistent with a knife.
Emergency responders received a call around 3:30 PM on Sunday to the couple’s residence in the exclusive Brentwood neighbourhood of Los Angeles. Law enforcement sources told ABC News that the victims appeared to have been stabbed to death, though the LAPD has not officially confirmed the identities or cause of death pending the coroner’s investigation.
The Reiner family confirmed the devastating news in a statement Sunday evening. “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.”
LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton addressed reporters during a late-night press conference, confirming that the Robbery Homicide Division is leading the investigation. He said detectives were working to obtain a search warrant to conduct a thorough examination of the crime scene. “We are not looking for anyone as a suspect or in any other manner at this time,” Hamilton stated, though he noted the investigation is still in its earliest phase.
Tributes
Neighbours reported seeing longtime friends Billy Crystal and Larry David arrive separately at the home Sunday evening. According to one neighbour, Crystal “looked like he was about to cry” as he left the residence.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the deaths “a devastating loss for our city and our country.” In her statement, she praised the couple’s contributions beyond entertainment. “Rob and Michele fought for early childhood development and marriage equality, working to overturn Proposition 8,” Bass said. “They were true champions for LGBTQ+ rights.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom remembered Reiner as “the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love.” He added, “His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others and encouraging us to dream bigger.”
Actor Kathy Bates, who worked with Reiner on the 1990 thriller “Misery,” expressed her devastation. “I loved Rob,” she told NBC News. “He was brilliant and kind, a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris described the Reiners as “dear friends” in a post to social media. “Rob loved our country, cared deeply about the future of our nation, and fought for America’s democracy,” Harris wrote. “Rob and his wife Michele loved each other very much.”
Rob and Michele Reiner’s Career
Rob Reiner, 78, built one of Hollywood’s most diverse and successful careers. The son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, who died in 2020, he first gained fame in the 1970s playing Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom “All in the Family.” His performance earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards.
But it was behind the camera where Reiner truly made his mark. He directed some of cinema’s most beloved films across multiple genres. His 1984 mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap” became a cult classic and pioneered a new comedy format. He followed that success with a remarkable run that included “Stand By Me” (1986), “The Princess Bride” (1987), “When Harry Met Sally” (1989), “Misery” (1990), “A Few Good Men” (1992), and “The American President” (1995).
More recently, Reiner appeared in four episodes of the hit series “The Bear” and directed “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” which was released this year. He’d also completed filming live concert footage of the fictional band Spinal Tap at Stonehenge, scheduled for release in 2026.
Michele Singer Reiner, 65, was a talented photographer who’d worked with numerous high-profile clients throughout her career. She famously took a photo of Donald Trump for the cover of his book “The Art of the Deal.” But it was her work as a photographer on the set of “When Harry Met Sally” that changed her life.
That’s where she met Rob, and their connection was so powerful that it actually influenced the film itself. The director changed the ending of the romantic comedy to have Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan’s characters end up together, inspired by his blossoming relationship with Michele. The couple married in 1989 and spent more than 35 years together.
They had three children: daughter Romy and sons Nick and Jake. Rob also adopted Tracy Reiner, the daughter of his first wife, actress and director Penny Marshall, who died in 2018. According to neighbours, the Reiners owned two houses on their street, with Rob and Michele living in one while a daughter with children lived in the other. “They’re a big presence on the block,” one neighbour said. “They’re always having parties.”
Beyond filmmaking, Reiner was an outspoken political activist and a major supporter of the Democratic Party. He regularly used his platform to advocate for progressive causes and was particularly vocal about political developments he found concerning. In October, he’d warned about the deployment of National Guard troops to California and Oregon, calling the move “beyond McCarthy era-esque.”
The family of legendary TV producer Norman Lear, who created “All in the Family,” released a statement expressing their devastation. “Norman often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary,” the Lear family said. “The world is unmistakably darker tonight, and we are left bereft.”
Investigation Continues
As of Monday morning, the LAPD has not identified any suspects or persons of interest. Detectives spent Sunday evening interviewing family members to gather information about the circumstances leading to the deaths. The investigation is expected to continue with a complete crime scene examination once the necessary warrants are obtained.
The street where the Reiners lived was cordoned off with caution tape, and multiple law enforcement vehicles remained on scene throughout Sunday evening and into Monday morning. LAPD officials said they plan to provide another update on the investigation on Monday.
Rob Reiner was 78. Michele Singer Reiner was 65.
