Los Angeles, California—Iconic American director and actor Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were tragically found dead at their Los Angeles home on Sunday afternoon in what police are investigating as an apparent homicide.
Police officers responding to a medical aid request shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Sunday discovered the bodies of the 78-year-old man and 68-year-old woman, who were later confirmed to be the Reiners by family spokespeople and statements from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
- Circumstances: Investigators believe the couple suffered stab wounds, according to an anonymous official.
- Investigation: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division is leading the investigation.
- Person of Interest: A family member is being questioned by investigators. Multiple reports citing sources have alleged that the couple’s son, Nick Reiner, is the person of interest. Police have not yet officially named a suspect or confirmed these reports.
The Legacy of Rob Reiner
Rob Reiner was a towering figure in American entertainment.
- Acting Career: He was perhaps best known as the Emmy-winning actor who played Mike ‘Meathead’ Stivic, the liberal son-in-law, on the classic 1970s TV comedy All in the Family.
- Directing Career: As a director, his work defined an era, including beloved films such as:
- This is Spinal Tap
- Stand by Me
- The Princess Bride
- When Harry Met Sally
- Misery
- A Few Good Men
Michele Singer Reiner’s Contributions
Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer who, notably, took the cover photo of Donald Trump for his book, Trump: The Art of the Deal. She also worked as a producer on later films with her husband.
Tributes Pour In
The couple’s death has sent shockwaves across Hollywood and the political world, where Reiner was a long-time, outspoken political activist for Democratic causes and social justice.
- LA Mayor Karen Bass: Called it a “devastating loss for our city and our country,” noting his contributions “reverberate throughout American culture and society.”
- Governor Gavin Newsom: Stated he was “heartbroken” and praised Reiner as the “big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love.”
- Former President Barack Obama: Posted that “beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people.”
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office will make the official cause of death public.
