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Hollywood Stunned By Iconic Filmmaker’s Horrific Death

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Rob Reiner
Photo Credit: "Rob Reiner, Dan Ashley" by commonwealth.club is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

Hollywood was rocked late Sunday as news broke that iconic filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their Los Angeles home in what police are investigating as a homicide.

Tributes quickly poured in from across the entertainment industry and political world following reports that Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 65, were discovered with fatal injuries inside their Brentwood, California residence.

Law enforcement officials confirmed the case was being handled as a homicide, though key details remained unresolved as the investigation unfolded.

According to People, the couple were allegedly killed by their 32-year-old son, Nick, a screenwriter who has battled addiction for years. Nick was booked into jail on Monday on murder charges and and is being held on $4 million bond. The pair were reportedly discovered deceased by their daughter Romy.

Actor Kathy Bates, who worked with Reiner on the 1990 film “Misery,” reacted with shock after learning of the deaths. She said she was “horrified hearing this terrible news.”

“Absolutely devastated. I loved Rob. He was brilliant and kind, a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist. He also fought courageously for his political beliefs. He changed the course of my life,” Bates added, pointing to his extremely liberal views.

“Michelle was a gifted photographer. She shot my beautiful photos for the Misery campaign. My heart breaks for them both. My thoughts are with their family.”

Actor Elijah Wood, who starred in Reiner’s 1994 film “North,” shared his reaction on X, writing, “Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife [Michele]. So much love to their kids and family.”

Corey Feldman, who appeared in Reiner’s 1986 coming-of-age classic “Stand By Me,” also reacted publicly, signaling his sadness at the loss of the director.

Fellow cast member John Cusack said, “Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner – a great man.”

Filmmaker Paul Feig described Reiner as a major influence, writing in a social media post, “Rob is one of my heroes. I had the honor of calling him a friend.”

Conservative actor Kevin Sorbo tweeted, “Wow. I disagreed with Rob on plenty, but that doesn’t matter now. Pray for his family.”

“Rob and I remained good friends ever since we made GHOSTS OF MISSISSIPPI,” added fellow conservative star James Woods.

“The studio didn’t think I was old enough to do the part, but Rob fought for me. Political differences never stood in the way of our love and respect for each other. I am devastated by this terrible event.”

Actress and comedian Roseanne Barr posted a message calling the deaths a tragedy.

“I’m absolutely shocked and horrified to hear about Rob Reiner and his wife Michele. This is a travesty. Praying for swift justice. Sympathies to their family and children. I’m at a loss for words,” she wrote.

Close friends Billy Crystal and Larry David were seen visiting the crime scene Sunday, according to reports, with Crystal appearing visibly emotional as he departed.

Reiner and Crystal first met in 1975 while working on the sitcom “All In The Family,” where they portrayed best friends.

Their professional relationship continued years later when Crystal starred in Reiner’s hit romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally.”

Reiner also collaborated with Larry David on the HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” appearing as himself in the well-known episode titled “The Thong,” which aired in October 2001.

Political figures in California also issued statements following the deaths.

Governor Gavin Newsom shared a message on X, writing, “Jen and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.”

He continued, “Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love, with projects as wide-ranging as The Princess Bride to A Few Good Men.”

Newsom also referenced Reiner’s long-standing liberal political and social activism.

“His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others — and encouraging us to dream bigger,” he continued.

“That empathy extended well beyond his films. Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights — from taking on Big Tobacco, fighting for marriage equality, to serving as a powerful voice in early education.”

The governor added that Reiner’s impact extended far beyond Hollywood. “He made California a better place through his good works. Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the deaths as “a devastating loss for city and our country,” saying she was “holding all who loved Rob and Michele in my heart.”

Bass called Reiner “an acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist,” noting that “he always used his gifts in service of others.”

She added that Reiner and his wife “fought for early childhood development and marriage equality, working to overturn Proposition 8” and were “true champions for LGBTQ+ rights.”

California Rep. Eric Swalwell described the couple as “two of the kindest people” he knew and said he was “sick to [his] stomach” after learning of their deaths.

Failed Democratic Presidential candidate and former Vice President Kamala Harris also weighed in.

“Rob Reiner’s work has impacted generations of Americans. The characters, dialogue, and visuals he brought to life in film and television are woven throughout our culture. Rob loved our country, cared deeply about the future of our nation, and fought for America’s democracy,” Harris tweeted.

As did former President Barrack Obama, who wrote that he was “heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele.”

“Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose,” he added. “They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.”

Law enforcement officials provided limited details as the investigation continued.

A police official familiar with the case said Reiner and his wife had sustained multiple stab wounds when they were found inside their home.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said it received a request for medical assistance around 3:30 p.m. Sunday and discovered the bodies of a 78-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman at the residence.

Los Angeles Police Department Capt. Mike Bland said Robbery Homicide Division detectives were investigating what appeared to be a homicide at the property.

Deputy Police Chief Alan Hamilton told reporters the inquiry would continue through the week.

He declined to confirm the identities of the victims at the time, stating the coroner’s office would handle official identification.

Hamilton also said authorities had not identified a suspect and that no arrests had been made.

When asked about family interviews, he said relatives would be spoken with as part of the ongoing investigation.

Reiner built a decades-long career in film and television, earning recognition for directing “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “A Few Good Men,” and “Stand By Me.”

In recent months, he appeared in four episodes of the Hulu series “The Bear” and worked on “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” which he also directed.

Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner shared three children. Reiner was previously married to actress and filmmaker Penny Marshall, who died in 2018 at age 75. He adopted her daughter, Tracy Reiner, during their marriage.

Tracy Reiner said she had seen her father the day before his death at a family gathering.

“I came from the greatest family ever,” she said. “I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”

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