Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, found stabbed to death at their Brentwood home in an apparent homicide where their son is a person of interest, are being mourned Monday.
At about 1 a.m. Monday, a shrine of candles and flowers was growing at Reiner’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star as fans expressed their grief.
Video from the scene showed the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s van arriving at the home at about 1:20 a.m.
Personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department were summoned to the home in the 200 block of Chadbourne Avenue, between Sunset and San Vicente Boulevards, around 3:30 p.m. Sunday for medical aid, according to department spokesperson Margaret Stewart, which d deceased were 78-year-old Reiner and his 68-year-old wife, Michele Singer Reiner.
LAPD Detective Chief Alan Hamilton would not even confirm the identities of the victims or their cause of death during a news conference outside the Brentwood home. He said detectives were waiting for a search warrant before fully investigating the deaths.
The residents of Brentwood were safe, Hamilton said, but there had been no arrests.
TMZ reported the two suffered “lacerations consistent with a knife,” and that the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division was investigating.
People Magazine cited multiple sources to report that Reiner’s son, 32- year-old Nick Reiner — described as a screenwriter — was suspected in the deaths. The outlet reported that Nick was alive and being questioned by police but that no arrests have been made. People also reported that the couple’s daughter, Romy Reiner, was the one who found the bodies.
People referred to a 2016 interview with the magazine in which Nick spoke about a years-long struggle with drug addiction and times of homelessness in multiple states.
The LA Times noted that Reiner produced the 2015 dramatic movie “Being Charlie” based on Nick’s addiction story and the family’s struggles. “It was very, very hard going through it the first time, with these painful and difficult highs and lows,” Reiner told The Times. “And then making the movie dredged it all up again.”
A statement issued by the Reiner family was published by Variety, saying “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
The family of the late “All in the Family” creator Norman Lear also issued a statement. “The Lear Family is devastated by the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner. Norman often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary, to us and the world. Norman would have wanted to remind us that Rob and Michele spent every breath trying to make this country a better place.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom issued a statement on the death of Reiner, saying, “Jen and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
“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.’ His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others — and encouraging us to dream bigger.”
The governor added, “That empathy extended well beyond his films. Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights — from taking on Big Tobacco to fighting for marriage equality to serving as a powerful voice in early education. 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.”
Former President Barack Obama weighed in, as well, writing on X, “Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michelle. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. … We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also took to X to pay tribute to Reiner, saying, “Rob Reiner’s contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice.” She added that she knew Reiner personally and “had tremendous respect for him.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said she and former Second Gentleman Doug Imhoff were friends of the Reiners. “Rob Reiner’s work has impacted generations of Americans,” Harris said. “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.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reacted to the couple’s deaths. “It’s hard to think of anyone more remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavor they pursued. Rob was creative, funny, and beloved,” Pelosi wrote. “And in all of their endeavors, Michelle (sic) was his indispensable partner, intellectual resource, and loving wife.”
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park’s Westside district includes Brentwood. She issued a statement on Facebook. “As we continue to wait for more updates, I want to express my profound concern and sadness at the news coming out of Brentwoood,” Parks said. “We are in close contact with LAPD as the homicide unit continues their investigation. Out of an abundance of caution, LAPD has increased patrols in the area.”
Ryan Hampton @RyanForRecovery posted: “I am gutted. Rob Reiner was the kindest person. When others said no, Rob said yes (and with enthusiasm). He was a giant of a man, an advocate with a huge heart for recovery, LGBT+ folks, and so much more. With love for him and Michele.”
Fellow actors also took to social media to share their grief and love for the late Reiners.
John Cusack, who starred in Reiner’s 1985 coming-of-age film, “The Sure Thing,” posted on X, “Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner — a great man.”
Actor Josh Gad spoke out on social media platform Threads, saying ,”Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were two of the most kind and caring souls you could ever imagine. He cared so much for those who had no voices. This loss is devastating. I cannot express how much this hurts.”
Monty Python member and actor Eric Idle noted he spoke to Reiner Saturday night. ”Rob Reiner was a lovely man. I spoke to him last night for over an hour. I always enjoyed his company,” Idle said. “He was telling me about filming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future. This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful.”
Actor James Woods wrote on X that he and Reiner became friends when they made the movie “Ghosts of Mississippi.”
“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.”
Actor Corey Feldman starred in Reiner’s 1986 film “Stand By Me.”
“OMG this is horrible news! I’m so sorry for Rob and his wife, and their children, and the whole Reiner family!” Feldman wrote on X. “All I can say is I’m shocked and saddened, but I love you Rob! You will be forever missed.”
Josh Groban offered a tribute on Instagram. “I had the great privilege of working with Rob Reiner and his brilliant wife Michele this year,” Groban said. “As a lifelong fan, I was so nervous to meet him. He and Michele made me feel like family and gave me an incredible opportunity to fulfill a dream. There was laughter and love and song and it was a memory I will cherish forever. I*m stunned and deeply saddened and sending my love to their family.”
SAG-AFTRA president Sean Austin hailed Reiner as “one of the most significant figures in the history of film and television. The impact he made on American culture simply can’t be overstated.” Astin added: “So many of Mr. Reiner’s films and performances made me think, made me emotional and especially they made me laugh really hard. That’s how I will remember him.”
Entertainer Harry Connick Jr. posted his feelings on Instagram. “my heart is broken. i love you, rob and michelle. sending all of my love to your family and friends.”
Three directors shared their feelings about the Reiners’ deaths on X.
Paul Feig wrote”Rob is one of my heroes. I had the honor of calling him a friend. I pray this isn’t what it sounds like it is. I just saw [him] and Michele two nights ago.”
Director Joe Russo wrote: “I can’t handle the truth that one of the greatest filmmakers to ever live is gone,” Russo said. “We lost one of the few good men. RIP, Rob Reiner.”
And actor-director Ron Howard reflected on X about his experiences with Reiner. “Our careers and lives intersected often over the decades from Rob writing the pilot script for Happy Days and then as we each shifted from acting careers into directing and producing,” Howard wrote. “He proved to be a superlative filmmaker, a supportive colleague and at all times a dedicated citizen. Rob will be missed on so many levels. My heart goes out to his family and his many close friends.”
Reiner worked in Hollywood for five decades, with credits that include starring in the CBS hit sitcom “All in the Family” and directing a string of movies including “Stand By Me,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “This Is Spinal Tap,” “The Princess Bride” and “A Few Good Men.”
Spinal Tap actor Christopher Guest and wife, Jamie Lee Curtis, issued a joint statement that they were “numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michelle Singer Reiner and our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them,” the couple said.
“There will be plenty of time later to discuss the creative lives we shared and the great political and social impact they both had on the entertainment industry, early childhood development, the fight for gay marriage and their global care for a world in crisis. We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve,” the statement concluded.
Reiner’s final film, “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” was released in theatres Sept. 12.
He began his career writing comedy in 1968 with Steve Martin for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, according to TMZ. He won two Primetime Emmy Awards as bigot Archie Bunker’s son-in-law Michael “Meathead” Stivic on All in the Family in the 1970s.