Los Angeles, CA – Renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner, the celebrated director behind era-defining films such as “When Harry Met Sally…” and “The Princess Bride,” and his wife, Michele Reiner, were found deceased in their Los Angeles home on Sunday in what authorities are investigating as a double homicide. The Los Angeles Police Department has arrested the couple’s 34-year-old son, Nick Reiner, in connection with the deaths.
Police responded to a welfare check at the Reiners’ Brentwood residence at approximately 3:40 p.m. Pacific Time, where they discovered two adult victims. While officials did not immediately identify the deceased, multiple law enforcement sources later confirmed they were Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 68.
Their son, Nick Reiner, was taken into custody at the scene. He was later booked into the Los Angeles County jail and is being held on a $4 million bond. Jail records list the booking as a felony but have not yet specified formal charges, which are pending further investigation by LAPD homicide detectives. A family representative has not yet issued a statement, and it is unclear if Nick Reiner has legal representation.
A Legacy in Film and Advocacy
The news sent shockwaves through Hollywood, Washington D.C., and beyond, where Rob Reiner was equally known for his prolific creative output and his impassioned advocacy for progressive political causes.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement, “This is a devastating loss for our city and our country. 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.”
Reiner first rose to fame as an actor, winning two Emmy Awards for his portrayal of the liberal, argumentative Mike “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking 1970s television series “All in the Family.” He successfully pivoted to directing, making a stunning debut with the 1984 rock mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap,” which he also co-wrote and appeared in. The film launched a legendary career behind the camera that included an extraordinary run of beloved and critically acclaimed films across diverse genres: the coming-of-age classic “Stand by Me” (1986), the fairy-tale adventure “The Princess Bride” (1987), the psychological thriller “Misery” (1990), and the courtroom drama “A Few Good Men” (1992).
Perhaps his most iconic film, 1989’s “When Harry Met Sally…,” written by Nora Ephron, redefined the romantic comedy. A scene featuring a faux orgasm in a diner, capped by the legendary line “I’ll have what she’s having” delivered by Reiner’s own mother, Estelle Reiner, remains a pinnacle of cinematic comedy.
A Family Steeped in Hollywood and Public Life
Rob Reiner was the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner. He was first married to actress and director Penny Marshall, with whom he shared an adoptive daughter. He and Michele Singer, a former photographer, were married for over four decades and had three children together. Michele Reiner once photographed the portrait of Donald Trump used on the cover of his 1987 book, “Trump: The Art of the Deal.”
Beyond film sets, Reiner was a forceful and frequent political voice. He created campaign ads for Democratic candidates, including John Kerry in 2004, and was a leading figure in the campaign against California’s 2008 Proposition 8, which sought to ban same-sex marriage. His pointed criticism of Donald Trump on social media made him a frequent target of the former president.
In response to the news of the Reiners’ deaths, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating they were “reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.” The comment was widely condemned as inappropriate by political figures across the spectrum.
An Industry Mourns
Tributes from colleagues, actors, and politicians flooded social media and news outlets, remembering Reiner not only for his artistic genius but for his kindness and conviction. “Rob had the soul of an artist and the heart of a warrior—for justice, for laughter, for love,” said “A Few Good Men” star Tom Cruise in a statement. “This is an unimaginable tragedy.”
The LAPD stated the investigation remains active and ongoing. An autopsy for Rob and Michele Reiner is scheduled for the coming days.
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