Hollywood Director Rob Reiner and Wife Michele Found Dead in Apparent Homicide
Rob Reiner, the renowned Hollywood director, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were found dead at their Brentwood, Los Angeles home on a Sunday afternoon, in what authorities are treating as an apparent homicide. Rob Reiner was 78 years old and Michele Reiner was 68.
The Los Angeles Police Department and Fire Department responded to the scene, and both bodies remained inside the home for more than six hours after the call. At the time of the briefing, no suspect or person of interest had been identified or detained.
The cause of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County coroner; no details regarding injuries or any weapon have been released. A family spokesperson confirmed the deaths on Sunday evening and requested privacy during this difficult time.
Rob Reiner was a celebrated filmmaker known for classic works such as The Princess Bride, This Is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and A Few Good Men. He co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment and rose to fame in the 1970s through his Emmy-winning role as Meathead on "All in the Family." His career in film began in the 1960s.
He was previously married to Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981 and was the adoptive father of her daughter Tracy Reiner. Rob married Michele Reiner in 1989, and together they had three children.
The deaths have prompted an outpouring of tributes from the film industry. Notable figures including Paul Feig, Elijah Wood, Josh Gad, Joe Russo, and actor Paul Walter Hauser expressed admiration for Reiner’s influence as a filmmaker and mentor. Hauser cited "A Few Good Men" as an inspiration for his own acting career and shared a personal encounter with Reiner in 2010.
Government officials also paid tribute to the couple’s legacy. California Governor Gavin Newsom described the news as heartbreaking, calling Reiner a "big-hearted genius" and acknowledging his charitable work in childhood development and civil rights advocacy. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi praised Reiner’s civic activities such as support for First 5, opposition to Proposition 8, and his advocacy for the First Amendment and artists’ rights. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the loss devastating for the city, highlighting Reiner’s contributions to film and social justice initiatives.
The investigation into the circumstances of their deaths is ongoing.
