Legendary Hollywood filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, have been found dead at their Los Angeles home, with authorities treating the case as an apparent homicide.
Police and firefighters were called to the couple’s residence in the affluent Brentwood neighbourhood on Sunday afternoon following reports of a medical emergency. A 78 year old man and a 68 year old woman were pronounced dead at the scene. While officials have not formally identified the victims, a family spokesperson confirmed the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” the statement said, requesting privacy for the family during what it described as an unimaginably difficult time.
The Los Angeles Police Department said no arrests have been made and no suspect or person of interest is currently being sought. Robbery homicide detectives have opened an investigation, but police have not released details about injuries, weapons, or the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The cause of death will be determined by the LA County coroner.
Emergency services responded to the home shortly after 3.30pm local time. More than six hours later, both bodies remained inside the property as investigators continued their work.
Tributes quickly poured in from across the political and entertainment worlds. California Governor Gavin Newsom described Reiner as a “big hearted genius” behind some of the most beloved films in American cinema.
Rob Reiner, the son of comedy icon Carl Reiner, rose to fame in the 1970s playing Meathead in the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family, earning two Emmy Awards. He went on to direct a string of classic films, including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men. He also appeared as an actor in films such as The Wolf of Wall Street and Bullets Over Broadway, and in television series including New Girl and The Bear.
He recently reunited with the Spinal Tap cast for the long awaited sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, released earlier this year.
Former US President Barack Obama said he and his wife Michelle were heartbroken, praising Reiner’s storytelling and lifelong commitment to social justice. Figures from across film and television, including Ben Stiller, Eric Idle, John Cusack and Josh Gad, described him as a kind, principled and deeply influential figure.
Reiner co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment and was a prominent advocate for civil rights, early childhood education and LGBTQ+ equality. He married Michele Reiner in 1989, and the couple shared three children. Michele was an actress, photographer and producer who ran the Reiner Light photography agency.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
