The entertainment world is in a state of profound shock following the horrific murders of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer. The couple, aged 78 and 70 respectively, were found dead at their multi-million dollar home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, on Sunday night. Their son, Nick Reiner, 32, has been arrested and is believed to be responsible for the killings.
A Devastating Discovery and Immediate Aftermath
The grim scene was discovered by the couple's daughter, Romy Reiner, 28, who lives across the street from their sprawling six-bedroom estate. She entered the $13.5 million mansion and found her parents deceased. Los Angeles police responded to the residence just after 3:30 p.m. on Sunday following a call for medical assistance.
In a statement on Monday, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that a family member, identified as Nick Reiner, was "responsible" for the deaths. While officials withheld specific details, a police source indicated the couple suffered brutal stab wounds and were found with their throats slit. At the time of his arrest, his sister Romy reportedly told investigators her brother "should be a suspect" because he was "dangerous."
Heartfelt Tributes from Hollywood and Beyond
News of the tragedy prompted an outpouring of grief from friends, colleagues, and political figures. Actress Cheryl Hines, who once worked as an assistant for the Reiners, shared a poignant tribute on Instagram. "The loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner is devastating," Hines wrote, recalling their "generosity, humor, and unwavering inspiration" from 31 years ago.
Director Paul Feig, a friend, expressed his disbelief, stating he had just seen the couple two nights prior. Christopher Guest and Jamie Lee Curtis released a joint statement saying they were "numb and sad and shocked." Neighbours reported seeing Billy Crystal and Larry David, who starred in Reiner's classic When Harry Met Sally, visit the crime scene separately, with Crystal visibly distraught.
Tributes extended into the political sphere. Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama said they were "heartbroken", praising Reiner's belief in people's goodness. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called it a "devastating loss for our city and our country," while California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted Reiner's "boundless empathy."
A Legacy of Iconic Film and a Family in Crisis
Rob Reiner, son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, was a Hollywood giant. He rose to fame as Mike 'Meathead' Stivic on All in the Family before becoming one of the industry's most celebrated directors. His filmography includes era-defining works such as This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and A Few Good Men.
He married Michele Singer in 1989 after meeting her on the set of When Harry Met Sally. Together they had three children: Jake, 34, Nick, 32, and Romy, 28. Nick had publicly struggled with addiction, revealing in a 2018 podcast that he had destroyed a family guest house while high on meth. The couple's last public appearance as a family was in September 2025.
A Reiner family spokesman confirmed the deaths, stating: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss." The investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department is ongoing.
