Tributes are pouring in from across the entertainment world and political sphere following the shocking deaths of acclaimed Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. The couple, both aged 78, were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday in what authorities are investigating as an "apparent homicide."
High-Profile Friends and Colleagues Express Grief
A family spokesman confirmed the tragic news to US media, revealing the deaths of the filmmaker and his partner of over 35 years. The loss has prompted an outpouring of grief from a constellation of stars who knew Reiner both professionally and personally.
Author Stephen King, whose novels Stand By Me and Misery were masterfully adapted by Reiner, expressed his horror on social media platform X. The 78-year-old author called Reiner a "wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker," adding, "You always stood by me."
Music legend Sir Elton John, who recently appeared in Reiner's sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, shared his disbelief on Instagram. "They were two of the most beautiful people I’d ever met and they deserved better," the 78-year-old musician wrote.
Former US President Barack Obama released a statement saying he and his wife Michelle were "heartbroken by the tragic passing." He praised Reiner's cinematic achievements and his underlying belief in human goodness, which fuelled his activism.
A Legacy of Iconic Film and Activism
Rob Reiner's career left an indelible mark on popular culture. He directed a string of era-defining films including the romantic classic When Harry Met Sally (1989), the courtroom drama A Few Good Men (1992), and the beloved fantasy The Princess Bride (1987).
Beyond cinema, Reiner was a committed advocate for liberal causes. Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi highlighted his crucial support for California's First 5 childhood poverty initiative and his work to overturn the state's ban on same-sex marriage, Proposition 8.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom both described the loss as devastating, with Newsom honouring Reiner's "extraordinary contribution to humanity."
Final Conversations and Fond Memories
Monty Python star Eric Idle, 82, revealed he had spoken with Reiner for over an hour on the night before his death. Idle recalled the director as a "clever, talented and very thoughtful man" who was discussing future film projects.
Actor James Woods, who starred in Reiner's 1996 film Ghosts of Mississippi, said their political differences never diminished their mutual respect. The Bear actress Ayo Edebiri, who recently worked with Reiner on the show's fourth season, posted that his work "changed my life" and she was fortunate to have met him.
Further tributes came from actors who starred in his films, including John Cusack (The Sure Thing), Elijah Wood (North), and Ben Stiller, who all described his death as a huge and devastating loss.
Reiner first found fame as actor Michael "Meathead" Stivic in the seminal 1970s TV series All in the Family. He continued acting in recent years, with roles in The Wolf of Wall Street and the hit series The Bear. He was the son of legendary comedian Carl Reiner, who died in 2020.
Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths at the couple's home. No further details about the ongoing homicide investigation have been released.
