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Updated 15 December 2025 - Los Angeles police continue investigating the deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, at their Brentwood home.
Police launch homicide probe after couple's deaths
Rob Reiner, the acclaimed director behind films like The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally, and his wife Michele were pronounced dead at their Los Angeles residence on Sunday afternoon. Authorities are treating the case as an apparent homicide.
Emergency services responded to a call for medical assistance at the couple's Brentwood home at 15:38 local time (23:38 GMT). Firefighters and robbery-homicide detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) arrived to find both individuals deceased. No arrests have been made, and police have not identified any suspects or persons of interest.
No details released on circumstances
LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton confirmed in a Sunday night briefing that the bodies remained at the scene more than six hours after the initial call. He declined to disclose any information about potential injuries, weapons, or the condition of the residence, stating that the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office would determine the cause of death.
Police have not released the identities of the victims, describing them only as a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom later confirmed the deaths of Reiner and his wife in a public statement.
Tributes pour in for 'big-hearted genius'
A family spokesperson issued a statement expressing profound sorrow over the couple's "tragic passing," requesting privacy during this "unbelievably difficult time."
"We are heartbroken by this sudden loss."
Family spokesperson
Governor Newsom described Reiner as a "big-hearted genius" whose work left an indelible mark on American culture. Former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, also paid tribute, praising Reiner's commitment to social causes and his belief in the goodness of people.
Colleagues from the entertainment industry reacted with shock and grief. Actor Ben Stiller called Reiner "one of my favorite directors," highlighting his impact on a generation of filmmakers. Monty Python star Eric Idle recalled a recent conversation with Reiner, calling him "a clever, talented, and very thoughtful man."
Reiner's legacy in film and activism
Born into a showbiz family as the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner rose to fame in the 1970s as "Meathead" in the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family, which earned him two Emmy Awards. He transitioned to directing with the cult mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap (1984) and went on to helm a string of beloved films, including Stand By Me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), Misery (1990), and A Few Good Men (1992), the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
His most recent project, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, premiered in September 2025. As an actor, Reiner appeared in films like The Wolf of Wall Street and TV shows such as The Bear and New Girl.
Beyond filmmaking, Reiner was a vocal advocate for social and political causes. He co-founded the production company Castle Rock Entertainment and campaigned for Democratic candidates, children's rights, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised his "lifelong commitment to fighting for social and economic justice."
Personal life and family
Reiner was married to actress Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981 and is the adoptive father of her daughter, actress Tracy Reiner. He married Michele Singer Reiner, a photographer and producer, in 1989. The couple had three children together. Michele owned Reiner Light, a photography agency and production house.
Governor Newsom noted Reiner's activism, including his work against Big Tobacco and his support for marriage equality and early childhood education. Tributes continue to flood in from fans and public figures, reflecting the couple's widespread influence and generosity.
