LOS ANGELES — The entertainment world was plunged into mourning Sunday following the tragic discovery of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner deceased in their Los Angeles residence. Law enforcement authorities are investigating the case as an apparent homicide, with their son, Nick Reiner, taken into custody for questioning and subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.
According to multiple US media outlets including CBS, ABC, and the Los Angeles Times, police responded to the Reiners’ home where the couple was found deceased. Los Angeles deputy police chief Alan Hamilton confirmed that investigators were seeking to interview all family members of the 78-year-old director-actor and his wife.
While official cause of death hasn’t been released by authorities, several news organizations citing police sources reported the couple suffered stab wounds. Celebrity news outlet TMZ, which first broke the story, indicated their throats had been cut during a domestic altercation.
The tragedy prompted an outpouring of grief from Hollywood and political circles, but also sparked a controversial response from former President Donald Trump. In a statement released Monday, Trump appeared to blame Reiner’s criticism of his presidency for the deaths, referencing what he called ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ in a social media post that drew widespread condemnation.
Reiner’s legacy in entertainment spans decades, beginning with his breakthrough role as Michael ‘Meathead’ Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom ‘All in the Family.’ He transitioned to directing, creating some of Hollywood’s most beloved films including ‘When Harry Met Sally,’ ‘The Princess Bride,’ ‘Stand By Me,’ ‘This Is Spinal Tap,’ and the Oscar-nominated ‘A Few Good Men.’
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Reiner was known for his political activism, particularly his support for LGBTQ+ rights and early childhood development programs. He helped establish California’s First 5 initiative, funded by tobacco taxes, and actively supported Democratic candidates including Hillary Clinton.
The son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner maintained both behind-the-camera excellence and occasional acting appearances throughout his career. His mother, Estelle Reiner, delivered one of cinema’s most memorable lines in ‘When Harry Met Sally’ during the iconic deli scene.
Tributes poured in from figures including former President Barack Obama, who praised Reiner’s ‘deep belief in the goodness of people,’ and former Vice President Kamala Harris, who expressed devastation at the loss. Horror author Stephen King, whose work inspired Reiner’s ‘Stand By Me,’ remembered him as a ‘wonderful friend,’ while actor John Cusack acknowledged being ‘at a loss for words.’
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths of one of Hollywood’s most respected creative families.