Legendary director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner are found dead in their Los Angeles home in an apparent homicide

15 December 2025

Rob Reiner (left) and Michele Singer Reiner (right) in July 2018. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

Hollywood and the wider world were shaken on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were discovered dead inside their Brentwood, Los Angeles mansion. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical aid call in the afternoon and found the bodies of a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman who had sustained fatal stab wounds. Law enforcement officials swiftly elevated the case to a homicide investigation, and detectives from the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division took over the inquiry while awaiting further forensic analysis. The deaths of the beloved director and his wife have sent ripples of sorrow through Hollywood and beyond, with tributes pouring in from friends, colleagues, and public figures who remembered Reiner’s remarkable contributions to film and social causes.

Rob Reiner first rose to prominence as an actor before becoming one of the most influential directors of his generation. He gained early fame for his Emmy-winning role as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking 1970s television sitcom All in the Family. From there he transitioned behind the camera and built a sterling reputation with a series of iconic films that include This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally..., A Few Good Men and Misery. His work resonated across genres, combining sharp wit, emotional depth, and a keen sense of storytelling that endeared him to audiences worldwide. Reiner was also known for his activism and advocacy on issues ranging from civil rights to public health, and he maintained a high profile in political and cultural conversations throughout his career.

Michele Singer Reiner was not only Reiner’s wife of more than three decades but also a creative force in her own right. She worked as a photographer and producer and was known for her artistic sensibilities. The couple met during the production of When Harry Met Sally... and married in 1989, building a family that included three children. Their strong partnership was often celebrated by friends and collaborators, and Michele was widely respected as a supportive presence in both Reiner’s professional and personal life.

Initial reports indicate that the couple’s adult daughter, Romy, discovered their bodies inside the home and first alerted authorities. Law enforcement sources and family contacts have told some outlets that one of the couple’s sons, 32-year-old Nick Reiner, is being questioned by investigators as a person of interest, though no official confirmation has yet been released by police. Sources close to the family have indicated that Nick has publicly struggled with addiction and periods of homelessness in past years, and police have stated that they are pursuing all leads as they build the case, including securing search warrants and collecting forensic evidence.

The news of the Reiners’ deaths drew immediate responses from colleagues in the entertainment industry, many of whom rushed to pay their respects and share memories of the filmmaker’s generosity, humour, and creative brilliance. Billy Crystal, a longtime friend and frequent collaborator, was photographed visiting the Brentwood home shortly after the tragedy, his expression somber as he paid tribute to Reiner’s legacy. Comedian and writer Larry David also stopped by the residence, reflecting the deep personal bonds Reiner had formed throughout his career. Condolences came not only from Hollywood but also from political and civic leaders, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who both praised Reiner’s artistic contributions and activism.

Mayor Bass issued a statement describing the director’s loss as “devastating” for the city and the nation, while Governor Newsom emphasized Reiner’s commitment to social justice and public service. Many of those who knew Reiner spoke of his empathy, intelligence, and profound impact on both film and society, noting that his influence extended beyond entertainment to touch the lives of countless individuals through his work on and off screen.

The LAPD has been cautious with details, confirming only that no suspect has been publicly identified and that the investigation is ongoing. Detectives have yet to release official information about potential motives or the exact circumstances leading up to the deaths. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct autopsies to determine the precise cause and manner of death, and authorities are expected to provide more updates as evidence is processed and charges are considered.

Reiner’s extraordinary career was built on a rare combination of talent, versatility, and an ability to connect with audiences across generations. He often used humour and storytelling to explore deeper themes of human connection, morality, and the American experience. Films like The Princess Bride have become cultural touchstones, quoted and loved by fans around the world, while When Harry Met Sally... remains a defining work in the romantic comedy genre. His early work in television helped shape the landscape of American sitcoms, and his transition to directing expanded his influence even further.

In addition to his artistic endeavours, Reiner was a vocal public figure, frequently speaking out on political and social issues. He supported various charitable causes and was known for his willingness to use his platform to advocate for change. Friends and collaborators have often described him as a principled thinker whose engagement with civic life was as passionate as his approach to filmmaking.

As the investigation continues and the family mourns, Hollywood and the broader cultural community are reflecting on the loss of a towering figure whose work shaped the landscape of American entertainment for decades. Friends and fans alike have begun to share tributes, memories, and stories of Reiner’s generosity, humour, and unyielding commitment to his craft. In the coming days, as more details emerge from law enforcement and the medical examiner’s findings, the world will continue to grapple with the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, honoring their contributions to art, family, and community.