Acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their upscale Brentwood home on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in what authorities have confirmed as a homicide. The Los Angeles Police Department responded to a medical aid call around 3:40 p.m. and discovered the bodies of the 78-year-old director and his 68-year-old wife, both suffering from multiple stab wounds. Their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was arrested later that evening on suspicion of murder and is being held without bail as the investigation proceeds.
The family issued a statement expressing deep grief: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.” Reports indicate no signs of forced entry, and sources familiar with the case suggest the couple's daughter, Romy Reiner, discovered the bodies. Nick Reiner, who has a documented history of substance abuse struggles, was located and taken into custody hours after the incident.
Rob Reiner first gained fame in the 1970s portraying Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the iconic sitcom All in the Family, earning two Emmy Awards. He transitioned successfully to directing, delivering a series of enduring classics in the 1980s and 1990s, including the mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap (1984), the coming-of-age drama Stand By Me (1986), the fantasy romance The Princess Bride (1987), the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally... (1989), the thriller Misery (1990), and the courtroom drama A Few Good Men (1992).
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Beyond his filmmaking achievements, Reiner was a prominent progressive activist, advocating for issues such as early childhood education, marriage equality, gun control, and environmental causes. His most recent directorial effort was the 2025 sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. Michele Singer Reiner, a photographer and producer, collaborated with her husband on several projects and was known for her contributions to films like Shock and Awe and documentaries addressing social issues.
The tragedy has elicited widespread mourning from Hollywood and political figures alike, including tributes from actors like Cary Elwes, Elijah Wood, and Mandy Patinkin, as well as statements from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom. The case is set to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for potential charges.
As the investigation continues under the LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division, the entertainment industry reflects on Reiner's lasting legacy as a versatile storyteller whose work touched generations, leaving an indelible mark on American cinema and culture.
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