LOS ANGELES (AP) — Director-actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were discovered dead at a Los Angeles home owned by Reiner on Sunday, according to a law enforcement official who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation. Authorities believe that both individuals suffered stab wounds, and a family member is currently being questioned as part of the inquiry.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical aid request shortly after 3:30 p.m. and found the deceased inside the residence. Rob Reiner was 78 years old, having celebrated his birthday in March, while Michele Reiner was 68.
Detectives from the Robbery Homicide Division are investigating what is being labeled an "apparent homicide" at Reiner's home located in Brentwood, a neighborhood known for its celebrity residents. As of now, Los Angeles officials have not confirmed the identities of the deceased individuals found at the property.
Rob Reiner was recognized as one of Hollywood's most prolific directors, with a career that produced iconic films from the 1980s and '90s such as "This is Spinal Tap," "A Few Good Men," "When Harry Met Sally," and "The Princess Bride." He gained fame for his role as Meathead on the 1970s television classic "All in the Family," which brought him two Emmy Awards. The show featured Reiner alongside Carol O'Connor as Archie Bunker.
The death of Reiner has left relatives of the late Norman Lear, the legendary producer who passed away in 2023, particularly affected. They described Reiner as being like a son to Lear, emphasizing the extraordinary bond between them. A statement from the Lear family reflected on how both Rob and Michele dedicated their lives to improving their country through art, activism, philanthropy, and love for family and friends.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her condolences, calling Reiner's death a devastating loss for the city. In her statement, she highlighted Reiner's significant contributions to American culture and society, recognizing his creative work and advocacy for social and economic justice. She noted that he consistently utilized his talents for the service of others.
Rob Reiner, the son of comedy icon Carl Reiner, had been married to photographer Michele Singer Reiner since 1989. The couple met when he was directing "When Harry Met Sally" and they have three children together. Before marrying Michele, Reiner was previously wed to actor-director Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981, during which time he adopted her daughter, Tracy Reiner. Both Carl Reiner and Penny Marshall have since passed away, in 2020 and 2018 respectively.
Homicides are uncommon in the Brentwood area, which is situated about a mile from the location of the infamous murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman in 1994. The details surrounding the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner remain under investigation as detectives continue to piece together information regarding this tragic incident.
Christopher Weber and Mike Balsamo, The Associated Press
