Everything that we know about the shocking deaths of Hollywood icon Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele, 68, as that they were found dead at their Brentwood home in Los Angeles on Sunday
Hollywood legend Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner have been discovered dead at their Los Angeles residence.
The bodies of the acclaimed actor and director, 78, and his 68-year-old spouse were found at their Brentwood property on Sunday (December 14), with Los Angeles Police confirming they are probing an “apparent homicide”.
As new details emerges from the disturbing case and the devastated family confirmed “the tragic passing” of their beloved ones, the Daily Star uncovers everything that we know so far about their deaths.
The son – a ‘person of interest’
On Sunday night, People magazine reported that Nick Reiner was allegedly involved. The New York Post identified the 32-year-old as a person of interest in the case. However, authorities have not yet verified these claims.
The family’s struggles were previously depicted in a film that Rob and Nick co-created a decade ago. Nick Reiner has reportedly battled addiction for many years, a struggle that became the focus of the family’s semi-autobiographical 2015 drama, Being Charlie, The Hollywood Reporter reported.
Being Charlie, co-written by Nick Reiner and directed by dad Rob, was a brutally honest look at their family’s battle with Nick’s addiction, with Cary Elwes and Nick Robinson playing their on-screen stand-ins. The film, which debuted at TIFF in 2015, didn’t sugarcoat the chaos as Rob admitted, “When Nick would tell us that it wasn’t working for him, we wouldn’t listen… we listened to [the experts] when we should have been listening to our son.”
Michele added: “We were so influenced by these people. They would tell us he’s a liar… and we believed them.”
Nick, reflecting on his lowest point, shared: “I got sick of it… I’m not supposed to be out there on the streets and in homeless shelters doing all these … things.”
At a Q&A, Rob confessed: “we didn’t set out for it to be cathartic or for it to be therapeutic, but it turned out to be that,” though Nick admitted: “Sometimes it would get overwhelming for me.”
Critics said the film exposed “two warring agendas”, a son desperate to show recovery isn’t simple, and a dad hoping for happy endings that aren’t so easy to find.
Sustained wounds
Law enforcement insiders revealed to TMZ.com that the victims at the Brentwood residence sustained wounds “consistent with a knife [attack]”, though LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton stressed that officers have not yet pinpointed a suspect.
At a press briefing, he stated: “We have not identified a suspect at this time. No one has been detained.”
PEOPLE confirmed the Los Angeles Fire Department rushed to the couple’s residence at approximately 3:30 p. m. on Sunday afternoon to deliver medical assistance, but discovered the pair had already died. The Los Angeles Police Department subsequently verified that the inquiry into this tragedy is being spearheaded by the robbery homicide division, who are handling the deaths as an “apparent homicide”.
A post on X (formerly known as Twitter) from LA Police Department’s media relations division read: “On December 14th, at 3:40 pm, LAPD officers responded to a death investigation in the 200 block of S. Chadbourne Ave. Inside the residence, officers discovered 2 decedents.
“The identity of the decedents has not yet been confirmed. Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) responded to the residence, which has been identified as the home of Rob Reiner.
“At this time, no further details are available as this is an ongoing RHD investigation, into an apparent homicide.”
Search warrant
LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said investigators need to get a search warrant to conduct a “full crime scene investigation” at Rob Reiner’s home, CNN reported. He told media: “We’re waiting for the legal process to move forward.
“We have to obtain a search warrant for the residence. Once that is complied with, we will be conducting a full crime scene investigation on the interior and exterior of the residence and the surrounding neighborhood.” The house is in the exact same state as it was when the officers arrived, Hamilton said, as per CNN.
Heartbroken politicians
Former US President Barack Obama wrote on X that he and his wife, Michelle, are “heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele”. He said: “Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen.
“But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people — and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired.”
Former US Vice President Kamala Harris described Rob and Michele Reiner as “dear friends” on X, as she wrote: “Rob Reiner’s work has impacted generations of Americans.
“The characters, dialogue, and visuals he brought to life in film and television are woven throughout our culture. Rob loved our country, cared deeply about the future of our nation, and fought for America’s democracy.
“Rob and his wife Michele loved each other very much. They were dear friends, and Doug and I are devastated to learn of their passing.
“Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this tragic time.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has since paid her respects to the couple, stating: “This is a devastating loss for our city and our country.
“Rob Reiner’s contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice. An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others.
“Personally, I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob and his wife Michele. I knew Rob and have tremendous respect for him.”
She continued: “I want to thank all of the first responders who were called to this tragic event. The investigation is ongoing.
“I’m holding all who loved Rob and Michele in my heart.” California Governor Gavin Newsom also expressed his condolences, saying: “Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love, with projects as wide-ranging as The Princess Bride to A Few Good Men.
“His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others – and encouraging us to dream bigger. That empathy extended well beyond his films. Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights – from taking on Big Tobacco to fighting for marriage equality to serving as a powerful voice in early education.
“He made California a better place through his good works. Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity.”
Michele Singer Reiner
Michele Singer Reiner, who tragically died alongside her husband of over 30 years, was a multi-talented creative force in Hollywood. She launched her career as a photographer, contributing to projects like the “MysteryDisc” video game series and the acclaimed thriller “Misery”, directed by Rob Reiner.
Michele also stepped in front of the camera, appearing in Nora Ephron’s holiday comedy “Mixed Nuts”. As a producer, she played a key role in several of her husband’s films, including “Shock and Awe” and the recently released “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues”.
Her work on the documentary “Albert Brooks: Defending My Life,” which Rob directed, earned her an Emmy nomination. Michele’s producing credits also include “God & Country,” a documentary exploring Christian nationalism in America.
Legacy
Reiner, the son of actor/director Carl Reiner and actress/singer Estelle Reiner, launched his Hollywood career as an actor, portraying Mike ‘Meathead’ Stivic in the popular sitcom All in the Family from 1971 to 1979. This role bagged him two Primetime Emmy Awards.
His acting portfolio also includes roles in the 1993 rom-com Sleepless in Seattle, The First Wives Club in 1996, the 1998 thriller Primary Colors, and the 2013 film The Wolf of Wall Street. However, he is most renowned for his directing work, which began in the early 1980s with the 1984 music mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap.
He then directed Stand by Me (1986), the 1987 fantasy adventure The Princess Bride, and the 1989 rom-com When Harry Met Sally… It was during this time that he met his wife Michele. Reiner continued his directorial journey with the Stephen King adaptation Misery in 1990 and the courtroom drama A Few Good Men in 1992, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.
His other films include 1995’s The American President, And So It Goes in 2014, and 2017’s Shock and Awe. His final film saw him return to his roots, bringing Spinal Tap back to the big screen for a sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which premiered earlier this year.
Family and marriage
Reiner was wedded to Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981, during which time he adopted her daughter from a previous relationship, the actress Tracy Reiner. Subsequently, he tied the knot with photographer Michele, whom he met while filming When Harry Met Sally… The couple went on to have three children together, Jake, Nick and Romy.
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