US authorities are investigating a “suspected homicide” after renowned director Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found dead in their Brentwood, Los Angeles, apartment. The news has shocked Hollywood, where Reiner was considered “one of the greatest directors who ever lived.”
The bodies of a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were reportedly found after a call for medical assistance to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The Police Department later confirmed that detectives from the robbery and homicide unit were investigating the deaths as “possible homicides.” US media reported that both victims had injuries consistent with a stabbing.
A representative for the Reiner family confirmed the deaths on Sunday evening:
"It is with deep sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are devastated by this unexpected loss and ask for privacy at this extremely difficult time."
Los Angeles Police Chief of Detectives Alan Hamilton said the investigation is still ongoing and that there are currently no suspects or people under investigation. Family members will be interviewed.
Life and career
Rob Reiner has been married to photographer Michele Singer Reiner since 1989. They met while filming "When Harry Met Sally," and it was their romance that inspired Reiner to change the film's original ending, making it a love story with a happy ending.
Born in 1947 in the Bronx, New York, Reiner was the son of legendary comedian Carl Reiner and singer Estelle Rebost. He began his acting career in the 1960s, rising to fame with his role as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the sitcom “All in the Family,” for which he won two Emmy Awards.
His directorial debut came in 1984 with the satirical film "This Is Spinal Tap." He then made a series of films that are now classics of world cinema, including "Stand By Me," "The Princess Bride," "When Harry Met Sally," "Misery," and "A Few Good Men," the latter of which was nominated for an Oscar for best picture. Reiner considered "Stand By Me" to be his most personal work, as it was the first film that completely took him out of his father's shadow.
In the following years, he made other well-known films and continued to appear occasionally as an actor in small roles in cinema and television. He was also the co-founder of the famous production company Castle Rock Entertainment, which is behind such successes as "The Shawshank Redemption" and the series "Seinfeld."
Public engagement and personal life
In addition to his art, Reiner was also known as a political activist and outspoken critic of former US President Donald Trump. He was a co-founder of the American Equal Rights Foundation, which played a key role in overturning California's ban on same-sex marriage.
Rob and Michele Reiner are survived by three children: Jake, Nick, and Romy. Reiner was also the adoptive father of actress Tracy Reiner, the daughter of his first wife, Penny Marshall, who passed away in 2018.
Investigations into the circumstances of the couple's death continue.
