The entertainment industry has lost one of its most prolific voices with the death of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. The couple was found dead on Sunday at their Los Angeles property in what police are investigating as a double homicide. Sources briefed on the investigation state that the victims suffered stab wounds, and the LAPD’s Robbery Homicide Division is currently leading the inquiry into the horrific event.
Reiner, 78, and Michele, 68, were discovered after emergency services were dispatched to their home for a medical aid request. The scene was quickly secured by police, who are reportedly questioning a family member in connection with the deaths. No arrests have been formally announced, and authorities are keeping further details confidential as they work to establish a motive and timeline.
Rob Reiner’s contributions to film and television are monumental. He directed a string of critical and commercial hits in the 1980s and 90s, including The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, and This Is Spinal Tap. His work defined a generation of cinema, blending humor, heart, and sharp social commentary. Before his directing career took off, he won two Emmy Awards acting alongside Carroll O’Connor in All in the Family, a show that broke barriers in television comedy.
Michele Reiner, a photographer who met Rob on a film set, was his partner for 35 years. The couple was deeply devoted to their family and their shared philanthropic efforts. They were known for their close relationships within the industry, particularly with the late producer Norman Lear. A statement from the Lear family expressed that they were “bereft” by the news, highlighting the extraordinary bond they shared with Rob and Michele.
The loss is being felt deeply in Los Angeles, a city where Reiner was born and raised. Mayor Karen Bass described the deaths as a devastating blow, praising Reiner for his advocacy and creative genius. As friends, fans, and colleagues await answers from the ongoing investigation, they are remembering a couple who dedicated their lives to art, activism, and each other.