Creative CommonsHollywood has been rocked by the news that director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in an apparent homicide, with a new report stating that son Nick Reiner is being questioned by the police.
Reiner first rose to fame as Mike “Meathead” Stivic in the landmark sitcom All in the Family, before making his directorial debut with the 1984 mockumentary classic, This Is Spinal Tap, for which he recently helmed a sequel.
He went on to become one of Hollywood’s most influential filmmakers, best known for directing classics such as Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and A Few Good Men.
Away from the camera, Reiner used his fame for good causes, advocating for early childhood education and the legalization of gay marriage. Amid the news of his death, tributes continue to pour in from friends and fans alike. Warning: some may find this content distressing.
What happened to Rob Reiner?
Multiple reports state that Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 68, suffered stab wounds, with the Los Angeles Police Department treating the deaths as an “apparent homicide.”
The LAPD wrote in a statement that it had responded to a death investigation on Sunday, December 14, at 3.40pm local time after the fire department was called to their home on the 200 block of Chadbourne Avenue.
“Inside the residence, officers discovered two decedents,” it said, adding that the identity of the deceased had not yet been confirmed. The LAPD soon shared the following update:
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“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.”
Since this is a developing story, the police are yet to confirm further details. LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said in a late night press conference (via Deadline) that he wouldn’t reveal the identity of the victims or cause of death.
“At this time, the Los Angeles Police Department is not seeking anyone as a suspect or as a person of interest or in any other manner, and we will not be doing that until we conduct our investigation,” he added.
But authorities told the outlet that they died as a result of stabbing. Sources also stated that the emergency services were called by one of the Reiner children, believed to be daughter Romy Reiner.
Columbia PicturesThe family confirmed the deaths in the following statement: “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.”
Now, a new report has emerged that the police are questioning another of Rob and Michele’s children, Nick Reiner.
Who is Nick Reiner?
Nick Reiner is one of Rob and Michele Reiner’s four children, alongside Tracy, Romy, and Jake Reiner. In 2016, he spoke with People about his battle with drug addiction, which left him homeless.
His experiences later became the inspiration behind the semi-autobiographical movie Being Charlie, which he co-wrote alongside Matt Elisofon. “That made me who I am now, having to deal with that stuff,” Nick said at the time.
“Now, I’ve been home for a really long time, and I’ve sort of gotten acclimated back to being in LA and being around my family. But there was a lot of dark years there… When I was out there, I could’ve died. It’s all luck. You roll the dice and you hope you make it.”
In light of the shocking death of his parents, multiple sources who’ve spoken to the Reiner family told People that Rob and Michele were killed by Nick, 32, and that he’s being questioned by investigators, but no formal arrests have been made.
Other outlets have been told by insiders that Nick is being treated as a person of interest. However, People stated that police have not confirmed the allegations that Nick is responsible or being questioned, and that the investigation is still in its early stages.
Tributes pour in for Rob and Michele Reiner
Following the family’s statement, tributes are being shared for the late couple, including one from LA Mayor Karen Bass, who said, “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.
“Among his numerous contributions, Rob helped create First 5 California, a landmark initiative funded by a tobacco tax to support early childhood development programs.
“He and Michele fought for early childhood development and marriage equality, working to overturn Proposition 8. They were true champions for LGBTQ+ rights.
“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.”
Governor Gavin Newsom added, “Jen and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. 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, 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.”
Hollywood figures have also expressed their condolences, with actor Elijah Wood writing, “Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle. So much love to their kids and family.”
Christopher Guest and Jamie Lee Curtis shared the following joint statement, “Christopher and I are numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michelle Singer Reiner and our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them.
“There will be plenty of time later to discuss the creative lives we shared and the great political and social impact they both had on the entertainment industry, early childhood development, the fight for gay marriage and their global care for a world in crisis.
“We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.”
A neighbor told ABC7 that comedians and friends Billy Crystal and Larry David arrived separately at the scene on Sunday evening before departing. They said that Crystal “looked like he was about to cry.”