Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood director and actor Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found dead in their Brentwood home on Sunday afternoon. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is investigating the deaths as an apparent homicide.
Police were called to the couple's residence on the 200 block of Chadbourne Avenue around 3:30 p.m. after a medical aid request was made to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the bodies of Rob and Michele Reiner. Law enforcement sources indicate that the couple may have suffered stab wounds.
"It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner," a family spokesperson said in a statement released Sunday evening. "We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time".
During a press conference Sunday night, LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton stated that the investigation is ongoing. "At this time, the Los Angeles Police Department is not seeking anyone as a suspect or as a person of interest," Hamilton said. "No one has been detained. No one is being questioned as a suspect". Hamilton added that the LAPD will attempt to speak with every family member to ascertain the facts of the investigation.
However, multiple sources have told People that the couple were allegedly killed by their son Nick Reiner, 32. Police have not yet confirmed this account, but have stated Nick is alive and being questioned. Nick Reiner has previously spoken publicly about his struggles with drug addiction and periods of homelessness.
Reiner's death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from Hollywood figures and political leaders. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called Reiner's death a "devastating loss" for the city. "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," Bass said in a statement.
House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi also expressed her condolences, praising Reiner's creative talent, humor, and political activism. "It's hard to think of anyone more remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavor they pursued," Pelosi wrote in a statement.
Rob Reiner was a highly acclaimed director, actor, producer, and political activist. He first gained fame for his role as Mike "Meathead" Stivic on the CBS sitcom "All in the Family," winning two Emmy Awards for the role. Reiner directed numerous iconic films, including "This Is Spinal Tap," "Stand by Me," "The Princess Bride," "When Harry Met Sally...," "Misery," and "A Few Good Men". He was also a leading political voice in Hollywood, co-founding the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which fought to overturn Proposition 8, banning same-sex marriage in California.
Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer and producer. Rob and Michele married in 1989 after meeting during the filming of "When Harry Met Sally...".
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the cause of death, according to authorities.
The news of Reiner's death comes just days before he was scheduled to appear at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre to discuss his film career and book, "A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap".
