Rob Reiner death: Tributes flow after Hollywood director and actor died aged 78, found alongside wife Michele Singer Reiner
Hollywood is in shock after the deaths of When Harry Met Sally director Rob Reiner and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner.
The news has been confirmed by the couple’s family after reports two people aged 78 and 68 had been found dead at Reiner’s Los Angeles home on Sunday (US time).
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” a spokesperson said.
“We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Stars of the screen are paying tribute to Reiner, an acclaimed director whose resume includes some of the most memorable films of the past four decades, including The Princess Bride, This Is Spinal Tap, Misery and A Few Good Men.
He also acted, and earned two Emmys for his performance as Meathead in ’70s TV classic All in the Family. alongside Carol O’Connor’s Archie Bunker, catapulted him to fame and won him two Emmy Awards.
Kathy Bates, whose performance in Misery earned her an Oscar, described Reiner as “brilliant and kind”.
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“I loved Rob … [he was] a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist,” she told NBC in a statement.
“He changed the course of my life. Michele was a gifted photographer. She shot my beautiful photos for the Misery campaign.
“My heart breaks for them both. My thoughts are with their family.”
Corey Feldman, who Reiner directed in 1986’s Stand By Me, said he was “shocked and saddened” by the news in a post on X.
“OMG THIS IS HORRIBLE NEWS! IM SO SORRY 4 ROB & HIS WIFE, & THEIR CHILDREN & THE WHOLE REINER FAMILY!” the actor wrote.
“I #LOVE U ROB! U WILL B 4EVER MISSED!”
John Cusack, who starred in The Sure Thing, wrote via X: “Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner – a great man.”
Elijah Wood, who starred in Reiner’s 1994 film North, also shared his condolences.
“Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle,” the star wrote.
“So much love to their kids and family.”
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Bridesmaids director Paul Feud described the director and actor – who was the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner – as his “true hero” and “a true visionary titan and a lovely lovely person”.
“I just want the world to know what so many of us now in the industry. Rob was the best,” he wrote, sharing a photo of the pair at Comic Con.
Actor Josh Gad said Reiner and Michele were “two of the most kind and caring souls you could ever imagine”.
“He was one of the greatest directors of our time. He was a friend. He was simply a beautiful person,” Gad wrote on Instagram.
“He cared so much for those who had no voices. This loss is devastating. I cannot express how much this hurts. Love you Rob and Michelle. Thank you for all you gave us. 💔.”
Former US vice-president Kamala Harris also paid tribute to her “dear friends”, saying Reiner’s work had “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,” she said on X.
“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.”
Reiner met Michele Singer while he was directing When Harry Met Sally, and they married in 1989, going on to welcome three children.
The director was previously married to actor-director Penny Marshall, from 1971 to 1981.
Investigators believe the couple suffered stab wounds and a family member is being questioned by investigators, an Los Angeles Police Department official said.
“We’re going to try to speak to every family member that we can to get to the facts of this investigation,” LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton told reporters at a news conference.
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