The worlds of entertainment and politics are in mourning after acclaimed filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home.
According to AP News, the couple, aged 78 and 68 respectively, were discovered on Sunday afternoon, December 14, 2025, in what authorities are treating as an apparent homicide. Initial police responses came after a medical aid call to the home. First responders found both victims deceased, and law enforcement sources say the couple suffered fatal stab wounds.
In a rapidly developing case, multiple outlets report that the couple’s son, Nick Reiner, 32, has been taken into custody and booked on a felony charge, though law enforcement has not yet released full official confirmation of the motive or charges.
Celebrity tributes pour in
I’m horrified and saddened by the death of Rob Reiner and Michele. Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine). Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) December 15, 2025
As the world reacted to news of Reiner’s death, Stephen King, the bestselling author and collaborator, wrote that he was “horrified and saddened by the death of Rob Reiner and Michele. Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine). Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me.”
In a world where fewer and fewer people concern themselves with the plight of others, the loss of Rob Reiner, who cared deeply about humanitarian causes, feels that much more devastating. RIP: 1947-1925.
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) December 15, 2025
[Selfie: July 2022, NYC] pic.twitter.com/SchMCFDAA9
Meanwhile, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson highlighted Reiner’s humanitarian spirit, saying in an X post that “in a world where fewer and fewer people concern themselves with the plight of others, the loss of Rob Reiner, who cared deeply about humanitarian causes, feels that much more devastating. RIP: 1947-1925.”
Rob Reiner and his wife were tragically killed at the hands of their own son, who reportedly had drug addiction and other issues, and their remaining children are left in serious mourning and heartbreak.
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene
This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies.
Many… pic.twitter.com/uVd3lGVEgm(@RepMTG) December 15, 2025
In a somber tone, Marjorie Taylor Greene, in response to President Donald Trump’s post on Truth Social, framed the deaths as a family tragedy tied to long-standing personal struggles. She noted reports that Reiner and his wife were “tragically killed at the hands of their own son, who reportedly had drug addiction and other issues,” and urged empathy for families dealing with addiction and mental health issues.
President Donald Trump had shared remarks on Truth Social linking Reiner’s political criticism to his death, calling it a consequence of what Trump termed “Trump Derangement Syndrome” — remarks that drew sharp rebukes from others reflecting on Reiner’s legacy.
Jen and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) December 15, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/JEYeY7DYO6
Also from the world of politics, California Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife shared heartfelt condolences, stating they were “heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner,” and lauding Reiner’s “boundless empathy” and his contributions to both film and public advocacy.
Former President Barack Obama also honored the couple, saying that he and Michelle were “heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele,” and noting Reiner’s deep belief in the goodness of people. His post went on to celebrate Reiner’s storytelling and humanitarian contributions.
What a huge loss.
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) December 15, 2025
Rob Reiner was one of my favorite directors. He made some of the most formative movies for my generation. He came out form behind a huge comedic shadow of the great Carl Reiner and being a tv actor to being a a great director who made an incredible run of…
Actor Ben Stiller reflected on Reiner’s creative impact, calling him one of his “favorite directors” whose work shaped a generation with sharp wit and compassion. John Cusack, in the meantime, expressed that he was “shocked by the death of Rob Reiner — a great man.” Cusack added later, “At a loss for any words that make sense – RIP Rob and Michelle .” Then, comedian Eric Idle, who had only just spoken to Reiner before his death, shared that Reiner was “a lovely man … a clever, talented and very thoughtful man. This is so awful. I shall miss him.”
Reiner’s legacy
Rob Reiner was a lovely man. I spoke to him last night for over an hour. I always enjoyed his company. I met him at his Dad's in 1975. He was telling me about fiming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future. This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and…
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) December 15, 2025
Reiner’s career spanned decades, from his breakout role on All in the Family to directing timeless films like This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, and A Few Good Men. His work was marked by laughter, empathy, and social conscience.
The investigation into the deaths remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to piece together evidence and waiting on official statements from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Outlets emphasize the family has asked for privacy during this devastating time. As tributes continue and the nation reflects on his body of work, Reiner is being remembered both for his cinematic genius and his steadfast commitment to social causes that touched lives far beyond the silver screen.
