Barack Obama leads tributes to Rob Reiner as stars laud ‘political ally’ after his death at 78
A homicide investigation is underway after the director, 78, and photographer, 68, were found Sunday at their LA home
Tributes have poured in for Rob Reiner, the legendary Hollywood director of This is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me and When Harry Met Sally..., after he and his wife Michele Singer were found dead at their Los Angeles home.
A homicide investigation is underway after the director, 78, and photographer, 68, were found Sunday. A family member is being questioned and the LAPD has said no suspects are being sought at this time.
A spokesperson for the Reiner family told CNN: “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.”
The news has prompted an outpouring of grief from political and entertainment figures.
Former President Barack Obama wrote on X: “Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people – and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom praised Reiner as “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.”
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi said: “The news of a deadly assault on Rob and Michelle Reiner in their home is devastating. It’s hard to think of anyone more remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavor they pursued. Rob was creative, funny, and beloved. And in all of their endeavors, Michelle was his indispensable partner, intellectual resource, and a loving wife.”
The entertainment community also expressed deep sorrow. Actor Josh Gad posted: “He was one of the greatest directors of our time. He was a friend. He was simply a beautiful person. Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were two of the kindest and caring souls you could ever imagine.”
Horror author Stephen King shared on X: “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.”
James Woods, who worked with Reiner on Ghosts of Mississippi, wrote: “Rob and I remained good friends ever since we made Ghosts of Mississippi. The studio didn’t think I was old enough to do the part, but Rob fought for me. Political differences never stood in the way of our love and respect for each other. I am devastated by this terrible event.”
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Christopher Guest, who starred in This Is Spinal Tap, and his wife Jamie Lee Curtis said in a 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.”
Actor Paul Walter Hauser shared that A Few Good Men was “THE reason I became an actor, and Rob’s filmography behind the camera is THE reason I wanted to direct and still do.”
Director Joe Russo added: “I can’t handle the truth that one of the greatest filmmakers to ever live is gone. We lost one of the few good men.”
Monty Python comedian Eric Idle said he’d spoken to Reiner just hours before his death, writing on X: “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 very thoughtful man. So awful.”
Ron Howard wrote of Reiner: “Our careers and lives intersected often over the decades from Rob writing the pilot script for Happy Days and then as we each shifted from acting careers into directing and producing. He proved to be a superlative filmmaker, a supportive colleague and at all times a dedicated citizen. Rob will be missed on so many levels. My heart goes out to his family and his many close friends.”
Frankenstein director Guillermo del Toro wrote on X: “Rob Reiner was a true and good human being and an extraordinary director. He was vital and honest and him and [Michele] were cornerstones of their community and committed to their art and the good of everyone around them. A staggering loss.”
Virginia Madsen thanked him for “giving us so much joy to hold on to. Life and talent always turned up to 11.”
Jerry O'Connell posted “Love you, Rob” with a photo from Stand By Me, and Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood said he was “Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle. So much love to their kids and family.”
Rob Reiner got his start in acting in the 1970s sitcom, All in the Family, where he played Michael "Meathead" Stivic. The family of All in the Family creator Norman Lear released a poignant statement: “The Lear Family is devastated by the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner. Norman often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary, to us and the world. Norman would have wanted to remind us that Rob and Michele spent every breath trying to make this country a better place.”
John Cusack, who starred in Reiner’s 1985 film The Sure Thing, wrote on X: “Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner - a great man.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also acknowledged the loss. “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,” she posted on X.
Former Vice President Al Gore wrote on X: “Losing Rob and Michele Reiner is truly heartbreaking. They were loyal friends and among the kindest people I have ever met. Rob made an indelible impact on American entertainment, but what stands out most to me is how he and Michele worked together to champion democracy, LGBTQ+ rights, and, above all, empathy and compassion. I am thinking of everyone who is feeling this loss so deeply today.”
Meanwhile, in a shocking post on Truth Social, President Trump suggested Reiner had died due to the director’s “paranoia” and “obsession” with the president.
“Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS,” Trump wrote.
California Governor responsed to Trump’s post by writing: “This is a sick man.”
Reiner was best known for his work on When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, The Princess Bride and Misery.
The son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, he had been married to photographer Michele since 1989. The two met while he was directing When Harry Met Sally and had three children together.
Reiner was previously married to actor-director Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981. He adopted her daughter, Tracy Reiner. Carl Reiner died in 2020 at age 98 and Marshall died in 2018.
Additional reporting from The Associated Press
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