Rob Reiner, Iconic Filmmaker and Actor, Found Dead at 78
Veteran filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner, known for directing Hollywood classics and for his breakthrough television role in All in the Family, was found dead Sunday in his Brentwood, Los Angeles home alongside his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, authorities and multiple news outlets report. He was 78.
According to People, the couple’s daughter, Romy Reiner, discovered their bodies inside the residence on December 14 after emergency services were alerted around 3:30 p.m. local time. Sources told People that the couple were killed by their son, Nick Reiner, who has a history of drug addiction.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical emergency call at approximately 3:38 p.m. local time on December 14 and discovered two deceased individuals inside the residence. Reports indicate both victims sustained injuries consistent with stab wounds.
Career That Spanned Decades
Reiner’s impact on American film and television was substantial and varied. He first rose to national prominence in the early 1970s as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family, a role that won him multiple Emmy Awards and cemented his place in television history.
Transitioning behind the camera, Reiner became one of Hollywood’s most beloved directors. His 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap became a cult classic and helped define the genre. He followed that success with a string of acclaimed and commercially successful films, including Stand by Me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally… (1989), Misery (1990), and A Few Good Men (1992).
Reiner’s versatility was evident in his ability to move between comedy, drama, romance, and suspense while crafting memorable characters and dialogue. When Harry Met Sally…, in particular, became iconic for its clever screenplay and sharp performances, with moments that endured in popular culture.
In 2025, Reiner directed Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, a sequel to his 1984 classic, marking his final completed film before his death.
Michele Singer Reiner: Partner in Life and Work
Michele Singer Reiner, 68, was not only Reiner’s wife but also a collaborator on various projects. The couple married in 1989 after meeting during the production of When Harry Met Sally… and shared a family together, including three children.
Singer Reiner had credits behind the camera as well, including work as a producer and in the camera department on films like Misery and Albert Brooks: Defending My Life (2023).
Legacy and Influence
Rob Reiner was the son of prolific comedian, writer, and director Carl Reiner, and grew up steeped in the entertainment world. Born on March 6, 1947, in the Bronx, New York, he developed a passion for storytelling that would drive a career lasting more than five decades.
Reiner’s work earned him respect not only from audiences but from peers across the industry. He was as comfortable in front of the camera as behind it, and his directorial achievements significantly shaped American popular culture from the late 20th century into the early 21st.
Ongoing Investigation
While authorities have not released an official motive or confirmed the identity of any suspect through police statements, multiple sources told People that Nick Reiner is being questioned in connection with their deaths.
As of Sunday night, law enforcement has not released charges or a formal statement identifying a suspect, and the investigation remains active. Representatives for the family have not yet provided an official comment beyond the initial discovery.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, and updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
This remains a developing story, and more details are expected as law enforcement updates emerge.