R.I.P. Rob Reiner: Oscar-nominated director found dead alongside his wife in apparent homicide

Actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife of 36 years, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead on Sunday (Dec. 14) in their home in Brentwood, California, TMZ first reported. Reiner was 78, while Singer Reiner was 68.

Per The New York Times, the Los Angeles Police Department is investigating their deaths as an apparent homicide. People reported that according to multiple sources, the couple was found by their 28-year-old daughter Romy, and that these sources also said that the two were killed by their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, though police have yet to confirm any suspects.

A representative for the Reiner family issued the following statement to The Hollywood Reporter: “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.”

DECIDER reached out to Reiner’s manager for comment, but did not hear back by time of publication.

Reiner began his onscreen career as an actor in 1961 with an appearance on Manhunt, per IMDb. He went on to star as Michael “Meathead” Stivic in the sitcom All in the Family, which ran for nine seasons from 1971 until 1978. While his work transitioned more toward directing, writing, and producing, Reiner made guest spots on shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Simpsons, 30 Rock, New Girl, and The Bear. His film credits as an actor include The First Wives Club, Primary Colors, Edtv, The Muse, The Wolf of Wall Street, And So It Goes and Sandy Wexler.

Rob’s work offscreen proved to be tremendous as a director, writer, and producer. Among the films he directed were This is Spinal Tap (1984), Stand by Me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally (1989), A Few Good Men (1992)—which earned an Oscar nod for Best Picture—The Story of Us (1999), Alex & Emma (2003), The Bucket List (2007), LBJ (2016), and the 2023 HBO documentary Albert Brooks: Defending My Life. Reiner’s most recent project to be released was Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which he both directed and appeared in.

Having met on the set of When Harry Met Sally, Rob and Michele, who was a photographer, tied the knot in 1989, per THR.