Hollywood is mourning the loss of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner.
The couple were found dead inside their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, on Sunday, December 14, with TMZ reporting that Rob, 78, and Michele “suffered lacerations consistent with a knife.”
Rob and Michele’s family broke their silence late Sunday night, confirming the deaths.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” a family spokesman said in a statement to Variety. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Rob began his career as an actor in the CBS sitcom All in the Family, earning two Emmy awards for his role as Mike “Meathead” Stivic. He later became an accomplished filmmaker, directing films such as This Is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally… and A Few Good Men.
For her part, Michele was an actress and producer, who collaborated with her husband as a producer on several of his movies, including the recently released Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.
Tributes have poured in from across the world, including from Kathy Bates, Ben Stiller, former U.S. President Barack Obama and more.
Scroll down to read how Hollywood and other celebrities are remembering Rob and Michele:
Kathy Bates
Bates, who won an Oscar for her role in Reiner’s Misery, said in a statement to NBC News that she was “absolutely devastated.”
“I loved Rob. He was brilliant and kind, a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist,” she said. “He also fought courageously for his political beliefs. He changed the course of my life. Michelle 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.”
Cary Elwes
Elwes, who starred in Reiner’s The Princess Bride, shared a photo from the film’s set, featuring his and Reiner’s production chairs, via Instagram and wrote: “No words…”
Ben Stiller
“What a huge loss,” Stiller wrote on X. “Rob Reiner was one of my favorite directors. He made some of the most formative movies for my generation. He came out [from] behind a huge comedic shadow of the great Carl Reiner and being a TV actor to being a great director who made an incredible run of movies. Spinal Tap is one of the best comedies ever made — and the list goes on. He was a kind caring person who was really, really funny.”
“I didn’t know him well but was always a fan and I feel a real sadness for those who did, and his family,” the actor added.
Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest
“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,” the couple said in a statement to Variety.
“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,” the married stars added.
Stephen King
“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,” the author wrote via X, referring to Reiner’s adaptations of his books Stand by Me and Misery.
Jerry O’Connell
“Love you, Rob. Sincerely,” the actor wrote alongside a photo of himself and Rob on the set of 1986’s Stand by Me, which he shared via X.
During an appearance on CBS Mornings, O’Connell reflected on working with Rob, who he said was “like a father” to him. “Everything I have is because of Rob Reiner. … It’s just a sad, shocking day,” he added.
Norman Lear Family
“The Lear Family is devastated by the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner,” the late television icon’s family said in a statement to Deadline. “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, and they pursued that through their art, their activism, their philanthropy, and their love for family and friends. Lyn Lear had remained very close with them and said, ‘The world is unmistakably darker tonight, and we are left bereft.’”
Lear created All in the Family, which gave Reiner his Hollywood breakout role.
Barack Obama
“Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele,” the former U.S. president 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. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.”
Gavin Newsom
The California governor wrote via X, “Jen and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.”
“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 timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others — and encouraging us to dream bigger,” the politician continued.
Newsom added, “That empathy extended well beyond his films. Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights — from taking on Big Tobacco, fighting for marriage equality, to serving as a powerful voice in early education. He made California a better place through his good works.”
“Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity,” he concluded.
Sean Astin
“Rob Reiner is one of the most significant figures in the history of film and television. The impact he made on American culture simply can’t be overstated,” the SAG-AFTRA president said in a statement issued by the union. “Tributes will pour in and the impossibly long list of genre defining films and indelible performances will play in our minds and hearts. Rob Reiner was a member of our union for nearly 60 years. We send love and warmth to Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner’s families, friends and colleagues. Our entertainment community and audiences around the world will mourn deeply. On a personal note, so many of Mr. Reiner’s films and performances made me think, made me emotional and especially they made me laugh really hard. That’s how I will remember him.”
Paul Feig
“One of my most cherished pictures. Rob was my true hero,” the Housemaid director wrote on X, sharing a picture of him and Reiner. “A true visionary titan and a lovely lovely person. One never knows if it’s proper to post during something as tragic as this. But I just want the world to know what so many of us know in the industry. Rob was the best. 💔”
John Cusack
“Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner – a great man,” Cusack wrote in an X post.
Elijah Wood
“Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle. So much love to their kids and family,” the Lord of the Rings star wrote via X.
Dane Cook
“Rob Reiner’s impact on television and cinema is immeasurable,” the comedian said in an X post. “Brokenhearted to hear the news today of his death, and the death of his wife Michele.”
Eric Idle
“Rob Reiner was a lovely man,” the comedian said in an X post. “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 [filming] 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.”
Elizabeth Banks
“Rob Reiner was a genius story teller. A master. RIP,” Banks wrote in an Instagram Story.
Paul Walter Hauser
“Grieving the loss of my favorite director of all-time,” Hauser wrote in an emotional Instagram post. “A Few Good Men is THE reason I became an actor, and Rob’s filmography behind the camera is THE reason I wanted to direct and still do.”
He continued, “I met Rob Reiner on a Sunday at UCB theatre in Los Angeles on Franklin in 2010. I got very nervous realizing he and his wife and daughter were sitting behind me. I raised my hand to volunteer for a sketch with the show ASSCAT and somehow ended up [lip] synching the song ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ by The Verve using my belly instead of my mouth. It was beyond absurd but I couldn’t help thinking, ‘Commit to this. Rob Reiner is watching.’”
“At the intermission, we spoke for maybe 5-10 minutes about how I had just moved to LA from Michigan. He spoke of how he enjoyed filming in Michigan, and he was kind enough to regale me with stories of he and his wife co-writing the marital drama The Story of Us with Alan Zweibel and HIS wife, and how it was such an interesting exercise. He told me how he wanted to use anamorphic lenses to make the courtroom feel more epic in scope on A Few Good Men,” Hauser continued.
“The guy just treated me with the friendliness and intimate details that few people of his stature would bother recounting to a total stranger. And he said, ‘That thing you did, with your belly. That was funny,’” the actor added.
“I hate that Rob and his wife are gone from this world, but they sure as hell impacted me and countless others while here,” he shared.
Hauser concluded, “Sick to my stomach. Headed back to set. Holding him close as I do the gig that he inspired me to do.”
Josh Gad
“He was one of the greatest directors of our time. He was a friend. He was simply a beautiful person,” the Frozen actor shared via Instagram. “Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were two of the most kind and caring souls you could ever imagine. 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. 💔”
Virginia Madsen
“Damn this awful news out of Brentwood. God be with those who love them. Thank you Rob for giving us so much joy to hold on to. Life and talent always turned up to 11,” Madsen shared in an Instagram post.
Billy Baldwin
“A towering figure in our industry,” Baldwin commented on Cary Elwes’ tribute to Reiner. “And also a towering figure in your life, Cary. Sending love, light, strength and healing prayers to you and all those who loved him during this unspeakably tragic time. Love you my friend. ❤️🩹”
Roseanne Barr
‘I’m absolutely shocked and horrified to hear about Rob Reiner and his wife Michele,” the comedian shared in an X post. “This is a travesty. Praying for swift justice. Sympathies to their family and children. I’m at a loss for words.”
Ron Howard
“#RIPRobReiner 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,” the director shared via X. “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.”
Mira Sorvino
“I am in absolute shock. Rob Reiner was a legend & a kind, brilliant man, a wonderful actor to work opposite on Hollywood, an iconic director,” Sorvino wrote in an X post. “His wife Michele was a lovely generous person- I wish I had been able to get to know her better. The world has lost 2 tremendous humans. He was so funny & intelligent – we had a great time shooting what could have been awkward scenes but his wit & warmth made all that go away. Talking w/him on & off the set was a joy. This doesn’t seem possible. My deepest sorrow and condolences & prayers go out to their family.”
Cheryl Hines
“The loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner is devastating,” Hines wrote alongside a picture of her with Rob and Michele via Instagram. “I met them 31 years ago when I began working for them as an assistant and instantly loved their generosity, humor, and unwavering inspiration. Their legacy lives on in the countless lives they touched and the countless ways they made the world brighter. This is the snapshot that stays with me.”
Michelle Pfeiffer
“Beyond horrific. My thoughts and prayers to Michelle and Rob’s family and all those who loved them. I am so sorry. 💔,” the actress wrote via Instagram alongside a black-and-white photo of the couple.
Maria Shriver
“I loved Michele and Rob Reiner. They were among my closest friends. We raised our kids together, from mommy and me on up. We laughed together, we cried together, we played together, we dreamed together. We had dinner this past week, and they were in the best place in the their lives: loving one another, loving their friends, their family, their country. They never gave up on our country. They wanted to make it better. They always, always wanted to make our world better, and they were willing to fight to make it the country they loved,” Shriver wrote via X, praising Rob and Michele as two people who “never stopped trying to be really good parents.”
Shriver added that she felt “devastated, gutted, shocked, stunned, and so deeply saddened” by the news, writing, “I’ll miss you, Michele. I’ll miss you, Rob. I love you both. Thank you for your friendship. God bless you both. Life will not be the same without you here, that’s for sure. ♥️.”
Sophia Bush
The actress posted a lengthy tribute via X. “Rob Reiner was an almost indescribably wonderful man. Kind, jovial, thoughtful, and generous. He shaped our industry of course, and more so the world around us, making films that centered empathy and humor. He made us more bold, willing to take risks for love. He used his massive audience and knowledge of how to tell stories to defend democracy, and stand for his neighbors, both near and far. And even when the cameras were off, he showed up,” she wrote. “He was often first to say yes to the organizing work, showing up on zoom after zoom, in support of organizations making the world a better place. He offered his talents and gifts. He said YES in service of others. In the years I’ve been lucky enough to know him in those dedicated spaces, he has influenced and inspired me, for good. I am utterly heartbroken at his and Michele’s deaths, and I am holding his loved ones in my heart today.”
Tracy Reiner
“I came from the greatest family ever,” the actress, who was adopted by Rob during his marriage to the late Penny Marshall, told NBC News. “I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
Bill and Hillary Clinton
“Hillary and I are heartbroken by the tragic deaths of our friends Rob and Michele Reiner,” read a statement from the couple shared via social media. “They inspired and uplifted millions through their work in film and television. And they were good, generous people who made everyone who knew them better through their active citizenship in defense of inclusive democracy, setting an example for us all to follow. Hillary and I will always be grateful for their friendship, unfailing kindness, and support.”
Kevin Nealon
“Rob Reiner. The humor is smart and the heart is real. His films were part of the air for us. Grateful for what he made, and for what he and his wife gave the world,” the Saturday Night Live alum tweeted.
Jane Fonda
“Rob and Michele Reiner were wonderful, caring, smart, funny, generous people, always coming up with ideas for how to make the world better, kinder,” Fonda captioned an Instagram post on December 15. “They had been helping me launch the Committee for the First Amendment. I saw them night before last looking healthy and happy. I am reeling with grief. Stunned.”
Demi Moore
Demi Moore paid tribute to Rob and Michele who were close family friends.
“There are no words to truly express the unfathomable devastation of losing Rob and Michelle Reiner. Our kids grew up together, we worked together, and as our lives intertwined personally and professionally I will always cherish the moments and memories of what we shared,” she wrote via Instagram. “They were amazing people and wonderful parents who gave of themselves to make the world a better place. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with their family, friends, and all that are affected by this tragedy.”
Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney honored Rob and Michele in a heartfelt message reflecting on the time he and Rob worked together on Spinal Tap 2.
“What a tragedy the death of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, is. It is so shocking in many ways but for me especially so, because over the last year I had been working with him,” the musician wrote via Instagram alongside a photo of him and Reiner on set. “He directed me in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. He was such an upbeat, lovable man.”
McCartney continued, “Life can be so unfair and this tragedy proves it. His father, Carl Reiner, was a great humourist before him and Rob followed in his dad’s footsteps doing a terrific job making many great films. I will always have fond memories of Rob and the idea that he and his wife will no longer be in the world with us is heartbreaking. “Thanks for all the humour, Rob. Rest in Peace. Love Paul.”
Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson, who worked with Rob on 2003’s Alex & Emma, shared a tribute to the late director and his wife via Instagram.
“The loss of Rob and Michele is absolutely devastating. They were not only important to our close community but Rob touched so many millions globally with his art,” Hudson wrote alongside a photo of Rob and Michele and a throwback to filming Alex & Emma. “Rob was one of the greats. Inspiring so many of us with his ability to craft films that are humorous, powerful, inspirational. He knew no genre, only great storytelling. He was loving and kind.”
She continued, “I feel so lucky to have worked with him, know him, laughed with him and shared moments with him and Michele. Ones I will never forget. This tragedy is still being processed by our community and our sadness is immense. My love to his family and all friends. They were so loved and will be so missed. It’s with a profound heavy heart we have to say goodbye to two wonderful people.”
Jerry Seinfeld
“Next to Larry David and George Shapiro, Rob Reiner had the biggest influence on my career,” Jerry Seinfeld wrote via Instagram alongside a photo of himself with Rob, noting that his ’90s hit sitcom, Seinfeld, “never” would have happened without the legendary director. “He saw something no one else could. When nobody at the network liked the early episodes, he saved us from cancellation. That I was working with Carl Reiner’s son, who happened to be one of the kindest people in show business, seemed unreal.”
Seinfeld noted he was “naive” to “how much” Rob’s “passion” for the show actually “meant.” He also paid tribute to Michele, writing, “Rob and Michele married right as our show was starting and they became an imprint for me of how it’s supposed to work, each one broadening the other. Their death, together, is impossibly sad.”
