Legendary director Rob Reiner, wife found dead; homicide suspected
What's the story
Hollywood is in shock after the sudden demise of legendary actor-director Rob Reiner. The 78-year-old was found dead in his Brentwood home on Sunday afternoon (US time), along with his wife Michele Singer. The incident is being investigated as a homicide by the police. Per reports, both were stabbed to death. The news was first reported by TMZ and has since sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.
Career highlights
Reiner's career: 'All in the Family' to 'Spinal Tap II'
Reiner, the son of famed writer-director-comedian Carl Reiner, first rose to fame as Michael "Meathead" Stivic on CBS's All in the Family. He won Emmys for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy series in 1974 and 1978. Reiner then transitioned to direction. His last directorial venture was 2025's Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, a sequel to his 1984 classic This Is Spinal Tap.
Film legacy
Reiner's classics: 'The Princess Bride' to 'When Harry Met Sally...'
Reiner's directorial career spanned various genres, with hits like Stand By Me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally... (1989), Misery (1990), and A Few Good Men (1992). He co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment in 1987, which produced many of his films and other hits like In the Line of Fire and Needful Things. The company was sold to Turner Broadcasting in 1993.
Later years
Reiner's later career and political activism
Reiner's later directorial efforts included Being Charlie, a family drama based on his own experiences. Despite their eclectic nature, these films didn't achieve commercial success. A staunch progressive voice in Hollywood, Reiner was involved in several California ballot initiatives and supported Democratic candidates. He was also an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump. In 2006, he considered running against California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger but ultimately decided against it.
Personal life
Reiner's early life and family
Born on March 6, 1947, in the Bronx, New York, Reiner grew up in Hollywood. He attended UCLA Film School and started with small roles in TV shows like Batman and The Partridge Family. He also appeared in his father's autobiographical film Enter Laughing (1967). Reiner and his wife are survived by their children, Jake, Nick, and Romy. He was also the stepfather of actor Tracy Reiner (daughter of his first wife, Penny Marshall).