Director Rob Reiner and wife, Michele, found dead in their Los Angeles home in what police call apparent homicide

Director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead Sunday in their Los Angeles home in what police called an apparent homicide.

On Monday, police said their son Nick Reiner, 32, has been arrested for murder and is being held without bail. Earlier, online records from the L.A. Sheriff’s Department had listed bail set at $4 million.

“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,” their family said in a statement obtained by Variety and other outlets.  

Rob Reiner was 78 and Michele Singer Reiner was 70.

Firefighters were called to a Brentwood home Sunday afternoon, where they found two bodies. Multiple sources told CBS News that the couple’s daughter Romy Reiner was the one who found them. Two sources familiar with the incident told CBS News the couple had multiple stab wounds.

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the Reiners, a tragic incident,” Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said at a news conference.

The Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement Sunday that the Robbery Homicide Division responded to the home for what was described as an “apparent homicide.” Authorities did not immediately explain the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

“We are going to try to speak to every family member that we can to get to the facts of this investigation,” Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Allen Hamilton said Sunday night.

The Reiners’ careers and family history

The son of legendary comedian and actor Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner rose to fame playing Archie Bunker’s son-in-law, Michael Stivic, better known as “Meathead” on CBS’ “All in the Family.” Reiner won two Emmy Awards for the role. 

As a director, he was known for acclaimed movies such as “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally…,” “A Few Good Men,” “Stand By Me” and “This is Spinal Tap.” A sequel, “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” was released this fall. 

His wife was a photographer who took the photo of President Trump used on the cover of his book “The Art of the Deal,” according to Variety. 

The couple married in 1989 and had three children, sons Nick and Jake and daughter Romy. Reiner was previously married to the late director Penny Marshall, and is the adoptive father of her daughter, actress Tracy Reiner.

The family of Norman Lear, the legendary producer of “All in the Family” who died in 2023 at age 101, said Lear “often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary.” In a statement, the Lear family said, “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.”

In “When Harry Met Sally…,” Reiner famously featured a brief appearance from his mother, Estelle, who delivered the iconic line, “I’ll have what she’s having.” It was also during the filming of “When Harry Met Sally…” that Rob Reiner first met Michele. In a 2016 interview with AV Club, he said meeting her was what made him change the ending of the movie to have Harry and Sally end up together.

Hollywood, political leaders react

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement Sunday night: “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. An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others.”  

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement that he and his partner, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, were “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,” Newsom said.

Former President Joe Biden said, “Jill and I send our deepest condolences to everyone whose lives were touched by Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner’s extraordinary contributions. We take solace in knowing their work will live on for generations to come.” 

Former President Barack Obama said in a statement, “Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. 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.”

Former President Bill Clinton said Rob and Michele Reiner “inspired and uplifted millions through their work on 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.”

Former House Speaker and current Rep. Nancy Pelosi called word of the Reiners’ deaths “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, Michele was his indispensable partner, intellectual resource, and loving wife.”

Actor Sean Astin, the newly elected president of the Screen Actors’ Guild, called Rob Reiner “one of those most significant figures in the history of film and television.” He said Reiner’s impact on American culture “simply can’t be overstated.”  

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect Michele Singer Reiner’s age per the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.