LOS ANGELES — Rob Reiner — the director behind beloved films such as “When Harry Met Sally …” and “The Princess Bride” — and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead Sunday afternoon, according to officials.
The deaths were confirmed in statements by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Authorities are investigating the two deaths as homicides, said a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” Reiner’s family said in a statement provided to multiple media outlets. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Rob and Michele Reiner were 78 and 68, respectively.
Police declined to identify the victims and release additional information. LAPD’s Robbery Homicide Division was assigned to the case.
Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a request for medical aid at Reiner’s home in Brentwood on Sunday afternoon just after 3:30 p.m. local time, said department spokesperson Margaret Stewart. Inside the home, authorities found the man and woman.
Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said the investigation would continue through the night but declined to confirm the identities of the victims, noting that official identification would be released later by the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.
He said authorities have not identified a suspect, and no one has been detained. Asked whether family members had been interviewed, Hamilton said investigators expect to speak with multiple relatives. He added that police are executing a search warrant and that the initial call to authorities came from someone inside the home. He described the case as a “death investigation.”
The son of entertainers Carl and Estelle Reiner, Rob Reiner earned two Emmy Awards for his role as Mike “Meathead” Stivic on the sitcom “All in the Family” and turned in memorable performances in movies such as “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Throw Momma From the Train.”
Beginning with “This Is Spinal Tap” in 1984, Reiner directed a run of indelible films, including “Stand by Me,” “A Few Good Men,” “The American President” and more. His prolific career extended into the 2020s, when he directed a documentary about his friend Albert Brooks, had a recurring role this summer in Season 4 of “The Bear” and recently released a “Spinal Tap” sequel, “The End Continues.”
“Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love … 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 in a statement. “That empathy extended well beyond his films. Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights — from taking on Big Tobacco to fighting for marriage equality to serving as a powerful voice in early education. He made California a better place through his good works.”
Bass said in a statement that Reiner’s work made the city and state better. “I knew Rob and have tremendous respect for him. Among his numerous contributions, Rob helped create First 5 California, a landmark initiative funded by a tobacco tax to support early childhood development programs,” Bass said. “He and Michele fought for early childhood development and marriage equality, working to overturn Proposition 8. They were true champions for LGBTQ+ rights.”
Former President Barack Obama wrote on X: “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…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.”
“Rob and his wife Michele loved each other very much. They were dear friends, and Doug and I are devastated to learn of their passing,” former Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement. “Rob loved our country, cared deeply about the future of our nation, and fought for America’s democracy.”
Frances Vinall contributed to this report.
correctionA previous version of this article incorrectly said Rob Reiner won five Emmy Awards. He won two.
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