“The impact he made on American culture simply can’t be overstated,” SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin said in a statement.
Tributes pour in for late actor-director Rob Reiner, wife Michele
Stars and politicians paid tribute to Rob Reiner and wife Michele after they died in an “apparent homicide.”
Tributes to the beloved Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, poured in on Dec. 15 after their deaths sent shockwaves throughout the industry.
Reiner, the acclaimed director and actor, and Singer were found dead at their home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Dec. 14, authorities confirmed.
Reiner, whose career spanned more than five decades, was most known for his work on “All in the Family,” “The Princess Bride,” and “When Harry Met Sally.”
After news of Reiner’s death broke overnight on Dec. 15, actors, former costars, and a slew of other celebrities shared in mourning the couple.
Stars from ‘Princess Bride,’ ‘Stand By Me,’ more mourn Rob Reiner
Actors who worked under Reiner, like Mandy Patinkin and Carey Elwes of the 1987 adventure epic “The Princess Bride,” and Corey Feldman of “Stand By Me,” paid tribute to the director on social media. “No words…” Elwes wrote alongside a black-and-white photo of two empty director’s chairs on Instagram.
Patinkin said in a statement to USA TODAY that Reiner’s killing is a reminder to “keep fighting, to keep living for every soul taken from this earth, that no longer has the life and breath to raise their voices for a better world.”
The director’s death “teaches us to live with a greater purpose,” Patinkin added, and to “cherish every moment that we are alive to be of service to every aspect of our existence to never give up.”
Feldman wrote on X: “OMG THIS IS HORRIBLE NEWS! IM SO SORRY 4 ROB & HIS WIFE, & THEIR CHILDREN & THE WHOLE REINER FAMILY! ALL I CAN SAY IS IM SHOCKED & SADDENED, BUT I #LOVE U ROB! U WILL B 4EVER MISSED!”
John Cusack, who starred in Reiner’s 1985 film “The Sure Thing,” said on X that he is “Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner – a great man.”
James Woods, star of Reiner’s “Ghosts of Mississippi,” posted on X: “Rob and I remained good friends ever since we made GHOSTS OF MISSISSIPPI. The studio didn’t think I was old enough to do the part, but Rob fought for me. Political differences never stood in the way of our love and respect for each other. I am devastated by this terrible event.”
Michael Douglas, who starred in both Reiner’s “The American President” and “And So It Goes,” said in a statement to USA TODAY: “This is most tragic for two extraordinary people who gave so much to make this a better world. Rob and Michele will be deeply missed.”
Stephen King, whose two novels “Misery” and “Stand By Me” were adapted into films directed by Reiner, said he is “horrified and saddened” by the couple’s deaths. “Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine). Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me,” King wrote on X.
Paul McCartney, Zooey Deschanel, Demi Moore, more pay tribute
Paul McCartney said on Instagram, “Life can be so unfair and this tragedy proves it,” when paying tribute to Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
“It is so shocking in many ways but for me especially so, because over the last year I had been working with him. He directed me in ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’. He was such an upbeat, lovable man,” the musician said of his recent interactions with the director.
“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,” he continued. “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.”
Rob Reiner played Zooey Deschanel’s onscreen father in “New Girl,” and the actress paid tribute to him in a touching Instagram post Monday. “My heart is broken,” she wrote, alongside photos of the two on set. “Rob Reiner was the absolute warmest, funniest, most generous of spirits. A truly good human being. An incredible artist and such a playful and fun collaborator.”
“Rob and his lovely wife Michele were always so kind and it brought me so much joy any time I was lucky enough to see them,” she concluded. “I’m absolutely devastated. Sending so much love to their family and friends.”
Demi Moore, who starred in the director’s legal drama film “A Few Good Men,” paid tribute to Rob and his wife Michele, on Instagram.
“There are no words to truly express the unfathomable devastation” of losing the pair, Moore wrote, alongside a photo of the couple, which was followed by a picture of Moore with Reiner, Kevin Bacon and Tom Cruise on the set of the film.
“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 continued.
“They were amazing people and wonderful parents who gave of themselves to make the world a better place,” Moore concluded her tribute. “My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with their family, friends, and all that are affected by this tragedy.”
Kate Hudson, Rita Wilson remember Rob Reiner and wife Michele fondly
Echoing what many others have said in light of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer’s tragic deaths, Tom Hanks’ wife Rita Wilson wrote on social media that the two were “people who really did make the world a better place.”
“We have been friends since our kids were toddlers attending the same preschool. It’s impossible to reconcile the tragedy of their deaths with the beauty they offered the world. Michele was an enormously talented photographer whose eye applied not only to what she captured on film but also to her own personal esthetic,” Wilson wrote of Michele. “Her work as a producer focused on social justice and creating awareness of our world. She was wry, funny, opinionated but also reasonable and self reflective. She was so close to her sister and her family understanding the importance of close connection. Their mother was a Holocaust survivor. When her mom was alive she and Rob gave her a life that brought her joy and grandkids.”
Wilson called the director “pure joy” and said she was “lucky enough to call him a friend.”
Wilson also spoke highly about the director’s work ethic. “He gave actors freedom and trusted our choices. When we saw each other it was as if time was a continuous thread in a metaphorical needlepoint work that picked up where we left off,” she wrote. “His work as an actor, writer and director will live on, as will all the works he and Michele endeavored so hard to establish for our civil good. Our hearts go out to their families with the deepest of sorrow and love. Rob and Michelle, may their memories be eternal.”
Kate Hudson, who starred in “Alex & Emma” alongside Luke Wilson, remembered Reiner as someone who “touched so many millions globally with his art.”
“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,” she added. “He was loving and kind. 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.”
Cheryl Hines, the actor who is married to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and who is known for appearing on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” a show created by Reiner’s friend Larry David, said on Instagram that she previously worked for Reiner and Singer.
“The loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner is devastating. I met them 31 years ago when I began working for them as an assistant and instantly loved their generosity, humor, and unwavering inspiration,” she wrote. “Their legacy lives on in the countless lives they touched and the countless ways they made the world brighter.”
Actress Tisha Campbell Martin said Reiner “was the first person who ever took (sic) the chance on me and casted me in a sitcom,” adding, “He was the nicest person to me. I hate this.”
Christopher Guest and Jamie Lee Curtis are ‘numb and shocked’ over Rob Reiner’s death
In a statement to USA TODAY, actors Christopher Guest and Jamie Lee Curtis said they “are numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends.” Guest starred in Reiner’s 1984 directorial debut, “This Is Spinal Tap.”
“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 statement said. “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.”
They closed their statement by simply saying, “We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.”
Harry Shearer says Rob Reiner’s death is ‘unspeakable, the stuff of Greek tragedy’
Harry Shearer, a co-star in Reiner’s “This Is Spinal Tap,” called him a “friend and collaborator through much of my life” in a statement to USA TODAY.
“He was funny, he was smart, he was a mensch. When he came to see the comedy act I was in, and, later, the musical comedy I had co-written, his laugh was uproarious and audible around the block,” the statement said.
“He was a great collaborator, and when the four of us proposed ideas for the films, he was the one who wrote them on 3×5 cards, and organized them into a movie,” seemingly referring to the creation of “This Is Spinal Tap” with Reiner, Guest and Michael McKean.
He added: “And Michelle was a very good friend to my wife Judith. This is unspeakable, the stuff of Greek tragedy.”
Kevin Bacon shares emotional tribute to Rob Reiner
Kevin Bacon, who starred in Reiner’s 1992 legal thriller “A Few Good Men,” gave an emotional tribute to the late director on Instagram Monday, calling production for the Oscar-nominated film “one of the best experiences that I’ve ever had on a set.”
“I was over the moon to get that job because, people may or may not know this, but ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ is my all-time favorite movie, and when he called me, I was just so thrilled,” said Bacon, adding that he and Reiner would have lunch together every day.
“He was so fun, and it really comes down from the top,” Bacon said, getting choked up. “You can set a tone where people feel like we are working hard but also working hard in a safe and pleasant and fun situation.”
Maria Shriver says Rob Reiner, wife Michele ‘were in the best place’ in their lives
Maria Shriver shared an emotional tribute to Reiner and Singer on Instagram, noting that “they were among my closest friends” and that she recently had dinner with them.
“We raised our kids together, from mommy and me on up,” she wrote. “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 [sic] 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.”
‘One of the most significant figures in the history of film and television’
SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin called Reiner “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. Tributes will pour in and the impossibly long list of genre defining films and indelible performances will play in our minds and hearts,” Astin said, adding that Reiner was a member of the union for nearly 60 years.
“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,” Astin said.
Actor and comedian Eric Idle said on X that he spoke to Reiner “for over an hour” the night before his death. “This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful,” Idle wrote.
Paul Feig, the director of “Bridesmaids” and “A Simple Favor,” wrote on X: “Rob was my true hero. 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.”
Actor Kevin Nealon said on X: “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.”
Ben Stiller called Reiner “one of my favorite directors” and “a kind caring person who was really really funny.” William Shatner also sent condolences to Reiner’s family and called the situation “such a tragedy.”
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
Contributing: James Powel, USA TODAY
This story has been updated with additional information.