Rob Reiner, wife found dead in home, LAPD investigating as homicide
Actor-director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, were found dead in their Brentwood home. LAPD is investigating as an “apparent homicide.”
(This story was updated to add new information.)
The deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and wife Michele Singer are being investigated as an “apparent homicide.”
The Los Angeles Police Department had not publicly confirmed the identities of the two people found dead in Reiner’s residence on Sunday, Dec. 14, but the Associated Press and CNN reported that the deaths were those of Reiner, 78, and Singer, 68.
However, during a news conference on Dec. 15, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said authorities had “definitively” identified the deceased as Reiner and Singer.
LAPD’s media relations unit redirected the USA TODAY Network to their social media account when asked whether authorities have a suspect at this time, saying it contained all the information that was going to be released as of the morning of Monday, Dec. 15. Per a social media post, LAPD said the Robbery Homicide Division responded to Reiner’s residence and are investigating the matter as an “apparent homicide.”
LAPD said earlier Sunday that authorities had responded to a “death investigation” in the 200 block of South Chadbourne Avenue at 3:40 p.m. Dec. 14 and discovered two bodies inside the residence.
The deaths have shocked the entertainment industry — Reiner is a celebrated actor, director and producer known for work such as “This Is Spinal Tap,” “The Princess Bride,” “Misery,” “A Few Good Men” and “When Harry Met Sally…” He’s the son of writer, actor and comedian Carl Reiner and actor Estelle Reiner.
Son of Rob Reiner, Nick Reiner, taken into custody
Nick Reiner, the son of Reiner and Singer, was taken into custody on Sunday, Dec. 14 and is being held on a $4 million bail, USA TODAY reported. Nick Reiner, 32, wrote the screenplay for the 2015 film “Being Charlie,” which his father directed.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed Nick Reiner had been taken into custody during a Dec. 15 news conference and said the 32-year-old was booked for murder.
The film told the story of an 18-year-old struggling with drug addiction who clashes with his famous father—now running for governor—while navigating rehab, family tensions, and a fragile path to recovery. The film was inspired by Nick Reiner’s own battles with substance abuse.
Actor and comedian Eric Idle said he recently spoke with Rob Reiner
Actor and comedian Eric Idle said he spoke with Reiner “last night for over an hour” in a social media post on Dec. 14.
“I always enjoyed his company,” Idle said. “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.”
Bill Clinton, Stephen King and more pay tribute to Rob Reiner
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were along the political giants who commented publicly on Reiner’s death, saying in a statement that they are “heartbroken” by the deaths of their friends.
“They inspired and uplifted millions through their work in film and television,” the Clintons said. “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.”
“I’m horrified and saddened by the death of Rob Reiner and Michele. Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine),” Author Stephen King said. “Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me.”
Actor Cary Elwes, who starred as Westley in “The Princess Bride,” said in an Instagram post, “No words…”
Actor Ben Stiller said Reiner was one of his “favorite directors” in a post on X.
“He made some of the most formative movies for my generation,” Stiller said. “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.”
SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin paid tribute to Reiner and Singer in a statement, saying that Reiner’s films and performances made him think, made him emotional and made him laugh “really hard.”
“Rob Reiner is one of the most significant figures in the history of film and television,” Astin said. “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.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described it as a “devastating loss for our city and country” in a statement on Sunday, Dec. 14.
“I knew Rob and have tremendous respect for him,” Bass said. “Among his numerous contributions, Rob helped create First 5 California, a landmark initiative funded by a tobacco tax to support early childhood development programs. He and Michele fought for early childhood development and marriage equality, working to overturn Proposition 8. They were true champions for LGBTQ+ rights.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom echoed Reiner’s contributions to society in a statement.
“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.
“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.”
What did Trump say about Rob Reiner?
President Donald Trump spoke out Monday in a Truth Social post about the death of the famed director, saying that Reiner and his wife died “reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS.”
“A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele,” Trump wrote, “reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS.”
The president continued: “He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before. May Rob and Michele rest in peace!”
Where is Rob Reiner’s home located?
Reiner’s residence is located in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles.
USA TODAY contributed to this report.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.