Legendary Hollywood film-maker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, have been found dead at their home in Los Angeles, prompting a police homicide investigation.
Emergency services were called to the couple’s residence in the upscale Brentwood neighbourhood on Sunday afternoon. Police later confirmed that a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not officially identified the pair, but a family spokesperson confirmed their deaths.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” the spokesperson said in a statement to US media, requesting privacy for the family during the grieving period.
Los Angeles Police said no arrests have been made and no suspect or person of interest is currently being sought. The cause of death will be determined by the LA County Coroner’s Office. Officers declined to provide further details about injuries or possible weapons.
Reiner was one of Hollywood’s most influential directors, best known for a remarkable run of films including ‘This Is Spinal Tap’, ‘The Princess Bride’, ‘Stand by Me’, ‘When Harry Met Sally’, ‘Misery and A Few Good Men’. He also earned widespread acclaim for his acting role as Meathead in the groundbreaking sitcom ‘All in the Family’.
Tributes quickly poured in from across the entertainment world. California Governor Gavin Newsom described Reiner as a “big-hearted genius”, while former US President Barack Obama praised his belief in human goodness and lifelong commitment to social causes.
Actors and film-makers including Eric Idle, John Cusack, Elijah Wood and Ben Stiller paid tribute to Reiner’s talent, kindness and lasting influence on cinema, with Stiller calling his death “a huge loss” for the film industry.
Reiner, the son of comedy icon Carl Reiner, co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment and remained active in film-making until recent years. He married Michele Reiner, an actress, photographer and producer, in 1989. The couple have three children together.
Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass also expressed her condolences, highlighting the couple’s philanthropic work and Reiner’s advocacy for civil rights, education and social justice.
