Fez — Filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead on Sunday afternoon in their Brentwood home in Los Angeles, sending shockwaves through the film industry and US political circles. 

Police and firefighters responded to a medical call and discovered the bodies of a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman, later confirmed by the family to be Rob and Michele Reiner.

Authorities have opened a homicide investigation but have released few details so far. No suspect is currently being sought, and the cause of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County coroner.

A major voice in modern cinema

Rob Reiner, son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, first became famous in the 1970s for his role as Michael “Meathead” Stivic in the groundbreaking TV sitcom “All in the Family,” which earned him two Emmy Awards.

He went on to become one of Hollywood’s most successful and versatile directors, signing a run of films that marked several generations of moviegoers: the cult mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap” (1984), the coming-of-age classic “Stand By Me” (1986), the fantasy romance “The Princess Bride” (1987), the romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally” (1989), the Stephen King adaptation “Misery” (1990), and the courtroom drama “A Few Good Men” (1992), which received an Oscar nomination for best picture.

Reiner also co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment, the production company behind many successful films and series. As an actor, he appeared in projects such as “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Postcards from the Edge,” “Bullets Over Broadway,” and TV shows including “New Girl” and “The Bear.”

He had recently reunited with his “Spinal Tap” collaborators for “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” released in September, bringing back the fictional rock band that became a comedy landmark.

Michele Reiner: photographer, producer, partner

Michele Reiner, an actress, photographer, and producer, was Rob Reiner’s wife since 1989. The couple, who met during the making of “When Harry Met Sally,” had three children together. Michele ran the Reiner Light photography agency and production house and was widely described as a creative and strategic partner in her husband’s work, as well as an artist in her own right.

Before his marriage to Michele, Rob Reiner was married to “Laverne & Shirley” star Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981 and adopted her daughter, actress Tracy Reiner.

Tributes from Hollywood and Washington

News of the couple’s deaths prompted an immediate wave of tributes from the film world and US political leaders.

Actors and directors highlighted both Reiner’s body of work and his reputation as a generous collaborator. Kathy Bates, who starred in “Misery,” said he had changed the course of her career and praised his ability to move between genres while still making deeply human films. Ben Stiller called it a “huge loss,” pointing to “This Is Spinal Tap” as one of the great comedies of all time and listing Reiner’s filmography as “formative” for his generation.

John Cusack, Elijah Wood, James Woods, among others also shared messages of shock and admiration, describing Reiner as a “great man,” a “big-hearted genius,” and a filmmaker whose work shaped modern cinema.

From the political sphere, former US President Barack Obama said he and his wife Michelle were “heartbroken,” noting that Reiner’s stories were rooted in a deep belief in the goodness of people and in a commitment to putting that belief into action. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi remembered him as “remarkable and excellent in every field,” emphasizing Michele’s role as an “indispensable partner.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass both praised Reiner’s activism, recalling his role as a strong advocate for civil rights, early childhood development, and LGBTQ+ equality.

Art, activism, and unanswered questions

Beyond his films, Rob Reiner was known for his outspoken political engagement. He campaigned for Democratic candidates, took on issues ranging from tobacco control to marriage equality, and supported initiatives in education and social justice. Friends and colleagues often described him as someone who saw storytelling and activism as two sides of the same commitment to public life.

As the investigation into the couple’s deaths continues, many in Hollywood and beyond are focusing on the legacy left behind: a collection of films that helped define modern American cinema, a production company that backed influential stories, and decades of public engagement on social and political causes.

For now, the house in Brentwood remains a crime scene, the facts are still unclear, and many questions are unanswered. What is certain is that the loss of Rob and Michele Reiner leaves a deep void in both the artistic and civic life of the United States.