The news of the deaths of director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, resulted in messages of condolences from celebrities and politicians on social media.
A subsequent investigation into the Reiners’ deaths is ongoing. Los Angeles police officers arrived at the Reiner home in the Brentwood neighborhood on Sunday afternoon to find the couple dead.
Celebrities
Actors who worked with Reiner lamented the loss of the famed director. Elijah Wood, who starred in the Reiner-directed film North, shared his condolences.
“Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michele,” Wood wrote Sunday on X. “So much love to their kids and family.”
“OMG THIS IS HORRIBLE NEWS!” actor Corey Feldman wrote Sunday on X. “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!”
Feldman was among the star-studded cast of Stand By Me, a Stephen King adaptation directed by Reiner in 1986. King also responded to Reiner’s death, paraphrasing his book Stand By Me.
“I’m horrified and saddened by the death of Rob Reiner and Michele,” King wrote Monday on X. “Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine). Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me.”
The other book Reiner adapted to film was Misery, a thriller story about an author’s kidnapping. Lead actress Kathy Bates won her first Oscar for her role in the film.
Actors who had not worked with Reiner also responded to his death. Comedian Rob Schneider shared his admiration for Reiner on Sunday.
“Human beings, Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle have been tragically killed today,” Schneider wrote. “I am deeply saddened. Every life is sacred and given by God, our creator.
“One of the most accomplished American directors who ever lived, his movies have been adored by generations, but I will remember him most for making me laugh my guts out with my Dad watching the greatest American tv show of all time, All In The Family.”
Actor Ben Stiller said Reiner’s death was “a huge loss.”
“Rob Reiner was one of my favorite directors,” Stiller wrote on X. “He made some of the most formative movies for my generation.”
“Spinal Tap is one of the best comedies ever made – and the list goes on,” Stiller added. “He was a kind caring person who was really really funny. I didn’t know him well but was always a fan and I feel a real sadness for those who did, and his family.”
“I’m absolutely shocked and horrified to hear about Rob Reiner and his wife Michele,” comedian Roseanne Barr wrote Sunday on X. “This is a travesty. Praying for swift justice. Sympathies to their family and children. I’m at a loss for words.”
Rapper Flavor Flav noted the recent news of mass shootings that preceded the news of Reiner’s passing.
“What a sad, sad 24 hours,” Flavor Flav wrote on X Monday. “Brown University, Sydney Australia, Sweet 16 in Brooklyn, Michelle and Rob Reiner. As my partner Chuck D says,,, I would rather live in peace than rest in peace.”
“In a world where fewer and fewer people concern themselves with the plight of others, the loss of Rob Reiner, who cared deeply about humanitarian causes, feels that much more devastating,” astrophysicist and talk show host Neil DeGrasse Tyson wrote Monday on X.
The Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists reported that Reiner had been a union member since age 18.
“SAG-AFTRA today honors the legacy of filmmaker, actor and SAG-AFTRA member Rob Reiner, who died today at the age of 78,” the union wrote on X Sunday. “We send love and warmth to Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner’s families, friends and colleagues.”
Politicians
California politicians piped in to celebrate the legacy of Reiner as one of their constituents. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) noted that Reiner was involved in California’s First 5, a social services program for children.
“Rob left an indelible mark on Hollywood—creating some of the most beloved characters, shows, and films of all time,” Schiff wrote Monday on X. “And with his wife Michelle, they championed democracy, humanity, and a better world for all. Rob’s work on First 5 on behalf of children in California has improved countless lives.
“All of California, and the world, are mourning them this morning. May their memory be a blessing.”
“The news of a deadly assault on Rob and Michelle Reiner in their home is devastating,” Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) wrote Sunday on X. “It’s hard to think of anyone more remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavor they pursued. Rob was creative, funny, and beloved. And in all of their endeavors, Michelle was his indispensable partner, intellectual resource, and loving wife.
“Personally, Rob cared deeply about people and demonstrated that in his civic activities — whether by supporting the First 5 initiative or fighting against Prop 8 in California. Civically, he was a champion for the First Amendment and the creative rights of artists. And professionally, he was an iconic figure in film who made us laugh, cry and think with the movies he created.”
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), the congressman who represents the Brentwood neighborhood among others, wrote Monday on X that the Reiners’ deaths are “a great tragedy for our community and for the world.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris wrote Sunday on X that the Reiners were “dear friends” to her. The couple notably rallied for Harris in Chicago during her 2024 presidential campaign.
“Rob loved our country, cared deeply about the future of our nation, and fought for America’s democracy,” Harris wrote on X.
Reiner often publicly criticized President Donald Trump. Still, Trump took to Truth Social on Monday to wish that the Reiners both “rest in peace.” While police have yet to release a motive for their suspected murders, Trump suggested that Reiner’s “raging obsession” of Trump “was known to have driven people crazy.”
“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, 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,” Trump wrote.
ROB REINER AND WIFE FOUND DEAD INSIDE LOS ANGELES HOME
“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,” Trump added.
Reiner was 78, and his wife was 68 at the time of their deaths. They are survived by their daughter, Romy Reiner, and sons Jake and Nick Reiner.