Director and actor Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were discovered deceased at their residence in Los Angeles on a Sunday afternoon. The Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery Homicide Division has initiated an investigation into what has been described as an apparent homicide. Conflicting reports emerged regarding the exact date of discovery, details about the nature of their deaths, and the status of potential persons of interest.
Incident Details and Initial Response
On Sunday, emergency services responded to a medical aid call at the Reiners' home in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) received the call at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time (15:38 local time, 23:38 GMT). Upon arrival, both individuals were found deceased inside the home. While some reports, citing anonymous law enforcement officials, indicated that both individuals sustained stab wounds and that a family member was being questioned, other official statements from a Sunday evening news conference presented a different account. Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton of the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that authorities were not disclosing specific details regarding any injuries sustained by the couple or whether a weapon was involved. Hamilton also stated that no suspects or persons of interest were actively being sought in connection with the deaths, and no arrests had been made as of Sunday night. Reports regarding the exact Sunday of the discovery varied, with some sources indicating March 24 and others May 5, 2024.
Ongoing Investigation
The Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery Homicide Division is leading the investigation. Deputy Chief Hamilton confirmed that both bodies remained inside the residence for more than six hours after authorities initially arrived. The official cause of death for Rob and Michele Reiner will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office. Law enforcement officials speaking anonymously confirmed the identities of the deceased to some outlets, though public confirmation from Los Angeles authorities was pending as of Sunday night.
Local Context
Homicides are considered uncommon in the affluent Brentwood neighborhood where the incident occurred. The Reiners' residence is located approximately one mile from the site where Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman were killed in 1994.
Rob Reiner's Career and Personal Life
Rob Reiner had a prominent career in Hollywood as both a director and an actor. His directorial credits include notable films such as "This is Spinal Tap," "A Few Good Men," "When Harry Met Sally," "The Princess Bride," and "Misery." As an actor, he gained widespread recognition for his role as Michael "Meathead" Stivic in the 1970s television series "All in the Family," a performance for which he earned two Emmy Awards.
Reiner was the son of comedy icon Carl Reiner, who passed away in 2020. He married photographer Michele Singer in 1989 after they met during the production of "When Harry Met Sally," and they had three children together. Reiner was previously married to actor-director Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981, during which he adopted her daughter, Tracy Reiner. Penny Marshall died in 2018.
Public Statements
Following the news, relatives of the late producer Norman Lear issued a statement expressing sorrow, noting that Lear often referred to Reiner as a son and highlighting the Reiners' dedication to societal improvement through their art, activism, philanthropy, and personal relationships. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also commented, acknowledging Reiner's contributions to American culture and society through his creative work and advocacy for social and economic justice.