Renowned American film director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead at their Southern California mansion on Sunday, December 14, 2025, according to reports by CNN and NBC.
Los Angeles police, speaking at a media conference Sunday evening, said they were treating the deaths as an apparent homicide but had not yet publicly confirmed the identities of the two individuals found at the residence of the director of When Harry Met Sally. Authorities said no arrests had been made and no suspects were being publicly identified.
Deputy Police Chief Alan Hamilton said homicide detectives were at the scene and that investigators were seeking to speak with every family member as part of efforts to establish the facts surrounding the deaths. He added that police were not prepared to confirm whether anyone was being interviewed or named as a person of interest.
Several US media outlets, citing police sources, reported that the couple may have been stabbed, while celebrity news website TMZ claimed their throats were cut during an argument involving a family member. The Los Angeles Times reported that there were no signs of forced entry into the home, citing a source familiar with the investigation. Police have not officially confirmed these details.
Reiner, who was 78, was one of Hollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers, with a career spanning acting, directing, and producing. He directed acclaimed films such as This Is Spinal Tap (1984), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally (1989), Stand By Me (1986) and A Few Good Men (1992), the latter earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. He first rose to fame as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking 1970s sitcom All in the Family.
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment and political worlds following news of the couple’s deaths. Former US vice president Kamala Harris, a friend of the family, said she was “devastated” by their passing, while former president Barack Obama said he and his wife Michelle were “heartbroken.”
“Rob gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen,” Obama wrote, adding that Reiner’s work reflected “a deep belief in the goodness of people.” Actor John Cusack described himself as “at a loss for words,” while author Stephen King, whose novella The Body inspired Reiner’s film Stand By Me, remembered him as a “wonderful friend.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom said Reiner would be remembered not only for his remarkable filmography but also for his contributions to society.
Beyond filmmaking, Reiner was known for his outspoken support of progressive causes, including LGBTQ rights and early childhood development initiatives in California. He was the son of legendary comedian Carl Reiner, an Emmy Award-winning actor and writer.
Police said investigations were ongoing and urged patience as detectives worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
AFP
