The entertainment world was struck by devastating news on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when renowned director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were discovered dead at their Brentwood-area residence in Los Angeles. What began as a medical aid call quickly escalated into a criminal investigation that has left the entertainment community in shock.
The Discovery and Initial Response
The Los Angeles Fire Department received a call for medical assistance at approximately 3:38 p.m. at a home in the 250 block of Chadbourne Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters found both Reiner and Singer already deceased. The couple’s daughter, Romy Reiner, was the person who discovered their bodies and alerted authorities. Within an hour, the Los Angeles Police Department joined the Los Angeles Fire Department at the scene.
Initial identification of the deceased revealed a man and woman, ages 78 and 68 respectively. Property records subsequently confirmed the residence belonged to the Reiner family. What authorities initially described as a “family incident” quickly developed into a double homicide investigation when it was determined that both victims had been stabbed to death.
Investigation and Current Status
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division has assumed leadership of the investigation. During a press conference held Sunday evening, officials stated that no suspect has been identified and nobody is currently in custody. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
The tragic event drew the attention of prominent figures from the entertainment industry. Actors and comedians Billy Crystal and Larry David separately visited the residence on Sunday evening, a testament to the deep relationships Reiner had cultivated throughout his legendary career.
A Towering Legacy in Entertainment
Rob Reiner’s contributions to cinema and television span several decades. His directorial achievements include some of the most beloved films in American cinema: This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Stand by Me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally (1989), Misery (1990), and A Few Good Men (1992). These films have become cultural touchstones, influencing generations of filmmakers and entertaining countless audiences worldwide.
Before establishing himself as a director, Reiner gained widespread recognition for his acting role as Mike “Meathead” Stivic in the groundbreaking CBS sitcom All in the Family, for which he won two Emmy Awards. He continued his acting career, appearing in notable films such as Sleepless in Seattle (1993), The First Wives Club (1996), and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).
As the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner and singer Estelle Lebost, Rob Reiner inherited a rich artistic legacy that he magnificently expanded throughout his career.
Michele Singer Reiner: Artist and Collaborator
Michele Singer Reiner was a talented photographer and producer who significantly contributed to the entertainment industry. She is best known for her work shooting the cover photograph for Donald Trump’s autobiography The Art of the Deal and for her production contributions to films including Misery and Albert Brooks: Defending My Life.
The couple first met on the set of When Harry Met Sally in 1989, the same year they were married. Their partnership extended beyond their personal relationship, as they collaborated on several professional projects throughout their marriage. Together, they raised three children: Romy, Jake, and Nick.
Tributes and Impact on Society
The Reiner family released an official statement expressing their devastation: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
The Norman Lear family, deeply connected to Reiner through his iconic role in All in the Family, issued their own statement: “The Lear Family is devastated by the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner. Norman often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary, to us and the world.” Lyn Lear added, “The world is unmistakably darker tonight, and we are left bereft.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass offered her condolences, stating: “This is a devastating loss for our city and our country. Rob Reiner’s contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his heartbreak over the tragedy, noting: “His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others – and encouraging us to dream bigger. Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity.”
Family Details
Reiner was previously married to actor-director Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981, and he adopted her daughter, Tracy Reiner. His father, Carl Reiner, passed away in 2020 at the age of 98, and Penny Marshall died in 2018.
The Reiner family owns two homes across the street from each other in the Brentwood area, with Rob and Michele residing in one while their daughter and grandchildren lived in the other.
