Renowned Hollywood director and actor, Rob Reiner, and his wife, Michele Singer, have been found dead in their Los Angeles home in what police are investigating as a homicide.
ABC News reported that the couple was discovered on Sunday inside their residence in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. Senior law enforcement sources said both victims were stabbed to death.
Officers responded to the home at about 3:40 p.m. local time after receiving a distress call. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that a man and a woman, aged 78 and 68, were found dead inside the house.
The LAPD said no suspect has been identified and no arrest has been made as investigations continue. Senior officers from the robbery and homicide unit were also at the scene.
In a statement released by the family, they expressed deep sorrow over the deaths.
“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 statement said.
Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass, described the deaths as a major loss to the city and the country.
“This is a devastating loss for our city and our country,” Bass said. “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.”
A neighbour told reporters that several well-known actors visited the home after police arrived.
“Billy looked like he was about to cry,” the neighbour said, referring to actor Billy Crystal.
The neighbour also said the Reiner family owned two houses opposite each other, adding that the couple were well known in the area.
“They’re a big presence on the block. They’re always having parties,” she said.
Reiner and Singer got married in 1989 and had three children, Jake, Nick and Romy. Reiner was previously married to actress and director Penny Marshall, who died in 2018.
Born into a famous family, Reiner was the son of legendary comedian Carl Reiner and actress Estelle Lebost. He first gained fame on the hit television series All in the Family, where he played Mike “Meathead” Stivic from 1971 to 1978.
He later built a successful career as a director and producer, making classic films such as The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Stand By Me, This Is Spinal Tap, A Few Good Men, Misery and The American President.
The Lear family, closely linked to Reiner through the late producer Norman Lear, also reacted to the deaths.
“The Lear Family is devastated by the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner,” the family said. “Norman often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary.”
California Governor, Gavin Newsom, said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy.
“I am heartbroken by the tragic loss,” Newsom said. “His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness in others.”
Police said the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death as the investigation continues.
