Rob Reiner and wife found dead in their Los Angeles home: What to know

Nik Reiner, son of director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, has been arrested and booked on murder charges in connection with their killings, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell announced on Monday. Initially, authorities reported that Nick Reiner, 32, was being held on $4 million bail, but later provided an update that he was being held without bail. 

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the Reiners, a tragic incident," McDonnell said at a news conference.  

Hollywood director and actor Rob and Michele Reiner, were found dead inside their Brentwood home on Sunday. Multiple sources told CBS News that the couple's daughter, Romy Reiner, was the one who found them. Two sources familiar with the incident told CBS News the couple was found with multiple stab wounds. 

"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," said Reiner's family in a statement obtained by Variety.

Rob Reiner was 78 and Michele Singer Reiner was 68. They married in 1989 and had three children.  

Los Angeles police investigation

In a statement, the LAPD said police responded to the home on Sunday around 3:40 p.m. They responded after being asked to by Los Angeles Fire Department crews, who were the first to be called to the scene. 

LAPD detectives still haven't publicly provided details of the circumstances surrounding their deaths. 

In a statement on Monday, the LAPD said, "As a result of the initial investigation, it was determined that the Reiners were the victims of homicide. The investigation further revealed that Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of Robert and Michele Reiner, was responsible for their deaths. Nick Reiner was located and arrested at approximately 9:15 p.m. He was booked for murder and remains in custody with no bail."

Police said the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration on Tuesday.

Who is Nick Reiner?

Nick Reiner was credited as a writer for the movie "Being Charlie," which was directed by his father. Nick and Rob Reiner both promoted the film that debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2015.

The film, which told the story of a teenager struggling wth drug addiction and rehab, was " loosely based on things Nick went through and his relationship to me and his mother," Rob Reiner said in a 2016 AOL interview with his son. "It was intense. It was difficult at times."

"I wasn't really that shy about including some of the bad stuff I did," Nick Reiner said during the joint interview, "because a lot of people do things that are pretty unsavory when they're going through that, but in terms of making it a narrative, of course, it's not my life." He also said, "I think I can relate to it, of course, and I hope other people can relate to it."

In an interview promoting the film's 2016 release, Nick Reiner told People magazine he also drew from his experience living on the streets when he didn't want to go to rehab.

Rob Reiner's legendary life and career in Hollywood

Reiner first gained fame in the CBS sitcom "All in the Family," in which he played Archie Bunker's son-in-law Mike "Meathead" Stivic. He won two Emmys for the role before he went on to star in "Sleepless in Seattle," "The Wolf of Wall Street," "Everyone's Hero" and "The First Wives Club."

Reiner is highly regarded for directing multiple classic films, including "The Princess Bride," "Misery," "A Few Good Men," "Stand By Me" and "When Harry Met Sally..." He also wrote and directed the mockumentary "This is Spinal Tap," which was followed by a sequel, "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues," which was released in September. 

Over the course of his six-decade career, Reiner was nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards, eight Golden Globes and one Academy Award. 

He is the son of Carl Reiner, the iconic comedian and actor who had a career spanning decades. Along with starring in films like "Oh God!," "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," "Ocean's Eleven" and its sequels, he is also the creator of the "Dick Van Dyke Show." He died in 2020 at 98 years old. 

In 2017, Carl and Rob became the first father-son duo to be memorialized outside the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, when they left their handprints and footprints in the cement. 

Reiner married his wife, Michele, in 1989, after they met during the filming of "When Harry Met Sally..." In 2016, Reiner told the AV Club during an interview that meeting Michele led to him changing the end of the movie, in which Harry and Sally end up together.

Michele was a photographer who took the photo of President Trump that was used on the cover of his book "The Art of the Deal," according to Variety.

Reiner was previously married to the late director Penny Marshall, and is the adoptive father of her daughter, actress Tracy Reiner. 

Hollywood stars and politicians react

Several Hollywood stars and politicians have posted their reactions to the news of the deaths. 

The family of Norman Lear, the legendary producer of "All in the Family" who died in 2023 at 101, shared a statement upon learning of the Reiners' deaths. 

"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," the Lear Family statement said. "Norman would have wanted to remind us that Rob and Michele spent every breath trying to make this country a better place, and they pursued that through their art, their activism, their philanthropy, and their love for family and friends."

Former President Barack Obama posted on X, noting that he and his wife, Michelle, were "heartbroken by the tragic passing." 

"Rob's achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action," the post said. "Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them."

Actor Sean Astin, the newly elected president of the Screen Actors' Guild, called Rob Reiner "one of those most significant figures in the history of film and television." He said Reiner's impact on American culture "simply can't be overstated."  

In an interview with "CBS Mornings" on Monday, actor and television host Jerry O'Connell described Reiner's death as "surreal." O'Connell was one of the young co-stars in Reiner's 1986 movie "Stand By Me."

"Rob was like a father to me," O'Connell said. "Everything I have is because of Rob Reiner. ... It's just a sad, shocking day."  

Former Vice President Kamala Harris described Rob Reiner and his wife as "dear friends." She said she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, "are devastated to learn of their passing." Harris, who previously served as a senator in California, said Rob Reiner's work "has impacted generations of Americans." 

"The characters, dialogue, and visuals he brought to life in film and television are woven throughout our culture," Harris wrote on X. "Rob loved our country, cared deeply about the future of our nation, and fought for America's democracy." 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statement on behalf of himself and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, saying that they are "heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner."

"Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love, with projects as wide-ranging as 'The Princess Bride' to 'A Few Good Men,'" Newsom said. "His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others – and encouraging us to dream bigger."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement that, "This is a devastating loss for our city and 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. An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others." 

A statement from former House Speaker and current Rep. Nancy Pelosi called the news "devastating."

"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," said her post on X. 

Former President Joe Biden said, "Jill and I send our deepest condolences to everyone whose lives were touched by Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner's extraordinary contributions. We take solace in knowing their work will live on for generations to come."

President Trump also reacted to the deaths on social media by disparaging the political views of Rob Reiner, a prolific Democratic fundraiser who was also a longtime critic of Mr. Trump. No evidence has been public that connects Rob Reiner's death to his political views, the president linked the director's killing with what he called his "TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME." 

An official White House account on social media reposted the president's social media post on X. 

On Monday, a reporter asked the president if he stands by his post. Mr. Trump did not apologize.