Legendary Hollywood film-maker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele have been found dead in their Los Angeles home. Authorities are treating the situation as a possible homicide following reports to police and firefighters on Sunday afternoon in an upscale area of LA. Reiner, known for directing classics like The Princess Bride, This is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and A Few Good Men, leaves a significant legacy in the film industry.
A family spokesperson released a statement to US media saying, "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss and ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time." The police identified a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman as deceased without immediately confirming their identities or the circumstances surrounding their deaths, and noted that no arrests have been made nor any suspect sought.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department reported receiving a call around 15:38 local time (23:38 GMT) for medical aid to a Brentwood home, a neighborhood known for being home to many celebrities. Robbery homicide detectives have opened a case, but no further details were disclosed during a Sunday night news conference.
California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed the deaths, describing Reiner as a "big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love." The son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner's career took off in the 1960s as 'Meathead' in the TV sitcom All in The Family, earning him two Emmy Awards. He later found success with the cult mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap in 1984, initiating a series of critically acclaimed films. Reiner recently reunited with Spinal Tap for a sequel released this September.
Tributes poured in, including from former US President Barack Obama who expressed deep sorrow. "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. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose," Obama stated.