Figures from the film industry and the world of politics have expressed shock and sadness after the sudden deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner.
The couple were found dead at their house in Brentwood on Sunday afternoon, with police investigating an “apparent homicide”.
Jamie Lee Curtis, speaking on behalf of herself and husband Christopher Guest, who worked with Reiner on This Is Spinal Tap, said: “Christopher and I are numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michele Singer Reiner and our only focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them.”
She added: “There will be plenty of time later to discuss the creative lives we shared and the great political and social impact they both had on the entertainment industry, early childhood development, the fight for gay marriage and their global care for a world in crisis. We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.”
Screen Actors Guild president Sean Astin praised Reiner as “one of the most significant figures in the history of film and television,” adding: “The impact he made on American culture simply can’t be overstated.”
James Woods, who starred in Reiner’s 1996 film Ghosts Of Mississippi, said they were “good friends”. “Political differences never stood in the way of our love and respect for each other,” he wrote on X.
Director Paul Feig described Reiner as “one of my heroes,” adding, “I had the honour of calling him a friend. I pray this isn’t what it sounds like it is. I just saw [him] and Michele two nights ago.”
Actor Josh Gad said Reiner was “one of the greatest directors of our time. He was a friend. He was simply a beautiful person. Rob Reiner and his wife, Michelle, were two of the most kind and caring souls you could ever imagine. He cared so much for those who had no voices. This loss is devastating. I cannot express how much this hurts.”
Virginia Madsen, who also appeared in Reiner’s 1996 drama Ghosts Of Mississippi, said on Instagram: “Thank you Rob for giving us so much joy to hold on to. Life and talent always turned up to 11.”
Paul Walter Hauser posted: “I hate that Rob and his wife are gone from this world, but they sure as hell impacted me and countless others while here… There was and will never be anyone better, in my opinion. Sick to my stomach. Headed back to set. Holding him close as I do the gig that he inspired me to do.”
Director Joe Russo, referencing Reiner’s film A Few Good Men, said: “I can’t handle the truth that one of the greatest filmmakers to ever live is gone. We lost one of the few good men. RIP, Rob Reiner.”
Kathy Bates, who worked with Reiner on Misery, called him a “brilliant” artist who “changed the course” of her life.
“I’m horrified hearing this terrible news. Absolutely devastated. I loved Rob,” said Bates, who also acted alongside him in Primary Colors. “He was brilliant and kind, a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist. He also fought courageously for his political beliefs. He changed the course of my life.”
Bates also praised Michele Reiner, calling her a “gifted photographer”.
Actor and filmmaker Ben Stiller said Reiner “was a kind, caring person who was really, really funny,” and “made some of the most formative movies for my generation.”
Politics
Leading political figures have also paid tribute to Reiner, including former US president Barack Obama, who said: “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.”
California governor Gavin Newsom said he was “heartbroken” by the Reiners’ deaths, remembering Reiner as a “big-hearted genius” and paying tribute to his political activism.
“Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights – from taking on Big Tobacco, fighting for marriage equality, to serving as a powerful voice in early education. He made California a better place through his good works. Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity,” he wrote in a statement.
Democratic congresswoman Nancy Pelosi said: “Personally, Rob cared deeply about people and demonstrated that in his civic activities – whether by supporting the First 5 initiative or fighting against Prop 8 in California. Civically, he was a champion for the First Amendment and the creative rights of artists. And professionally, he was an iconic figure in film who made us laugh, cry and think with the movies he created.”
Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass called Reiner’s death a devastating loss for the city.
“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,” Bass said in a statement. “An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others.”
JB Pritzker, the governor of Illinois, said he and his wife, MK, cherished the time they spent with the Reiners and were devastated to learn of their deaths. “Titans of the industry in every sense, the Reiners’ legacy is secured through works of art that impacted generations,” Pritzker said in a statement.
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