Lede: Rob Reiner, the 78-year-old Oscar-nominated director and actor behind classics like This Is Spinal Tap and When Harry Met Sally…, and his wife Michele Singer were found dead in their Brentwood, Los Angeles, home. The LAPD says their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, “was responsible” for the deaths and has been arrested and booked for murder.
- Fast Facts:
- Victims: Rob Reiner (78), acclaimed director and actor, and Michele Singer Reiner, producer and photographer.
- Suspect: Nick Reiner, 32, arrested and booked for murder; no bail reported at booking.
- Location: Brentwood residence, Los Angeles; case handled by LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division.
- Next steps: LAPD will present the investigation to the Los Angeles County District Attorney for possible charges.
- Public reaction: Prominent tributes from Paul McCartney, Demi Moore, Zooey Deschanel, Kevin Bacon, and others.
The Legacy
Rob Reiner built a decades-long career that blended sharp comedy, human drama and civic engagement. Three of his most enduring works include:
- This Is Spinal Tap (director/co-writer) — a cult comedy milestone that reshaped mockumentary filmmaking.
- When Harry Met Sally… (director) — the romantic comedy that became a cultural touchstone and influenced generations of filmmakers.
- A Few Good Men (director) — the 1992 legal drama that became an Oscar-nominated mainstream landmark.
Beyond film, Reiner was a high-profile advocate for First Amendment causes and early childhood initiatives, and he co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment with Michele Singer Reiner closely involved in many of his productions.
Social Proof: Reactions and Tributes
Condolences poured in from across entertainment and political circles. Paul McCartney called the news “shocking” and praised Reiner’s upbeat spirit; Demi Moore remembered the couple as people who “made the world a better place.” Actors who worked with Reiner — including Zooey Deschanel, Kevin Bacon, Mandy Patinkin and Harry Shearer — shared personal memories of kindness, mentorship and collaboration. Maria Shriver described the pair as “among my closest friends,” while public figures from Nancy Pelosi to other industry leaders highlighted Reiner’s civic work.
The president of the United States also posted about Reiner’s death, using the moment to criticize the director’s public political positions; the post drew immediate response and controversy online as tributes continued to arrive.
What We Know Now
LAPD officials said an initial investigation concluded the Reiners were victims of homicide and that Nick Reiner was “responsible” for their deaths. Chief statements and a Dec. 15 press conference confirmed the arrest and that the case will be forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney for charging consideration. Officials say Nick remains in custody after booking.
Nick Reiner, a screenwriter who co-wrote the 2015 film Being Charlie with his father, has a public history of drug addiction and homelessness that he has discussed in interviews and in the film. Past comments from a 2018 podcast in which he described a drug-fueled incident on his parents’ property have resurfaced amid the investigation.
Timeline & Ongoing Coverage
- Dec. 14: Rob and Michele Reiner were discovered dead at their Brentwood home; LAPD responded to the scene.
- Dec. 15: LAPD announced Nick Reiner was arrested and booked for murder; Robbery-Homicide Division handling the probe.
- Dec. 16: LAPD to present the case to the Los Angeles County DA for charging decisions.
Investigations of this magnitude are fluid. We will update this story as the District Attorney announces charges, as court dates are set, and as more official information is released. Our thoughts are with the Reiner family and all who loved them.
Image Referance: https://www.usatoday.com/live-story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/12/15/rob-reiner-death-wife-michele-singer-news-house-live-updates/87773302007/