Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their Los Angeles mansion

Hollywood actor and director Rob Reiner in black cap and jacket.

- Author, Regan Morris
- Report from, Los Angeles
41 minutes

Well-known Hollywood director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their Los Angeles mansion.

Authorities are investigating the case as an “apparent murder” after police and firefighters visited the couple’s home in an exclusive area of the city on Sunday afternoon.

Reiner is known for directing iconic films such as: The Princess Bride, This Is Spinal Tap, Count On Me, When Harry Met Sally, Misery And A few good men.

“It is with great regret that we announce the tragic deaths of Michele and Rob Reiner,” a family spokesman said in a statement released to US media.

“We are devastated by this sudden loss and ask for our privacy to be respected during this extremely difficult time.”

According to police, a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were pronounced dead at the scene, although authorities did not immediately identify the victims or provide details about the circumstances of their deaths.

They also stated that there have been no arrests and that no suspects or persons of interest are currently being sought.

Rob and Michele Reiner in elegant dresses on the red carpet at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington, USA, on April 28, 2018. — caption, Rob and Michele Reiner at a White House event in 2018.

A spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department told the BBC that they received a call around 3:38 p.m. local time and requested medical attention at a home in the Brentwood neighborhood, an area where many celebrities live.

Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery and Homicide Unit also responded to the scene and launched a homicide investigation.

At a news conference Sunday evening, police did not provide any details about the deaths or what they found at the home when they arrived. Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said both bodies remained at the home more than six hours after the 911 call came in.

Authorities also did not say what type of injuries the victims suffered or whether they found weapons.

Hamilton stated that the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office is responsible for determining the cause of death.

“A genius with a big heart”

California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement confirming the deaths of Reiner and his wife.

Newsom said he was “heartbroken” over the couple’s deaths and described Reiner as “a big-hearted genius who is responsible for many of the classic stories we love so much.”

Former US President Barack Obama also expressed his condolences and said that both he and his wife Michelle were deeply affected by the news.

“Rob’s successes in film and television have given us some of the most beloved stories on the screen,” Obama said. “But behind all his work was a deep belief in the goodness of people and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.”

“Together with his wife, he lived a life guided by a clear purpose. Both will be remembered for the values they stood for and the countless people they inspired. We extend our deepest condolences to all of his loved ones.”

Rob Reiner with Christopher Guest in This Is Spinal Tap — caption, Rob Reiner with Christopher Guest in *This is spinal tap.*

Rob Reiner, son of legendary comedian Carl Reiner, began his career in the 1960s and rose to fame in the 1970s playing “Meathead” on the groundbreaking television comedy Everything in the familya role for which he won two Emmy Awards.

He later achieved further success with the cult mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap (1984), which he directed and in which he also appeared on screen as director Marty DiBergi.

This project began an outstanding period as a film director in Hollywood, during which he directed a number of films that are now considered classics, including: count on me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry met Sally (1989), Misery (1990) and a few good men (1992). The latter earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.

Reiner and Jack Nicholson, along with Tom Cruise and Demi Moore, hold the People's Choice Awards in front of the blue People's Choice Awards badge. — caption, Reiner with Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise and Demi Moore, stars of A Few Good Men, in 1992

Reiner recently met with the members of Spinal tap for the long-awaited sequel Spinal puncture II: The ending continueswhich premiered in September.

He was also a co-founder of the successful production company Castle Rock Entertainment.

Between 1971 and 1981 he was married to the actress Penny Marshall, known for the series Laverne & Shirleyand adopted his daughter, actress Tracy Reiner.

In 1989 he married Michele Reiner, actress, photographer and producer. The couple had three children.

Michele was the owner of the photo agency and production company Reiner Light.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the event “a devastating loss for our city and our country” and praised the couple’s philanthropic work, particularly in initiatives promoting child development and defending the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Rob Reiner’s contributions resonate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved the lives of countless people through his creative work and commitment to social and economic justice,” he said.