Rob Reiner, wife dead in ‘apparent homicide’

The prolific director made ‘The Princess Bride,’ ‘Stand By Me,’ ‘This is Spinal Tap’ and ‘When Harry Met Sally’

(Image credit: Sean Zanni / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

What happened

Director-actor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead in the Los Angeles home Sunday in what police called an “apparent homicide.” Officials did not identify the victims, discovered at the couple’s Brentwood residence, but a spokesperson for the family announced their “sudden” and “tragic passing” in a statement last night, asking for “privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”

Who said what

Reiner, the son of the late comedy legend Carl Reiner, “catapulted” to fame playing Archie Bunker’s son-in-law on “All in the Family,” The Associated Press said. He became “one of the most prolific directors in Hollywood,” creating “some of the most memorable movies of the 1980s and ’90s,” including “The Princess Bride,” “Stand By Me,” “This is Spinal Tap,” “A Few Good Men” and “When Harry Met Sally.” The Reiners were also active in political causes like same-sex marriage rights and early childhood development programs, The New York Times said, and their stature as “among the biggest names in the Democratic Party was evident in the tributes released after their death.”

The Reiners “had injuries consistent with being stabbed,” the Los Angeles Times said, citing unidentified sources. There was “no sign of forced entry into the home” and a ”family member was being interviewed in connection with the deaths.”

What next?

Rob Reiner’s son Nick, 32, was booked into the Los Angeles County jail on suspicion of murder early this morning, said the Los Angeles Times. He is being held on $4 million bail.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.