BRENTWOOD – Nick Reiner, the son of writer/director Rob Reiner, was jailed on suspicion of murder Monday in connection with the apparent stabbing deaths of his famous father and his mother, Michele, inside their Brentwood home.
Personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department were summoned to the home in the 200 block of Chadbourne Avenue, between Sunset and San Vicente Boulevards, around 3:30 p.m. Sunday for medical aid, according to department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart. The Los Angeles Police Department was subsequently called to the scene for a death investigation.
“As we continue to wait for more updates, I want to express my profound concern and sadness at the news coming out of Brentwood,” said District 11 Councilwoman Traci Park. “We are in close contact with LAPD as the homicide unit continues their investigation. Out of an abundance of caution, LAPD has increased patrols in the area. We will remain in constant communication with them and share updates as soon as information becomes available.”
Police and fire officials identified the victims found in the home as the 78-year-old Reiner and his 68-year-old wife, Michele Singer Reiner.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Inmate Information Center, Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested at 9:15 p.m. Sunday and was booked at 5:04 a.m. Monday on suspicion of murder. He was initially being held on $4 million bail, but was later listed as being jailed with no bail.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell told reporters Monday morning that Robbery-Homicide Division detectives worked throughout the night “and were able to take into custody Nick Reiner, a suspect in this case. He was subsequently booked for murder and is being held on $4 million bail.”
McDonnell called the killings a “very, very tragic incident.”
There was no official word regarding a possible motive for the crime or the cause of death.
TMZ reported that Reiner and his wife suffered “lacerations consistent with a knife.”
People magazine first reported Sunday night that Nick Reiner was being questioned by police. People also reported that the couple’s daughter, Romy Reiner, was the one who found the bodies.
TMZ reported Monday that Rob and Michele Reiner, along with Nick, attended talk-show host Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party on Saturday night, and Rob got into a heated argument with Nick and wound up leaving the event with his wife. It was unclear when Nick Reiner left. According to TMZ, Michele Reiner had also allegedly lamented to friends in recent weeks about Nick’s mental health and addiction issues, saying, “We’ve tried everything.”
In 2015, Nick Reiner worked with his father to write and produce a semi-autobiographical movie titled “Being Charlie,” based on Nick’s drug- addiction issues and the family’s struggles to cope. In a 2016 interview with People, Nick discussed his years-long struggle with drugs and the times he spent homeless in multiple states.
Rob Reiner wound up directing the film.
A statement issued by the Reiner family was published by Variety Sunday, 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 we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
The family of the late “All in the Family” creator Norman Lear also issued a statement.
“The Lear Family is devastated by the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner. Norman often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary, to us and the world. Norman would have wanted to remind us that Rob and Michele spent every breath trying to make this country a better place.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom issued a statement on the death of Reiner, saying, “Jen and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
“Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love, with projects as wide-ranging as `The Princess Bride’ to `A Few Good Men.’ His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others — and encouraging us to dream bigger.”
The governor added, “That empathy extended well beyond his films. Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights — from taking on Big Tobacco to 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.”
Former President Barack Obama weighed in, as well, writing on X, “Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michelle. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. … We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also took to X to pay tribute to Reiner, saying, “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.” She added that she knew Reiner personally and “had tremendous respect for him.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said she and former Second Gentleman Doug Imhoff were friends of the Reiners.
“Rob Reiner’s work has impacted generations of Americans,” Harris said. “The characters, dialogue, and visuals he brought to life in film and television are woven throughout our culture. Rob loved our country, cared deeply about the future of our nation, and fought for America’s democracy.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reacted to the couple’s deaths.
“It’s hard to think of anyone more remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavor they pursued. Rob was creative, funny, and beloved,” Pelosi wrote. “And in all of their endeavors, Michelle (sic) was his indispensable partner, intellectual resource, and loving wife.”
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park’s Westside district includes Brentwood. She issued a statement on Facebook.
“As we continue to wait for more updates, I want to express my profound concern and sadness at the news coming out of Brentwoood,” Parks said. “We are in close contact with LAPD as the homicide unit continues their investigation. Out of an abundance of caution, LAPD has increased patrols in the area.”
Fellow actors also took to social media to share their grief and love for the late Reiners.
John Cusack, who starred in Reiner’s 1985 coming-of-age film, “The Sure Thing,” posted on X, “Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner — a great man.”
Actor Josh Gad spoke out on social media platform Threads, saying ,”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.”
Monty Python member and actor Eric Idle noted he spoke to Reiner Saturday night.
“Rob Reiner was a lovely man. I spoke to him last night for over an hour. I always enjoyed his company,” Idle said. “He was telling me about filming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future. This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful.”
Actor James Woods wrote on X that he and Reiner became friends when they made the movie “Ghosts of Mississippi.”
“The studio didn’t think I was old enough to do the part, but Rob fought for me. Political differences never stood in the way of our love and respect for each other. I am devastated by this terrible event.”
Actor Corey Feldman starred in Reiner’s 1986 film “Stand By Me.”
“OMG this is horrible news! I’m so sorry for Rob and his wife, and their children, and the whole Reiner family!” Feldman wrote on X. “All I can say is I’m shocked and saddened, but I love you Rob! You will be forever missed.”
Josh Groban offered a tribute on Instagram.
“I had the great privilege of working with Rob Reiner and his brilliant wife Michele this year,” Groban said. “As a lifelong fan, I was so nervous to meet him. He and Michele made me feel like family and gave me an incredible opportunity to fulfill a dream. There was laughter and love and song and it was a memory I will cherish forever. I*m stunned and deeply saddened and sending my love to their family.”
SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin hailed Reiner as “one of the most significant figures in the history of film and television. The impact he made on American culture simply can’t be overstated.”
Astin added: “So many of Mr. Reiner’s films and performances made me think, made me emotional and especially they made me laugh really hard. That’s how I will remember him.”
Entertainer Harry Connick Jr. posted his feelings on Instagram. “my heart is broken. i love you, rob and michelle. sending all of my love to your family and friends.”
Three directors shared their feelings about the Reiners’ deaths on X.
Paul Feig wrote, “Rob is one of my heroes. I had the honor 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.”
Director Joe Russo wrote: “I can’t handle the truth that one of the greatest filmmakers to ever live is gone,” Russo said. “We lost one of the few good men. RIP, Rob Reiner.”
And actor-director Ron Howard X Ron Howard reflected on X about his experiences with Reiner.
“Our careers and lives intersected often over the decades from Rob writing the pilot script for Happy Days and then as we each shifted from acting careers into directing and producing,” Howard wrote. “He proved to be a superlative filmmaker, a supportive colleague and at all times a dedicated citizen. Rob will be missed on so many levels. My heart goes out to his family and his many close friends.”
Reiner worked in Hollywood for five decades, with credits that include starring in the CBS hit sitcom “All in the Family” and directing a string of movies including “Stand By Me,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “This Is Spinal Tap,” “The Princess Bride” and “A Few Good Men.”
“Spinal Tap” actor Christopher Guest and wife, Jamie Lee Curtis, issued a joint statement that they were “numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michelle 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,” the couple said.
“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,” the statement concluded.
The son of celebrated writer/producer/comedian Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner began his career writing comedy in 1968 with Steve Martin for “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.” He also had bit roles in various TV shows, including “The Beverly Hillbillies” and “Batman.”
His big break came with his casting as Archie Bunker’s son-in-law Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom “All in the Family” in the 1970s. The role won him two Primetime Emmy Awards.
But it was his work behind the camera that saw him achieve even more success. “A Few Good Men,” starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson, was nominated for an Oscar for best picture. His other credits included “Ghosts of Mississippi,” “The American President” and “Misery.”
Reiner’s final film, “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” was released in theatres Sept. 12.
Reiner was married for 10 years to actress/director Penny Marshall, but they divorced in 1981. He met photographer Michele Singer while he was directing “When Harry Met Sally…” Reiner often told the story about how his romance with Singer led him to change the ending to the movie — with the characters played by Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan reuniting rather than going their separate ways.
Reiner and Singer married in 1989 and they had three children — sons Nick and Jake and daughter Romy.
He was a vocal Democrat activist, helping to spearhead efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in California and to pass a 1998 initiative that created the First 5 California childhood-development services program, funded by a tobacco tax.
On Monday, a shrine of candles and flowers was growing at Reiner’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star as fans expressed their grief. One of the flower arrangements placed on the star was accompanied by a handwritten note that read, “RIP Meathead.”