Tributes poured in Sunday night amid the news of the shocking death of Hollywood staple Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, which police in Los Angeles were investigating as a homicide.
Actor-filmmaker Ben Stiller, who has been on record calling Reiner a major influence in his career, called the deaths ‘a huge loss.
He added, ‘Rob Reiner was one of my favorite directors. He made some of the most formative movies for my generation. He came out from behind a huge comedic shadow of the great Carl Reiner and being a tv actor to being a great director who made an incredible run of movies.’
Stiller said he felt that ‘Spinal Tap is one of the best comedies ever made – and the list goes on.’
He wrapped in in saying of Reiner, ‘He was a kind caring person who was really really funny. I didn’t know him well but was always a fan and I feel a real sadness for those who did, and his family.
The Lord of the Rings actor Elijah Wood, who headlined the 1994 movie North for Reiner, took to X/Twitter to express his grief amid the horrific news.
Tributes poured in Sunday night amid the news of the shocking death of Hollywood staple Rob Reiner, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, which police in Los Angeles were investigating as a homicide. Pictured in LA in March
‘Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife [Michele],’ said Wood. ‘So much love to their kids and family.’
Roseanne Barr said in a tweet, ‘I’m absolutely shocked and horrified to hear about Rob Reiner and his wife Michele. This is a travesty. Praying for swift justice. Sympathies to their family and children. I’m at a loss for words.’
Corey Feldman, who appeared in 1986’s Stand By Me directed by Reiner, expressed his sadness at the death of the filmmaker.
Stand By Me’s John Cusack said, ‘Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner – a great man.’
Reiner’s fiercely-outspoken commitment to issues he held dear in politics also marked a massive chunk of his legacy, with some of the Democratic party’s biggest names taking to X/Twitter to pay memorial to the late filmmaker and activist.
Former President Barack Obama said, ‘Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele.
‘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.’
Actor-filmmaker Ben Stiller, who has been on record calling Reiner a major influence in his career, called the deaths ‘a huge loss’
Stand By Me actor John Cusack said he was ‘shocked’ and called Reiner ‘a great man’
The Lord of the Rings actor Elijah Wood , who headlined the 1994 movie North for Reiner, took to X/ Twitter to express his grief amid the horrific news
Roseanne Barr said she was ‘absolutely shocked and horrified’ to hear of the killings
Obama wrapped up in saying, ‘Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose.’
The 44th president said Reiner and his late spouse ‘will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.’
California Governor Gavin Newsom said on X/Twitter, ‘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.
Newsom commended the Hollywood stalwart for his commitment to improving the world around him through activism.
‘His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others — and encouraging us to dream bigger,’ Newsom said. ‘That empathy extended well beyond his films.
‘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.’
Newsom wrapped up in saying that Reiner left a massive legacy in the state he called home on multiple fronts.
Corey Feldman, who appeared in 1986’s Stand By Me, expressed his sadness at the events
Actress Rachel Zegler took to Instagram Stories saying her heart was broken by the news
‘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.’
California Rep. Eric Swalwell called the Reiners ‘Two of the kindest people’ he knew and said he was ‘sick to [his] stomach’ at the news.
Rob Schneider, one of Hollywood’s most outspoken conservatives, put political differences aside and paid tribute to Reiner highlighting his favorite memories of the creative.
‘Human beings, Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle have been tragically killed today,’ Schneider said. ‘I am deeplfy saddened. Every life is sacred and given by God, our creator.
Schneider described Reiner as ‘one of the most accomplished American directors who ever lived, his movies have been adored by generations.’
Schneider added, ‘I will remember him most for making me laugh my guts out with my Dad watching the greatest American tv show of all time, All In The Family.
He concluded: I will be praying for his friends and family that they may find solace and peace.’
Reiner’s fiercely-outspoken commitment to issues he held dear led some of the Democratic party’s biggest names to take to X/Twitter to pay memorial to the late filmmaker and activist. Pictured with former Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in 2008
Ex-President Barack Obama said that Reiner had a ‘deep belief’ people were inherently good
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said she was ‘dear friends’ with the late couple and was ‘devastated’ by Sunday’s news
California Governor Gavin Newsom paid tribute to the late couple on Sunday
Former House speaker, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, praised Reiner for his work in the entertainment and political spectrums
LA Mayor Karen Bass listed a number of important initiatives Reiner was involved in
Rob Schneider, one of Hollywood’s most outspoken conservatives , put political differences aside and paid tribute to Reiner highlighting his favorite memories of the creative
The family of late TV pioneer Norman Lear, who created All in The Family, which helped put Reiner on the map, mourned the late actor-director in a statement it released to Variety.
‘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,’ the family said.
The Lear family said that ‘Norman would have wanted to remind us that Rob and Michele spent every breath trying to make this country a better place, and they pursued that through their art, their activism, their philanthropy, and their love for family and friends.
‘Lyn Lear had remained very close with them and said, “The world is unmistakably darker tonight, and we are left bereft.”‘
Actor Paul Walter Hauser said he was ‘grieving the loss of my favorite director of all-time,’ noting the massive influence Reiner had on his life and career.
‘A Few Good Men is THE reason I became an actor, and Rob’s filmography behind the camera is THE reason I wanted to direct and still do,’ Hauser said.
Hauser continued, ‘I hate that Rob and his wife are gone from this world, but they sure as hell impacted me and countless others while here.
Hauser rattled off the names of a number of prominent motion pictured Reiner was in the director’s chair for: ‘This Is Spinal Tap-The Princess Bride-Stand By Me-When Harry Met Sally-Misery-A Few Good Men.’
Actor Josh Gad echoed a number of others in calling Reiner one of the greatest directors in history
Actor Jon Cryer noted that news of Reiner’s passing came on a tragic day marked by the massacres at Sydney’s Bondi Beach and Rhode Island’s Brown University
Actor Kevin Nealon posted a poignant message following the duo’s tragic deaths
Media personality Piers Morgan said that the news was ‘horrific’ and a ‘terrible family tragedy’
Filmmaker Paul Feig called Reiner one of his true heroes and a ‘lovely lovely person’
The son of the late John Lennon, Sean Lennon, said he couldn’t ‘believe’ the tragic news
Hauser said Reiner ‘made those films in the course of a decade,’ adding that ‘there was and will never be anyone better, in my opinion.’
He wrapped up in saying, ‘Sick to my stomach. Headed back to set. Holding him close as I do the gig that he inspired me to do.’
Filmmaker Paul Feig said in a tweet, ‘Rob is one of my heroes. I had the honor of calling him a friend.’
Sean Lennon, the son of the late John Lennon , said he couldn’t ‘believe’ the tragic news.
A police official familiar with the ongoing investigation told the AP that Reiner, 78 and his spouse, 68, had multiple stab wounds when they were found in their Brentwood, California home.
The Los Angeles Fire Department said it received a request after around 3:30 p.m. Sunday for medical attention, and found the lifeless bodies of a 78-year-old man and 68-year-old woman on the premises.
Los Angeles Police Department Capt. Mike Bland said that Robbery Homicide detectives had been investigating what appeared to be an apparent homicide at the mansion.