Following the news that famed actor-turned-director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead in their Los Angeles-area residence, members of the Reiner family broke their silence about the tragic situation.
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In the statement to Variety, the family members confirmed the news.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” the statement reads. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
The couple was discovered dead with multiple stab wounds on Sunday evening. Their deaths have been ruled as homicide, with their son, Nick, being deemed the key suspect in the case.
Rob, who was also the son of late comedian Carl Reiner, was first known for his role as Michael “Meathead” Stivic in the popular TV sitcom All in the Family.
He began directing in the 1980s, with his first film, This IsSpinal Tap, premiering in 1984. He went on to direct other popular films, including Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, Sleepless in Seattle and The Wolf of Wall Street.
Rob and Michele Reiner have been married since 1989. They share three children. Rob has an adopted daughter, actress Tracy, from his first marriage to Laverne & Shirley star Penny Marshall.
Hollywood Remembers Rob and Michele Reiner
Just after it was first reported that Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead, various Hollywood stars took to social media to pay tribute.
Actor and comedian Eric Idle said his last conversation with Rob Reiner lasted for more than an hour the night before the late director’s death.
“Rob Reiner was a lovely man,” Idle wrote. “I spoke to him last night for over an hour. He was telling me about filming at Stonehenge and his thoughts on the future. This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented, and very thoughtful man.”
Actor Elijah Wood also spoke out. “Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife [Michele],” he wrote. “So much love to their kids and family.”
Bridesmaids filmmaker Paul Feig shared in his tribute to Reiner, “Rob was my true hero. A true visionary titan and a lovely, lovely person. One never knows if it’s proper to post during something as tragic as this. But I just want the world to know what so many of us know in the industry. Rob was the best.”
Screen Actors Guild’s union president Sean Astin also released a statement about Rob Reiner’s impact.
“Rob Reiner is one of the most significant figures in the history of film and television,” shared in a statement. “The impact he made on American culture simply can’t be overstated.”
Astin further shared, “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.”