Hollywood stars and political leaders pay tribute Rob Reinerprolific film director, actor and social activist. whose shocking death sparked a wave of heartfelt memories online.
Reiner and his wife Michelle Singer Reiner were found dead Sunday in their Los Angeles home in a suspected homicide. Police said on Monday that they son Nick Rayner was arrested on charges of murder.
With a career spanning many genres over five decades, Rob Reiner is considered a legend by many in the film and television industry. He rose to fame as a comedic actor on the CBS sitcom All in the Family, and his directorial credits include such classics as A Few Good Men, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally… and This Is Spinal Tube.
Stephen King said he was “horrified and saddened” by the news of the Reiners' deaths in his post. published on X. Reiner's coming-of-age drama Stand By Me was based on King's novella The Body, and he also directed the 1990 film adaptation of the author's thriller Misery, both of which received acclaim.
“A wonderful friend, a political ally and a brilliant director,” King said. “Rest in peace, Rob. You were always there for me.”
Actor and TV presenter Jerry O'Connell, who was one of Stand By Me's young co-stars, shared a photo on Instagram himself and Reiner on the set of the 1986 film. In the caption he wrote: “Love you Rob. Sincerely”.
In an interview with CBS Mornings, O'Connell described Reiner's death as “surreal” and reflected on the formative role Reiner played in his life.
“Rob was like a father to me,” he said. “Everything I have goes to Rob Reiner… It's just a sad, shocking day.”
“What a huge loss,” wrote Ben Stiller, calling Reiner one of his favorite directors and praising his “incredible number of films.”
“He made some of the most important films of my generation,” Stiller. published on X. Spinal Tap is one of the best comedies ever made, and the list goes on. He was a kind, caring man who was actually very funny. “I didn’t know him well, but I was always a fan of his, and I’m very sorry for those who did and his family.”
“Thank you, Rob, for giving us so much joy. Life and talent were always equal to 11,” actress Virginia Madsen, who starred in Reiner’s 1996 film “Ghosts of Mississippi.” wrote on Instagram.
James Woods, who starred in the same film, spoke about this. post on X that Reiner fought for him to play the role and they “remained good friends” from then on.
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Actor Josh Gad called Reiner “one of the greatest directors of our time.” His Instagram mail included several photos of them together.
“He was a friend. He was just a beautiful person,” Gad captioned the photo. “Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were the kindest and most caring people you could imagine. He cared so much about those who had no voice. This loss is devastating. I can't express how much it hurts. Love you Rob and Michelle. Thank you for everything you have given us.”
Fellow director Joe Russo said he “cannot come to terms with the truth that one of the greatest directors who ever lived has passed away.” post on Xreferencing the iconic line from A Few Good Men.
“We have lost one of the few good people. Rest in peace Rob Reiner,” Russo added.
Screen Actors Guild President Sean Astin said in a press release that Reiner was “one of those most significant figures in film and television history” whose cultural impact “simply cannot be overstated.”
All in the Family creator Norman Lear died in 2023 at the age of 101“Often called Rob his son and their close relationship was extraordinary,” Lear's family said in a statement. The family said they are “devastated by the deaths of Rob and Michelle Reiner.”
“Norman would like to remind us that Rob and Michelle tried every day to make this country a better place, and they did this through their art, their activism, their philanthropy and their love of family and friends,” the family said.
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Politicians from California and beyond expressed their condolences and celebrated Reiner's accomplishments in film as well as political activism. Reiner was an active supporter of Democratic campaigns and led LGBTQ rights and early childhood development initiatives in California.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said Reiner and his wife “were close friends” and Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff were “devastated to learn of their passing.” Harris, who previously represented California in the U.S. Senate, said Reiner's work has “influenced generations of Americans.”
“The characters, dialogue and visuals he brought to life in film and television are woven into our culture,” Harris. wrote on X. “Rob loved our country, cared deeply about the future of our nation and fought for American democracy.”
Former House Speaker and current Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California described Reiner as “creative, funny and beloved” and said: statement that she and her family were mourning “the loss of our very dear friends.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement that he was “heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer Reiner,” while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the Reiners' deaths “a devastating loss for our city and our country.”
“Rob Reiner's contributions resonate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy while fighting for social and economic justice,” Bass said in a statement.
Former President Barack Obama also shared statement on X, saying: “Rob's achievements in film and television have given us some of our most beloved stories on screen. But behind all the stories he created was a deep belief in the goodness of people – and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action. Together he and his wife lived lives of purpose.”
Former President Joe Biden said, “Jill and I extend our deepest sympathies to everyone whose lives have been touched by the extraordinary contributions of Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer Reiner. We take solace in the knowledge that their work will live on for generations to come.”
