Colleagues, friends, fans across Hollywood were stunned by the sudden death tonight Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle Rainer, who were found this morning in their home in Brentwood, California.
The cast included alumni of Reiner's canon who shared their sympathies: Elijah Wood, who starred in Reiner's 1994 family film Terrified, and Virgina Madsen, who starred in the director's 1996 drama. Ghosts of Mississippi wrote: “Thank you Rob for giving us so much joy. Life and talent always turn out 11. z”
John Cusack, who starred in Reiner's film Sure thing wrote: “Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner – a great man.”
Norman Lear's family released the following message: “The Lear family is devastated by the deaths of Rob and Michelle Rayner. Norman often called Rob his son and their close relationship was extraordinary to us and to the world. Norman would like to remind us that Rob and Michelle spent every breath trying to make this country a better place, and they did this through their art, their activism, their philanthropy and their love for family and friends. Lyn Lear remained very close to him and said: “The world is clearly a darker place tonight, and we are left deprived.”
A number of Reiner's Democratic colleagues also expressed their condolences, such as Congresswoman and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who wrote: “Personally, Rob cared deeply about people and demonstrated this in his civic activities – whether supporting the First Five initiative or fighting Proposition 8 in California. Civically, he was a champion of the First Amendment and the creative rights of artists. And professionally, he was an iconic film figure who made us laugh, cry and think with the films he created.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Reiner's death is “a devastating loss for our city and our country.”
Governor Gavin Newsom and first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom released the following statement:
“Jen and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer Reiner.
“Rob was the big-hearted genius behind many of the classic stories we love, with projects as wide-ranging as The Princess Bride and A Few Good Men.” His boundless compassion made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see the goodness and righteousness in others and challenging us to dream bigger.
“That compassion extended far beyond his films. Rob was a passionate advocate for children and civil rights – from fighting big tobacco companies to fighting for marriage equality to being a powerful voice in early childhood education. He made California a better place through his good deeds.”
“Rab will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his outstanding contributions to humanity.”
bridesmaid And Housemaid director Paul Feig shared, “Rob was my true hero. A true titan visionary and a wonderful, sweet man. You never know if it's appropriate to post during a tragedy like this. But I just want the world to know what so many of us in the industry know. Rob was the best.”
Josh Gad, who stars in Josh Greenbaum's upcoming film Spaceballs 2, said Reiner “cared deeply about those who didn't have a voice. This loss is devastating.”
Primetime Emmy winner Paul Walter Hauser said, “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,” and how he first met Reiner at the UCB Los Angeles Theater on Franklin Avenue in 2010. Performing in the improvisational show ASSCAT in front of the theater A few good men The director, Houser said to himself, “Make this decision. Rob Reiner is watching.”
Black phone franchise author and producer C. Robert Cargill wrote:
