Rob Reiner, the acclaimed actor and director known for films including The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, and This Is Spinal Tap, was found dead on Sunday afternoon in his Brentwood home alongside his wife, Michele Singer, variety.com reports.
He was 78.
The deaths are being investigated as a homicide, according to the LAPD, with the couple reported to have been stabbed.
“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,” his family said in a statement.
The son of noted writer and comedian Carl Reiner, he first attracted attention as Michael “Meathead” Stivic, the liberal son-in-law to Archie Bunker on the topical CBS sitcom All in the Family. Reiner collected Emmys for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy in 1974 and 1978 during the show’s nine-season run.
After credits as a writer on shows like The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and All in the Family, Reiner moved into big-screen work as a director, writer, and co-star in 1984’s beloved mockumentary, This is Spinal Tap.
He followed this with a run of box office hits, demonstrating his uncommon assurance across various genres:
* Stand By Me (1986): A coming-of-age drama adapted from Stephen King.
* The Princess Bride (1987): The fantasy-adventure that acquired a devoted cult following.
* When Harry Met Sally… (1989): The new-look romantic comedy, written by Nora Ephron, featuring an indelible sequence in a crowded restaurant.
* Misery (1990): Another King adaptation, a thriller.
* A Few Good Men (1992): The court-martial drama starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson.
In 1987, Reiner co-founded the production company Castle Rock Entertainment, which released several of his own films and hits like In the Line of Fire.
While his latter-day directorial projects, though eclectic, seldom met with commercial favour, he continued to pursue projects he was passionate about, including the bittersweet 2007 comedy-drama The Bucket List. His most recent film was the sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.
Born on 6 March 1947 in The Bronx, New York, Reiner became a prominent progressive voice in the Hollywood community. He was an ardent supporter of Democratic candidates and a vocal opponent of President Donald Trump.
He was active in several California ballot initiatives and a campaigner for causes including gay rights advocacy and battling the tobacco lobby. “I came into this business to express myself and tell stories, not just churn out a product,” he once told The Guardian.
Reiner and his wife are survived by children, Jake, Nick, and Romy, and his adoptive daughter, actress Tracy Reiner.
•Featured image: Rob Reine/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Fe
