Rob Reiner, known for his transition from acting in 'All in the Family' to directing films such as 'This Is Spinal Tap,' 'A Few Good Men,' and 'When Harry Met Sally…,' was discovered deceased on Sunday afternoon at his Brentwood residence with his wife Michele Singer. He was 78.
The LAPD is treating the deaths as a homicide investigation. Reports indicate that the couple was fatally stabbed. With deep sadness, we share the heartbreaking news of Michele and Rob Reiner's untimely death. This unexpected loss has left us devastated, and we kindly request privacy during this incredibly challenging period, the family stated.
Reiner's latest movie is 'Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,' a follow-up to the 1984 classic 'This Is Spinal Tap.' The offspring of the renowned writer, director, and comedian Carl Reiner, he initially gained recognition as Michael “Meathead” Stivic, the hippie son-in-law of Carroll O’Connor’s prejudiced and loud blue-collar character Archie Bunker, over nine seasons of CBS’s relevant sitcom. He won Emmys for best supporting actor in a comedy in 1974 and 1978.
Having earned writing credits on 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,' 'Happy Days,' and 'All in the Family,' along with two TV movies, Reiner transitioned to the big screen in 1984 as a director, writer, and co-star in 'This is Spinal Tap,' the beloved improvisational mockumentary about a dim-witted heavy metal band.
In the following decade, that project was followed by a series of box office successes and popular hits, showcasing his exceptional skill across various genres. These films included the coming-of-age drama 'Stand By Me' (1986), featuring a young cast and based on a Stephen King short story; the fantasy film 'The Princess Bride' (1987); the innovative romantic comedy 'When Harry Met Sally...' (1989); another Stephen King adaptation, the thriller 'Misery' (1990); and the courtroom drama 'A Few Good Men' (1992) starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson.
From 1987 onwards, Reiner took on the role of producer for the majority of his films. In that same year, he co-established Castle Rock Entertainment, a production company responsible for releasing many of his movies as well as popular films like 'In the Line of Fire,' 'Needful Things,' and 'Malice.' In 1993, Turner Broadcasting acquired the company.
Apart from sporadic successes such as the 2007 bittersweet comedy-drama 'The Bucket List' featuring Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, Reiner's more recent directorial efforts, including the autobiographical family drama 'Being Charlie,' have rarely achieved commercial success despite their continued diversity.
In a 2008 interview with the Guardian, he stated, "I'm creating the films I wish to create. Studios are seeking profits in the hundreds of millions, which isn't achievable with a small film... However, I entered this industry to express myself and narrate stories, not merely to produce a commodity."
Reiner, a notable progressive figure in Hollywood, was involved in various California ballot initiatives. He strongly backed Democratic candidates and was an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump. In 2006, after considering a challenge to California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, he chose not to enter the race
He was born on March 6, 1947, in the Bronx, New York. His father rose to prominence as a leading comedy writer and performer during television's 'Golden Age,' contributing to Sid Caesar's highly popular 'Your Show of Shows.' He later created 'The Dick Van Dyke Show' and directed several successful comedy films.
