Hollywood star Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead at their Brentwood home on Sunday, which police describe as an apparent homicide. A spokesperson for the Reiner family confirmed the deaths on Sunday evening.
“We announce with deep sorrow the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” the family spokesperson said in a statement. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss and ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”
Police said the Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the deaths as a homicide after the couple’s bodies were discovered at their home in the 200 block of Chadbourne Avenue. Reiner, 78, was a popular actor, director, and later a political activist, while his wife was a photographer and producer. Law enforcement sources also told The Times that a family member was being questioned in connection with the deaths.
While not permitted to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation, a source familiar with the investigation confirmed that there were no signs of forced entry into the house. The source further stated that the Reiners had wounds consistent with stab injuries.
At a press conference on Sunday evening, LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton revealed little information about the incident but said an autopsy was pending. He said detectives were working to obtain a search warrant before beginning an “extensive” investigation inside and outside the home.
“At this time, the Los Angeles Police Department is not looking for anyone as a suspect or a person of interest… We won’t until we conduct our investigations and move forward,” Hamilton said. He said many family members would be questioned, but “no one is detained; no one is being questioned as a suspect.” Hamilton confirmed that the person who first reported the incident was present at the house. He said their identity would not be released at this time.
On Sunday morning, Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said the department was called to the home around 3:30 p.m. for medical aid. Two bodies were found inside the house.
Reiner pursued a career spanning five decades in Hollywood. Early in his career, he starred as Michael “Meathead” Stivic in the popular sitcom “All in the Family” from 1971 to 1979, where he worked alongside Carroll O’Connor as Archie Bunker.
As a director, Reiner directed a series of popular films, including “When Harry Met Sally,” “The Princess Bride,” and “This Is Spinal Tap.” His work took a dramatic turn when he adapted and directed Stephen King’s novella “Stand by Me” in 1986. Reiner was nominated for an Academy Award for the 1992 film “A Few Good Men.” Although it starred Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise, the film lost to Clint Eastwood’s western film “Unforgiven.”
Reiner was also a prominent political voice in Hollywood. He was the co-founder of the American Foundation for Equal Rights. That organization led the fight to overturn Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage. He has also been active on children’s issues for many years, leading the campaign to pass Proposition 10, the California Children and Families Initiative, which created an ambitious program for child development services. Proposition 10 is considered a landmark policy. For this effort, Reiner received support from Steven Spielberg, Robin Williams, and his own father, comedy legend Carl Reiner. Reiner was also married to Penny Marshall.
