Celebrities React to the Deaths of Rob Reiner and His Wife Michele

Hollywood is mourning the loss of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner.

The couple were found dead inside their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, on Sunday, December 14, with TMZ reporting that Rob, 78, and Michele “suffered lacerations consistent with a knife.”

Rob and Michele’s family broke their silence late Sunday night, confirming the deaths.

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” a family spokesman said in a statement to Variety. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”

Rob began his career as an actor in the CBS sitcom All in the Family, earning two Emmy awards for his role as Mike “Meathead” Stivic. He later became an accomplished filmmaker, directing films such as This Is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally and A Few Good Men.

For her part, Michele was an actress and producer, who collaborated with her husband as a producer on several of his movies, including the recently released Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.

Tributes have poured in from across the world, including from Ben Stiller, former U.S. President Barack Obama and more.

Scroll down to read how Hollywood and other celebrities are remembering Rob and Michele:

Ben Stiller

“What a huge loss,” Stiller wrote on X. “Rob Reiner was one of my favorite directors. He made some of the most formative movies for my generation. He came out [from] behind a huge comedic shadow of the great Carl Reiner and being a TV actor to being a great director who made an incredible run of movies. Spinal Tap is one of the best comedies ever made — and the list goes on. He was a kind caring person who was really, really funny.”

“I didn’t know him well but was always a fan and I feel a real sadness for those who did, and his family,” the actor added.

Barack Obama

“Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele,” the former U.S. president wrote on X. “Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced 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 defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.”

Gavin Newsom

The California governor wrote via X, “Jen and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.”

“Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love, with projects as wide-ranging as The Princess Bride to A Few Good Men. His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others — and encouraging us to dream bigger,” the politician continued.

Newsom added, “That empathy extended well beyond his films. Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights — from taking on Big Tobacco, fighting for marriage equality, to serving as a powerful voice in early education. He made California a better place through his good works.”

“Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity,” he concluded.

Sean Astin

“Rob Reiner is one of the most significant figures in the history of film and television. The impact he made on American culture simply can’t be overstated,” the SAG-AFTRA president said in a statement issued by the union. “Tributes will pour in and the impossibly long list of genre defining films and indelible performances will play in our minds and hearts. Rob Reiner was a member of our union for nearly 60 years. We send love and warmth to Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner’s families, friends and colleagues. Our entertainment community and audiences around the world will mourn deeply. On a personal note, so many of Mr. Reiner’s films and performances made me think, made me emotional and especially they made me laugh really hard. That’s how I will remember him.”

Paul Feig

“One of my most cherished pictures. Rob was my true hero,” the Housemaid director wrote on X, sharing a picture of him and Reiner. “A true visionary titan and a lovely lovely person. One never knows if it’s proper to post during something as tragic as this. But I just want the world to know what so many of us know in the industry. Rob was the best. 💔”

John Cusack

“Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner – a great man,” Cusack wrote in an X post.

Elijah Wood

“Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle. So much love to their kids and family,” the Lord of the Rings star wrote via X.

Dane Cook

“Rob Reiner’s impact on television and cinema is immeasurable,” the comedian said in an X post. “Brokenhearted to hear the news today of his death, and the death of his wife Michele.”

Eric Idle

“Rob Reiner was a lovely man,” the comedian said in an X post. “I spoke to him last night for over an hour. I always enjoyed his company. I met him at his Dad’s in 1975. He was telling me about [filming] at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future. This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man.So awful.”