On Sunday, Dec. 14, Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Los Angeles home. They were aged 78 and 68, respectively.
A spokesperson for the Reiner family said: “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.”
Rob was a legendary Hollywood director, actor, and producer, known for beloved projects such as his 1984 directorial debut, This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride (1987), and A Few Good Men (1992). He met Michele — also a film producer — on the set of his iconic 1989 romcom, When Harry Met Sally…. The couple tied the knot that same year and went on to welcome three children together.
As we await more information about the tragic incident, here’s how the celebrities and public figures from across industries are reacting to Rob and Michele’s deaths:
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Christopher Guest, who starred in This Is Spinal Tap and The Princess Bride, and his wife Jamie Lee Curtis said in a joint statement: “Christopher and I are numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michele Singer Reiner and our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them.”
“There will be plenty of time later to discuss the creative lives we shared and the great political and social impact they both had on the entertainment industry, early childhood development, the fight for gay marriage and their global care for a world in crisis,” the statement continued. “We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.”
Director Paul Feig was one of many to mourn the couple on X, writing alongside a photo of himself and Rob: “One of my most cherished pictures. Rob was my true hero. 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.”
Elijah Wood, who acted in Rob’s 1994 film North, also said via X: “Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle. So much love to their kids and family.”
Josh Gad wrote on Instagram alongside photos of Rob: “He was one of the greatest directors of our time. He was a friend. He was simply a beautiful person. Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were two of the most kind and caring souls you could ever imagine. He cared so much for those who had no voices. This loss is devastating. I cannot express how much this hurts.” Celebs including Jake Gyllenhaal, January Jones, and Michael Bublé have liked the post.
Ghosts of Mississippi star James Woods wrote on X: “Rob and I remained good friends ever since we made GHOSTS OF MISSISSIPPI. The studio didn’t think I was old enough to do the part, but Rob fought for me. Political differences never stood in the way of our love and respect for each other. I am devastated by this terrible event.”
In an emotional Instagram post, Paul Walter Hauser remembered Rob as his “favorite director of all-time,” saying that A Few Good Men was “the reason [he] became an actor.”
“I hate that Rob and his wife are gone from this world, but they sure as hell impacted me and countless others while here. THIS IS SPINAL TAP-THE PRINCESS BRIDE-STAND BY ME-WHEN HARRY MET SALLY-MISERY-A FEW GOOD MEN. He made those films in the course of a decade. There was and will never be anyone better, in my opinion,” the actor wrote. “Sick to my stomach. Headed back to set. Holding him close as I do the gig that he inspired me to do.”
John Cusack, star of Rob’s The Sure Thing in 1985, wrote: “Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner – a great man.”
On X, former President Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. 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.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris also wrote on X: “Rob Reiner’s work has impacted generations of Americans. The characters, dialogue, and visuals he brought to life in film and television are woven throughout our culture. Rob loved our country, cared deeply about the future of our nation, and fought for America’s democracy.”
“Rob and his wife Michele loved each other very much. They were dear friends, and Doug and I are devastated to learn of their passing,” her statement concluded. “Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this tragic time.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom spotlighted Rob’s political activism, describing him as “the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love.”
“His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others — and encouraging us to dream bigger. 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,” Gavin’s X statement read. “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.”
Also praising Rob’s political work, Nancy Pelosi wrote online: “Personally, Rob cared deeply about people and demonstrated that in his civic activities – whether by supporting the First 5 initiative or fighting against Prop 8 in California. Civically, he was a champion for the First Amendment and the creative rights of artists. And professionally, he was an iconic figure in film who made us laugh, cry and think with the movies he created.”
“It’s hard to think of anyone more remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavor they pursued,” she wrote, paying tribute to his character. “Rob was creative, funny, and beloved. And in all of their endeavors, Michelle was his indispensable partner, intellectual resource, and loving wife.”
Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles, called Rob and Michele’s deaths “a devastating loss for our city and our country.” “Rob Reiner’s contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice. An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others,” she wrote.
“Personally, I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob and his wife Michele. I knew Rob and have tremendous respect for him. Among his numerous contributions, Rob helped create First 5 California, a landmark initiative funded by a tobacco tax to support early childhood development programs. He and Michele fought for early childhood development and marriage equality, working to overturn Proposition 8. They were true champions for LGBTQ+ rights,” her social media statement concluded. “I want to thank all of the first responders who were called to this tragic event. The investigation is ongoing. I’m holding all who loved Rob and Michele in my heart.”
Director Ron Howard described Rob as “a superlative filmmaker, a supportive colleague, and at all times a dedicated citizen.” “Our careers and lives intersected often over the decades from Rob writing the pilot script for Happy Days and then as we each shifted from acting careers into directing and producing. Rob will be missed on so many levels,” he said via X. “My heart goes out to his family and his many close friends.”
Author Stephen King said he’s “horrified and saddened” by the deaths of Rob and Michele, calling the director a “wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker.” “Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me,” he concluded, making reference to Stand By Me, Rob’s 1986 movie adapted from the 1982 novella, The Body.
This sad news is still pretty fresh, so we’ll be sure to update this list with more celebrity reactions as they come through.
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