‘Throats slit’: Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner and wife found dead, reports implicate family member
Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were found dead in their Los Angeles home Sunday, with reports indicating they died of stab wounds.
“Our sources say the two suffered lacerations consistent with a knife,” TMZ reported.
TMZ also indicated the couple “had their throats slit by a family member, possibly after an argument.”
The famed director of such major motion pictures including “Stand By Me,” “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally” and “A Few Good Men” was in recent years a vocal opponent of President Donald Trump.
JUST IN: Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were killed by their son, according to PEOPLE.
Two bodies were found at the couple’s Brentwood, California home on Sunday afternoon.
According to TMZ, wounds were found on their bodies that are consistent with… pic.twitter.com/vzLniIrxsD
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 15, 2025
He initially gained notoriety for his role as Meathead on the TV Series “All in the Family.” Rob’s father was legendary comedian Carl Reiner and his mother was actress and singer Estelle Lebost.
People Magazine is reporting the couple “were killed by their son, Nick, according to multiple sources who have spoken with family members. Police have not yet confirmed the account.”
“Police say Nick, 32, is alive and being questioned. No arrests have been made.”
In a 2016 interview with PEOPLE, Nick spoke about his years-long struggle with drug addiction, which began in his early teens and eventually left him living on the streets. He said he cycled in and out of rehab beginning around age 15, but as his addiction escalated, he drifted farther from home and spent significant stretches homeless in multiple states.
Nick told PEOPLE that the chaotic period of addiction – including nights and sometimes weeks sleeping outside – later became the basis for the semi-autobiographical film Being Charlie, which he co-wrote.
“Now, I’ve been home for a really long time, and I’ve sort of gotten acclimated back to being in L.A. and being around my family,” Nick told PEOPLE at the time.
Deputy Police Chief Alan Hamilton told reporters officials have not identified a suspect and no one has been detained. When asked if investigators have interviewed members of the family, he indicated many family members will be interviewed.
Actor Kathy Bates, who worked with Reiner on the 1990 film “Misery,” told NBC News she was “horrified hearing this terrible news.”
“Absolutely devastated,” Bates said. “I loved Rob. He was brilliant and kind, a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist. He also fought courageously for his political beliefs. He changed the course of my life. Michelle was a gifted photographer. She shot my beautiful photos for the Misery campaign. My heart breaks for them both. My thoughts are with their family.”
Actor, comedian and conservative activist Rob Schneider noted the couple was “tragically killed.”
“I am deeply saddened. Every life is sacred and given by God, our creator. One of the most accomplished American directors who ever lived, his movies have been adored by generations, but I will remember him most for making me laugh my guts out with my Dad watching the greatest American tv show of all time, ‘All In The Family.’ I will be praying for his friends and family that they may find solace and peace.”
Rob Reiner was Hollywood Royalty. This is a horrific, tragic loss. He blessed the world with a treasure trove of comedy gold. This is my favorite. Often when I’m putting on my shoes, I think of the ‘Sock And A Sock’ scene from All In The Family. ~ Rest In Peace ️ pic.twitter.com/lrCblrbCHD
— Kirsten Allison (@KirstenAllison) December 15, 2025
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said: “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.”
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… pic.twitter.com/JEYeY7DYO6
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) December 15, 2025
“His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others – and encouraging us to dream bigger.”
RIP Rob Reiner ️ pic.twitter.com/FwcrDzxuY3
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) December 15, 2025
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the news “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.
“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.”
Follow Joe on X @JoeKovacsNews