Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer were discovered dead at their Los Angeles residence on Sunday in what authorities are treating as a double murder investigation.
The 78-year-old filmmaker, celebrated for classics such as When Harry Met Sally and The Princess Bride, and his 68-year-old spouse appeared to have sustained knife wounds, according to law enforcement sources.
LAPD detectives confirmed the couple’s identities on Sunday evening, with a substantial police presence gathering at the property.
Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said during a press conference that investigators have yet to identify any suspect. No arrests have been made and no individuals have been questioned in connection with the killings.
Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer were discovered dead at their Los Angeles residence
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Mr Hamilton indicated that officers would be interviewing all family members as part of their efforts to establish the facts surrounding the deaths.
The bodies remained inside the residence as detectives awaited a warrant to re-enter and commence their formal investigation, having first confirmed there was no ongoing threat at the scene.
Fire service paramedics were called to the mansion on Chadbourne Avenue at 3.38pm local time, with LAPD officers summoned shortly afterwards for what was described as an “ambulance death investigation”.
The property reportedly belonged to the couple, with Mr Reiner’s daughter Romy residing in a home directly opposite with her children.
Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton stated during a press conference that investigators have yet to identify any suspect
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A family spokesperson released a statement saying: “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.”
A neighbour reported to ABC7 that Larry David and Billy Crystal, who starred in Mr Reiner’s beloved 1989 romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, arrived at the crime scene separately to pay their respects. Crystal was said to have appeared visibly distraught, reportedly looking as though he was on the verge of tears before departing.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her devastation at the news, describing the deaths as “a devastating loss for our city and our country”.
In her tribute, Bass praised the director’s lasting impact on American culture, stating: “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.”
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No arrests have been made and no individuals have been questioned in connection with the killings
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Mr Reiner carved out an extraordinary directing career that spanned four decades, establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after filmmakers.
The director went on to helm a remarkable string of critical and commercial successes, including the coming-of-age drama Stand By Me in 1986, the fairy tale adventure The Princess Bride the following year, and the Stephen King adaptation Misery in 1990.
His courtroom thriller A Few Good Men arrived in 1992, followed by The American President in 1995 and The Bucket List in 2007.
Just months ago, in September, Mr Reiner released Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, returning to the franchise that helped define his career.
Mr Reiner’s path to directing began with a successful acting career, most notably portraying Michael “Meathead” Stivic in the sitcom All In The Family from 1971 to 1978. The role earned him two Emmy Awards and five Golden Globe nominations.
He followed in the footsteps of his father, the celebrated comic actor and filmmaker Carl Reiner, who passed away in 2020 aged 98.
It was during the production of When Harry Met Sally that Reiner encountered photographer Michele Singer. The pair wed in 1989 and had three children together: Jake, Nick and Romy.
The director had previously been married to actress and filmmaker Penny Marshall, adopting her daughter Tracy. Marshall died in 2018 at the age of 75.