All within the Family Solid Reacts to the Deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner

Hollywood is mourning the lack 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’s with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” a family spokesman said in a press release to Variety. “We’re heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”

Rob began his profession as an actor within the CBS sitcom All within the Family, earning two Emmy awards for his role as Mike “Meathead” Stivic. He later became an achieved filmmaker, directing movies corresponding to This Is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally… and A Few Good Men.

For her part, Michele was an actress and producer, who collaborated together 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 internationally, including from Kathy Bates, Ben Stiller, former U.S. President Barack Obama and more.

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

Kathy Bates

Bates, who won an Oscar for her role in Reiner’s Misery, said in a press release to NBC News that she was “absolutely devastated.”

“I loved Rob. He was sensible and sort, a person who made movies of each genre to challenge himself as an artist,” she said. “He also fought courageously for his political opinions. He modified the course of my life. Michelle was a gifted photographer. She shot my beautiful photos for the Misery campaign. My heart breaks for them each. My thoughts are with their family.”

Cary Elwes

Elwes, who starred in Reiner’s The Princess Bride, shared a photograph from the film’s set, featuring his and Reiner’s production chairs, via Instagram and wrote: “No words…”

Ben Stiller

“What an enormous loss,” Stiller wrote on X. “Rob Reiner was one among my favorite directors. He made among the most formative movies for my generation. He got here out [from] behind an enormous comedic shadow of the nice Carl Reiner and being a TV actor to being a terrific director who made an incredible run of films. Spinal Tap is among the finest comedies ever made — and the list goes on. He was a sort caring one who was really, really funny.”

“I didn’t know him well but was all the time a fan and I feel an actual sadness for individuals who did, and his family,” the actor added.

Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest

“Christopher and I are numb and sad and shocked in regards to the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michelle Singer Reiner and our ONLY focus and care immediately is for his or her children and immediate families and we’ll offer all support possible to assist them,” the couple said in a press release to Variety.

“There will probably be loads of time later to debate the creative lives we shared and the nice political and social impact they each had on the entertainment industry, early childhood development, the fight for gay marriage and their global look after a world in crisis. Now we have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve,” the married stars added.

Stephen King

“I’m horrified and saddened by the death of Rob Reiner and Michele. Wonderful friend, political ally, and sensible filmmaker (including 2 of mine). Rest in peace, Rob. You usually stood by me,” the creator wrote via X, referring to Reiner’s adaptations of his books Stand by Me and Misery.

Jerry O’Connell

“Love you, Rob. Sincerely,” the actor wrote alongside a photograph of himself and Rob on the set of 1986’s Stand by Me, which he shared via X.

During an appearance on CBS Mornings, O’Connell reflected on working with Rob, who he said was “like a father” to him. “All the pieces I actually have is due to Rob Reiner. … It’s just a tragic, shocking day,” he added.

Norman Lear Family

“The Lear Family is devastated by the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner,” the late television icon’s family said in a press release to Deadline. “Norman often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary, to us and the world. Norman would have desired to remind us that Rob and Michele spent every breath attempting to make this country a greater place, and so they pursued that through their art, their activism, their philanthropy, and their love for family and friends. Lyn Lear had remained very close with them and said, ‘The world is unmistakably darker tonight, and we’re left bereft.’”

Lear created All within the Family, which gave Reiner his Hollywood breakout role.

Barack Obama

“Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele,” the previous U.S. president wrote on X. “Rob’s achievements in film and tv gave us a few of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all the stories he produced was a deep belief within the goodness of individuals—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into motion. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will probably 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 lack of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.”

“Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so lots 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 tips on how to see goodness and righteousness in others — and inspiring us to dream larger,” the politician continued.

Newsom added, “That empathy prolonged well beyond his movies. Rob was a passionate advocate for youngsters and for civil rights — from taking over Big Tobacco, fighting for marriage equality, to serving as a robust voice in early education. He made California a greater place through his good works.”

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

Sean Astin

“Rob Reiner is probably the most significant figures within the history of film and tv. 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 movies 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 heat to Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner’s families, friends and colleagues. Our entertainment community and audiences around the globe will mourn deeply. On a private note, so lots of Mr. Reiner’s movies and performances made me think, made me emotional and particularly they made me laugh really hard. That’s how I’ll remember him.”

Paul Feig

“One in every of my most cherished pictures. Rob was my true hero,” the Housemaid director wrote on X, sharing an image of him and Reiner. “A real visionary titan and a stunning 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 lots of us know within the industry. Rob was the perfect. 💔”

John Cusack

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

Elijah Wood

“Horrified to listen to of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle. A lot like 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 listen to the news today of his death, and the death of his wife Michele.”

Eric Idle

“Rob Reiner was a stunning man,” the comedian said in an X post. “I spoke to him last night for over an hour. I all the time 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 long run. That is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and really thoughtful man.So awful.”

Elizabeth Banks

“Rob Reiner was a genius story teller. A master. RIP,” Banks wrote in an Instagram Story.

Paul Walter Hauser

“Grieving the lack of my favorite director of all-time,” Hauser wrote in an emotional Instagram post. “A Few Good Men is THE reason I became an actor, and Rob’s filmography behind the camera is THE reason I desired to direct and still do.”

He continued, “I met Rob Reiner on a Sunday at UCB theatre in Los Angeles on Franklin in 2010. I got very nervous realizing he and his wife and daughter were sitting behind me. I raised my hand to volunteer for a sketch with the show ASSCAT and one way or the other ended up [lip] synching the song ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ by The Verve using my belly as an alternative of my mouth. It was beyond absurd but I couldn’t help considering, ‘Commit to this. Rob Reiner is watching.’”

“On the intermission, we spoke for perhaps 5-10 minutes about how I had just moved to LA from Michigan. He spoke of how he enjoyed filming in Michigan, and he was kind enough to regale me with stories of he and his wife co-writing the marital drama The Story of Us with Alan Zweibel and HIS wife, and the way it was such an interesting exercise. He told me how he wanted to make use of anamorphic lenses to make the courtroom feel more epic in scope on A Few Good Men,” Hauser continued.

“The guy just treated me with the friendliness and intimate details that few people of his stature would trouble recounting to a complete stranger. And he said, ‘That thing you probably did, together with your belly. That was funny,’” the actor added.

“I hate that Rob and his wife are gone from this world, but they sure as hell impacted me and countless others while here,” he shared.

Hauser concluded, “Sick to my stomach. Headed back to set. Holding him close as I do the gig that he inspired me to do.”

Josh Gad

“He was one among the best directors of our time. He was a friend. He was simply a gorgeous person,” the Frozen actor shared via Instagram. “Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were two of essentially the most kind and caring souls you possibly can ever imagine. He cared a lot for individuals who had no voices. This loss is devastating. I cannot express how much this hurts. Love you Rob and Michelle. Thanks for all you gave us. 💔”

Virginia Madsen

“Rattling this awful news out of Brentwood. God be with those that love them. Thanks Rob for giving us a lot joy to carry on to. Life and talent all the time turned as much as 11,” Madsen shared in an Instagram post.

Billy Baldwin

“A towering figure in our industry,” Baldwin commented on Cary Elwes’ tribute to Reiner. “And in addition a towering figure in your life, Cary. Sending love, light, strength and healing prayers to you and all those that loved him during this unspeakably tragic time. Love you my friend. ❤️‍🩹”

Roseanne Barr

‘I’m absolutely shocked and horrified to listen to about Rob Reiner and his wife Michele,” the comedian shared in an X post. “This can be a travesty. Praying for swift justice. Sympathies to their family and youngsters. I’m perplexed.”

Ron Howard

“#RIPRobReiner Our careers and lives intersected often over the many years from Rob writing the pilot script for Completely happy Days after which as we each shifted from acting careers into directing and producing,” the director shared via X. “He proved to be a superlative filmmaker, a supportive colleague and in any respect times a dedicated citizen. Rob will probably be missed on so many levels. My heart goes out to his family and his many close friends.”

Mira Sorvino

“I’m in absolute shock. Rob Reiner was a legend & a sort, sensible man, a beautiful actor to work opposite on Hollywood, an iconic director,” Sorvino wrote in an X post. “His wife Michele was a stunning generous person- I wish I had been in a position to get to know her higher. The world has lost 2 tremendous humans. He was so funny & intelligent – we had a terrific time shooting what might have been awkward scenes but his wit & warmth made all that go away. Talking w/him on & off the set was a joy. This doesn’t seem possible. My deepest sorrow and condolences & prayers exit to their family.”

Cheryl Hines

“The lack of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner is devastating,” Hines wrote alongside an image of her with Rob and Michele via Instagram. “I met them 31 years ago after I began working for them as an assistant and immediately loved their generosity, humor, and unwavering inspiration. Their legacy lives on within the countless lives they touched and the countless ways they made the world brighter. That is the snapshot that stays with me.”

Michelle Pfeiffer

“Beyond horrific. My thoughts and prayers to Michelle and Rob’s family and all those that loved them. I’m so sorry. 💔,” the actress wrote via Instagram alongside a black-and-white photo of the couple.

Maria Shriver

“I loved Michele and Rob Reiner. They were amongst my closest friends. We raised our children together, from mommy and me on up. We laughed together, we cried together, we played together, we dreamed together. We had dinner this past week, and so they were in the perfect place within the their lives: loving each other, loving their friends, their family, their country. They never gave up on our country. They desired to make it higher. They all the time, all the time desired to make our world higher, and so they were willing to fight to make it the country they loved,” Shriver wrote via X, praising Rob and Michele as two individuals who “never stopped attempting to be really good parents.”

Shriver added that she felt “devastated, gutted, shocked, stunned, and so deeply saddened” by the news, writing, “I’ll miss you, Michele. I’ll miss you, Rob. I really like you each. Thanks to your friendship. God bless you each. Life won’t be the identical without you here, that’s of course. ♥️.”

Sophia Bush

The actress posted a lengthy tribute via X. “Rob Reiner was an almost indescribably wonderful man. Kind, jovial, thoughtful, and generous. He shaped our industry after all, and more so the world around us, making movies that centered empathy and humor. He made us more daring, willing to take risks for love. He used his massive audience and knowledge of tips on how to tell stories to defend democracy, and stand for his neighbors, each near and much. And even when the cameras were off, he showed up,” she wrote. “He was often first to say yes to the organizing work, showing up on zoom after zoom, in support of organizations making the world a greater place. He offered his talents and gifts. He said YES in service of others. Within the years I’ve been lucky enough to know him in those dedicated spaces, he has influenced and inspired me, for good. I’m utterly heartbroken at his and Michele’s deaths, and I’m holding his family members in my heart today.”

Tracy Reiner

“I got here from the best family ever,” the actress, who was adopted by Rob during his marriage to the late Penny Marshall, told NBC News. “I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”

Bill and Hillary Clinton

“Hillary and I are heartbroken by the tragic deaths of our friends Rob and Michele Reiner,” read a press release from the couple shared via social media. “They inspired and uplifted hundreds of thousands through their work in film and tv. And so they were good, generous individuals who made everyone who knew them higher through their lively citizenship in defense of inclusive democracy, setting an example for us all to follow. Hillary and I’ll all the time be glad about their friendship, unfailing kindness, and support.”

Kevin Nealon

“Rob Reiner. The humor is wise and the center is real. His movies were a part of the air for us. Grateful for what he made, and for what he and his wife gave the world,” the Saturday Night Live alum tweeted.

Jane Fonda

“Rob and Michele Reiner were wonderful, caring, smart, funny, generous people, all the time coming up with ideas for tips on how to make the world higher, kinder,” Fonda captioned an Instagram post on December 15. “They’d been helping me launch the Committee for the First Amendment. I saw them night before last looking healthy and comfortable. I’m reeling with grief. Stunned.”

Demi Moore

Demi Moore paid tribute to Rob and Michele who were close family friends.

“There aren’t any words to really express the unfathomable devastation of losing Rob and Michelle Reiner. Our youngsters grew up together, we worked together, and as our lives intertwined personally and professionally I’ll all the time cherish the moments and memories of what we shared,” she wrote via Instagram. “They were amazing people and wonderful parents who gave of themselves to make the world a greater place. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with their family, friends, and all which are affected by this tragedy.”

Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney honored Rob and Michele in a heartfelt message reflecting on the time he and Rob worked together on Spinal Tap 2.

“What a tragedy the death of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, is. It’s so shocking in some ways but for me especially so, because over the past 12 months I had been working with him,” the musician wrote via Instagram alongside a photograph of him and Reiner on set. “He directed me in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. He was such an upbeat, lovable man.”

McCartney continued, “Life might be so unfair and this tragedy proves it. His father, Carl Reiner, was a terrific humourist before him and Rob followed in his dad’s footsteps doing a terrific job making many great movies. I’ll all the time have fond memories of Rob and the concept he and his wife will now not be on the planet with us is heartbreaking. “Thanks for all of the humour, Rob. Rest in Peace. Love Paul.”

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson, who worked with Rob on 2003’s Alex & Emma, shared a tribute to the late director and his wife via Instagram.

“The lack of Rob and Michele is completely devastating. They weren’t only essential to our close community but Rob touched so many hundreds of thousands globally together with his art,” Hudson wrote alongside a photograph of Rob and Michele and a throwback to filming Alex & Emma. “Rob was one among the greats. Inspiring so lots of us together with his ability to craft movies which are humorous, powerful, inspirational. He knew no genre, only great storytelling. He was loving and sort.”

She continued, “I feel so lucky to have worked with him, know him, laughed with him and shared moments with him and Michele. Ones I’ll always remember. This tragedy continues to be being processed by our community and our sadness is immense. My like to his family and all friends. They were so loved and will probably be so missed. It’s with a profound heavy heart we have now to say goodbye to 2 wonderful people.”

Jerry Seinfeld

“Next to Larry David and George Shapiro, Rob Reiner had the largest influence on my profession,” Jerry Seinfeld wrote via Instagram alongside a photograph of himself with Rob, noting that his ’90s hit sitcom, Seinfeld, “never” would have happened without the legendary director. “He saw something nobody else could. When no one on the network liked the early episodes, he saved us from cancellation. That I used to be working with Carl Reiner’s son, who happened to be one among the kindest people in show business, seemed unreal.”

Seinfeld noted he was “naive” to “how much” Rob’s “passion” for the show actually “meant.” He also paid tribute to Michele, writing, “Rob and Michele married right as our show was starting and so they became an imprint for me of the way it’s purported to work, each broadening the opposite. Their death, together, is impossibly sad.”

Seth Meyers

On the Monday, December 15, episode of Late Night, Meyers said that Rob and Michele were “delightful people to be in a room with.”

“He was a one who was so stuffed with love. So was Michele. You can tell how much they loved one another,” Meyers added.

Jimmy Fallon

The Tonight Show host said on his program that Rob was “one among the neatest and funniest people I’ve ever met.”

“What an amazing loss. He leaves behind such a legacy,” Fallon shared. “Thanks for all the nice work on and off screen and continuing to be an inspiration to me and hundreds of thousands of individuals around the globe. Ultimately, I’m going to recollect all the laughs that you just’ve given us.”

Mandy Patinkin

The Princess Bride actor said in a press release to Entertainment Weekly, “How will we process this unthinkable tragedy? Loss after loss after loss. What is occurring to our world? What is occurring to our human race?”

“I can’t breathe, but I’m respiration. I’m howling on the gods every moment, then I seek advice from a friend or myself and cool down and I realize the gods should not responsible, the tsunami of tragedy is the responsibility of human beings,” he added.

Kevin Bacon

“Rob Reiner gave me a job in A Few Good Men sometime within the ’90s, and I used to be over the moon to get that job. People may or may not know but This Is Spinal Tap is my all-time favorite movie. When he called me, I used to be just so thrilled. However the making of that movie was among the finest experiences I ever had on a set, he was so fun,” Bacon said in an Instagram video, per Deadline.

“I’m sending like to everybody that knew him because I do know that everyone seems to be hurting today,” he added.

Kiefer Sutherland

The A Few Good Men and Stand by Me actor shared via Instagram, “Like so many my heart was broken after I heard the news about Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife, Michele. Rob was one among the kindest gentleman I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. After I was very young he gave me a possibility that modified my life, and I’ll eternally be grateful.”

Billy Crystal, Larry David, Martin Short and Friends

A joint statement was released by Billy Crystal, wife Janice Crystal, Albert and Kimberly Brooks, Martin Short, Alan and Robin Zweibel, Larry David and Ashley Underwood, Marc Shaiman and Lou Mirabal, Barry and Diana Levinson and Ambassador James Costos and Michael Smith two days after Rob and Michele’s death.

It read: “Going to the flicks in a dark theater stuffed with strangers having a typical experience, laughing, crying, screaming in fear or watching an intense drama unfold continues to be an unforgettable thrill. Tell us a story audiences demand of us. Absorbing all he had learned from his father Carl [Reiner] and his mentor Norman Lear, Rob Reiner not only was a terrific comic actor, he became a master storyteller. There isn’t any other director who has his range. From comedy to drama to ‘mockumentary’ to documentary, he was all the time at the highest of his game. He charmed audiences. They trusted him. They lined as much as see his movies.”

The statement continued, “His comedic touch was beyond compare, his love of getting the music of the dialogue good and his sharpening of the sting of a drama was simply elegant. For the actors, he loved them. For the writers, he made them higher. His biggest gift was freedom. In case you had an idea, he listened, he brought you into the method. They all the time felt they were working as a team. To be in his hands as a filmmaker was a privilege, but that is simply a part of his legacy. Rob was also a passionate, brave citizen, who not only cared for this country he loved, he did every thing he could to make it higher and together with his loving wife, Michele, he had the right partner. Strong and determined, Michele and Rob Reiner devoted a terrific deal of their lives for the betterment of our fellow residents. … They were a special force together — dynamic, unselfish and provoking. We were their friends, and we’ll miss them eternally. There’s a line from one among Rob’s favorite movies It’s a Wonderful Life, ‘Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?’ You might have no idea.”

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

“My husband Brad and I had the nice honor and pleasure of working with Rob and Michele Reiner often and happily in movies and tv where their impact as actor, director and producer will probably be everlasting,” the Seinfeld star wrote via Instagram. “Much more deeply felt was their superb example of tips on how to be an activist and a robust voice for the environment, for justice and for democracy. They were great American patriots, and so they were a lot fun. We send our condolences and like to the Reiner family.”

Rita Wilson

In an essay for Variety, Wilson wrote, “Michele was a talented photographer who had a keen eye in her work and in her life. Her mother survived the Holocaust. Still, Michele found beauty day-after-day. Rob made history in multiple ways through his work. Each of them made a difference of their civic contributions and actions.”

“They made the world a greater place. They loved their kids. Each. They did every thing right. They loved. They were loved,” she added. “It’s hard to reconcile the goodness they offered to the world with this ending. It doesn’t make sense. But how they lived makes all of the sense on the planet.”

Danielle Brisebois

Brisebois, who played Stephanie Mills on Rob’s classic sitcom All within the Family, remembered him as “essentially the most gentle yet genius collaborator a baby actor could ever wish for.”

“God bless Rob for being truly one among ‘the nice ones’ who’s inspired the world,” she wrote in The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday, December 17. “And in addition [he] fought so hard to guard equal rights for all from those bigots, on the market in force, whose only goal is to take American’s equal rights away. The world needs more Rob Reiners, and fewer Starbucks troll, now greater than ever!”

Sally Struthers

Struthers was Rob’s onscreen wife on All within the Family for eight seasons within the Nineteen Seventies. In a press release to Deadline, Struthers said that she had “no words” to explain her grief.

“That is beyond devastating and my heart is with their family,” she concluded.

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