Hollywood reacts in shock to death of Rob Reiner: ‘One of the greatest filmmakers to ever live’ | Film

Hollywood is in shock following the sudden death of director and actor Rob Reiner, who was murdered along with his wife Michele Singer Reiner at his home in Los Angeles.

Reiner’s colleagues held a moment of silence Sunday afternoon after reports emerged that the bodies of a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were found by authorities at a home owned by Reiner in Brentwood, Los Angeles.

A spokesperson for the Reiner family later confirmed their deaths on Sunday evening, saying: “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss and ask for privacy at this incredibly difficult time.”

Christopher Guest and his wife, Jamie Lee Curtis, who starred in This Is Spinal Tap and The Princess Bride, said in a joint statement that they were “numb, saddened and shocked by the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michelle Singer Reiner, and that our ONLY focus and concern at this time is on their children and immediate family, and we will offer every support possible to help them.”

“We will then have plenty of time to discuss the creative lives we shared and the profound 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 couple wrote. “We have lost wonderful friends. Please give us time to grieve.”

Director Paul Feig wrote of X: “Rob is one of my heroes. I have the honor of calling him a friend. I pray this isn’t what it sounds like. I just saw it.” [him] and Michele two nights ago.”

Elijah Wood, who starred in Reiner’s 1994 family film North sent: “I was horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle. Much love to their children and families.”

James Woods, who starred in Reiner’s 1996 film Ghosts of Mississippi, said they were “good friends.” “Political differences have never hindered our love and respect for each other” He said it in X.

Actor Josh Gad wrote: “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 kindest, most caring people you could ever imagine. He cared deeply about those who had no voice. This loss is devastating. I can’t express how much it hurts.”

Paul Walter Hauser called Reiner’s A Few Good Men “the reason I became an actor.”

“I hate to see Rob and his wife leave this world, but they certainly impacted me and countless others while they were here… To me, there was and will never be anything better than this,” Hauser wrote on Instagram. “I feel sick to my stomach. I go back to the set. I hold it close while I do the work it inspires me to do.”

Director Joe Russo posted: “I can’t handle the fact that one of the greatest filmmakers who ever lived is gone. We’ve lost one of the few good guys. RIP, Rob Reiner.”

Former US president Barack Obama wrote on X that he and his wife Michelle were “heartbroken over the tragic death of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife Michele.”

“Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most treasured stories on the big screen. But beneath all the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action,” Obama wrote.

California governor Gavin Newsom said he was “heartbroken” by the Reiners’ deaths, remembered Reiner as a “courageous genius” and admired his political activism.

“From fighting against Big Tobacco, to fighting for marriage equality, to being a strong voice in early education, Rob was a passionate advocate for children and civil rights. He made California a better place through his good work. Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and extraordinary contributions to humanity,” she wrote in a statement.

Democratic congresswoman Nancy Pelosi wrote: “Personally, Rob cared deeply about people, and he showed this in his civic activities—whether supporting Top 5 initiatives or fighting against Proposition 8 in California. As a citizen, he was a defender of the First Amendment and the creative rights of artists. And professionally, he was an iconic figure in film, making us laugh, cry, and think with the films he created.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Reiner’s death was a devastating loss for the city.

“Rob Reiner’s contributions are reflected in American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and fighting for social and economic justice,” Bass said in a statement. “As a renowned actor, director, producer, writer and active political activist, he always used his talents in the service of others.”

So far, few details have emerged about Reiners’ death. LAPD lead detective Alan Hamilton said at a news conference Sunday night that the death investigation is ongoing. He said that although many family members would be interviewed, “no one was detained, no one was questioned as a suspect.”