- Director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday, Dec. 14.
- According to The New York Times, authorities say that the couple was found stabbed to death in an apparent homicide.
- Here are all the celebrities who have paid tribute to the late director and his wife after their tragic deaths.
Rob Reiner is one of Hollywood’s most beloved directors thanks to films like When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, Stand By Me, and The Wolf of Wall Street. According to The New York Times, he and his wife, Michele Singer, were found dead in their Los Angeles home after being stabbed to death in an apparent homicide on Sunday, December 14. Their son, Nick Reiner, has since been booked on suspicion of murder and is being held on $4 million bail.
Celebrities, friends, and family who knew, loved, and admired Rob and his wife are now honoring and paying tribute to the director.
Zooey Deschanel and the cast of New Girl
Rob played the father of Zooey’s beloved Jess Day on New Girl, and most of the cast left heartwarming tributes for the late director.
“My heart is broken. Rob Reiner was the absolute warmest, funniest, most generous of spirits. A truly good human being. An incredible artist and such a playful and fun collaborator. I cherish the time we spent working together and the many films he made that have shaped who I am,” she wrote in her lengthy caption.
Her co-star, Lamorne Morris, posted his own message alongside a selfie with Max Greenfield. “The news about Rob and his wife Michele’s passing is truly heartbreaking.
What a blessing to have been around him. Truly a wonderful man. Give someone a hug today, life is too precious,” he shared.
Hannah Simone, who played CeCe on the show, simply wrote on her Instagram Stories, “There are no words. Beyond heartbroken and shocked. One of the most deeply kind human beings I have ever spent time with.”
The show’s creator, Liz Meriwether, also posted a lengthy caption in tribute to the star. “He entertained everyone between takes with his memories and wisdom,” she shared, in part. “Princess Bride was imprinted on my brain, and When Harry Met Sally made me want to make movies and tell love stories. I’m so sad this morning.”
Kathy Bates
Kathy, who starred in Rob’s film adaptation of Stephen King’s Misery, told NBC News she was “horrified hearing this terrible news.”
“Absolutely devastated,” she said in a statement. “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.”
Stephen King
The Misery author shared his condolences on social media, writing, in part, “Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me.”
Cary Elwes
“No words…” The Princess Bride’s Cary Elwes wrote on Instagram, alongside a black and white photo of two director’s chairs.
Corey Feldman
Corey, who starred in Rob’s film Stand By Me, wrote, in part, “ALL I CAN SAY IS IM SHOCKED & SADDENED, BUT I #LOVE U ROB! U WILL B 4EVER MISSED!”
Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest
Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest honored the director in a statement to USA Today, where they shared they “are numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends.”
They added, “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. We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.”
Harry Shearer
One of the stars of Rob’s movie, This Is Spinal Tap, also mourned the loss with a statement to USA Today. “He was funny, he was smart, he was a mensch. When he came to see the comedy act I was in, and, later, the musical comedy I had co-written, his laugh was uproarious and audible around the block,” the statement said.
Harry added, “Michele was a very good friend to my wife Judith. This is unspeakable, the stuff of Greek tragedy.”
Sean Astin
Sean, who’s best known for his roles in Lord of the Rings and Stranger Things, is also the president of SAG-AFTRA and released an official statement honoring Rob’s legacy.
“Rob Reiner is one of the most significant figures in the history of film and television. The impact he made on American culture simply can’t be overstated. Tributes will pour in and the impossibly long list of genre defining films and indelible performances will play in our minds and hearts,” he wrote, in part.
“Rob Reiner was a member of our union for nearly 60 years. We send love and warmth to Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner’s families, friends and colleagues. Our entertainment community and audiences around the world will mourn deeply. On a personal note, so many of Mr. Reiner’s films and performances made me think, made me emotional and especially they made me laugh really hard. That’s how I will remember him.”
Ayo Edebiri
The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri penned a sweet tribute to the late director alongside an image of him on her Instagram Stories. “This man’s work changed my life and I don’t think that’s hyperbolic,“ she shared. “I was so fortunate to have met him recently and couldn’t believe how game he was to talk with me — and not just because he wanted to indulge a young fan.”
Quinta Brunson
Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson reposted the same image of Rob to her Instagram Stories. “My first ever television role was a scene with Rob Reiner. I admired him beyond words,” she said, in part.
Ben Stiller
While Ben never worked directly with Rob, his dad, Jerry Stiller, starred in his movie The King of Comedy. “I didn’t know him well but was always a fan and I feel a real sadness for those who did, and his family,” the actor wrote.
Eric Idle
Comedian Eric Idle was one of the last people to speak to Rob, according to his social media tribute.
Paul Feig
A Simple Favor director Paul Feig referred to Rob as his “true hero” in his message.
Barack Obama
President Obama honored Rob and Michele’s commitment to activism, writing, “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.”
Nancy Pelosi
Politician Nancy Pelosi echoed a similar sentiment to the former president, writing, “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.”
Gavin Newsom
California Governor Gavin Newsom also paid his respects in a statement to NBC News. “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,” he said. “His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others — and encouraging us to dream bigger.”
