Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner Found Dead; Son Arrested on Murder Charge

Rob Reiner, the celebrated director of ‘When Harry Met Sally,’ and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead Sunday night in their Brentwood home, a shock that sent ripples through Hollywood and beyond.

The Tragedy

The couple’s bodies were discovered by neighbors at their Los Angeles residence on Sunday. Police announced on Monday that their 32‑year‑old son, Nick Reiner, had been taken into custody on suspicion of murder and is being held without bail. The investigation has focused on the family home, with detectives searching for evidence of foul play.

Family and Career

Rob Reiner, 78, the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, married Michele Singer, 68, in 1989 after meeting on the set of ‘When Harry Met Sally.’ The couple has three children—Nick, Jake and Romy. Reiner’s career has spanned decades, from directing iconic films to producing television series. Michele was a photographer and producer who worked on projects such as ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,’ ‘God & Country,’ ‘Albert Brooks: Defending My Life,’ and ‘Shock and Awe.’ She also served as a special photographer on the 1990 film ‘Misery’ and captured the cover image for Donald Trump’s 1987 bestseller ‘The Art of the Deal.’

Reiner has spoken publicly about Michele’s influence on his work. In a 2018 interview with The Guardian, he recalled that she persuaded him to alter the ending of ‘When Harry Met Sally.’ He said, \”Originally, Harry and Sally didn’t get together,\” and added, \”But then I met Michele and I thought: OK, I see how this works.\”

A Love Story on Set

The couple’s romance began during the filming of ‘When Harry Met Sally.’ Reiner told the New York Times in 1989 that Michele visited the New York set with the then‑fiancée of a cinematographer who predicted that the two would end up together. He described being immediately attracted to her, saying, \”I look over and I see this girl, and whoo! I was attracted immediately,\” and later added, \”I wormed my way into their lunch. But that’s what he said to me, ‘You’re going to marry her.’ And one thing led to another and here we are.\”

They appeared together at the film’s 1989 premiere, which starred Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal and became a defining film of the era.

Tributes from Hollywood

The news of their deaths prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues and friends. Actress Rita Wilson, a close friend of the Reiners, remembered Michele as a photographer with an eye that extended beyond the frame. Wilson said, \”Michele was an enormously talented photographer whose eye applied not only to what she captured on film but also to her own personal (aesthetic). Her work as a producer focused on social justice and creating awareness of our world. She was wry, funny, opinionated but also reasonable and self reflective. She was so close to her sister and her family understanding the importance of close connection.\” Her tribute highlighted Michele’s passion for activism and her desire to make the world a better place.

Other industry figures and political leaders also paid homage, reflecting on the couple’s impact both on screen and in the community.

Past Marriages and Legacy

Rob Reiner was previously married to actor‑director Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981. He adopted Marshall’s daughter, Tracy Reiner. Carl Reiner, Rob’s father, died in 2020 at age 98, and Marshall died in 2018. These personal histories contextualize the family’s long‑standing ties to the entertainment world.

Michele’s career also included advocacy work. She collaborated with her husband on various projects that combined film and social campaigns, underscoring her commitment to using art for social change.

Investigation Status

Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Reiners’ deaths. Nick Reiner’s arrest on suspicion of murder has led to a review of the family’s history and possible motives. No further details have been released by authorities, and the case remains under active investigation.

Key Takeaways

• Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead Sunday night in their Brentwood home.
• Their son, Nick Reiner, 32, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is held without bail.
• Michele was a photographer and producer known for her activism and work on films such as ‘Misery’ and ‘Spinal Tap II.’
• Reiner credited Michele with influencing the ending of ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and shared a lifelong partnership that began on set.
• Tributes from Hollywood and political figures highlighted the couple’s artistic and social contributions.

Closing

The sudden loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner has left a void in the film community and beyond. As investigations continue, the world remembers them for their creative achievements and their shared commitment to social justice. Their legacy endures through the work they produced together and the lives they touched.