Tributes flood in to Spinal Tap director

Spinal Tap director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele have been found dead in their Los Angeles home in what police are treating as a double murder.

Police and firefighters were called to the couple's house on Sunday afternoon in the Brentwood neighbourhood of LA.

Reiner is also known for directing The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men.

The family issued a statement to US media 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.’

Police said a 78-year-old man and 68-year-old woman were pronounced dead at the home but have given no further details of their injuries, or what they found there.  But a homicide investigation has been launched.

California Governor Gavin Newsom  said he was ‘heartbroken' by the deaths and called Reiner a ‘big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love’.

Rob was the son of comedian Carl Reiner – and got his own acting break in the 1970s sitcom All in The Family before making his directorial debut with 1984’s This Is Spinal Tap. He also played the film’s fictional director Marty DiBergi – and ended his career as he started, directing Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which was  released this summer.

He was also a prominent Democrat supporter and  former US President Barack Obama was among those who paid tribute today.

He said: ‘Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people - and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.

‘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.’

And former vice-president Kamala Harris said: ‘Rob Reiner's work has impacted generations of Americans. The characters, dialogue, and visuals he brought to life in film and television are woven throughout our culture. Rob loved our country, cared deeply about the future of our nation, and fought for America's democracy.’

Former Python Eric Idle revealed he was one of the last people to speak to the director. He posted on social media: ‘Rob Reiner was a lovely man.  I spoke to him last night for over an hour.  I always 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 future.  This is so awful.  I shall miss him.  A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful.’

Jamie Lee Curtis , who is married to  Spinal Tap star Christopher Guest, said: 'Christopher and I are numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends' and paid tribute to '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.

Guest and Curtis reportedly married at  Rob Reiner's house in 1984. 

Also paying tribute was Ben Stiller, who wrote: ‘Rob Reiner was one of my favorite directors. He made some of the most formative movies for my generation. He came out form behind a huge comedic shadow of the great Carl Reiner and being a tv actor to being a a great director who made an incredible run of movies. Spinal Tap is one of the best  comedies ever made - and the list goes on. He was a kind caring person who was really really funny.    I didn’t  know him well but was always a fan and I feel a real sadness for those who did, and his family. 

Reiner was married to Laverne & Shirley actress Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981 and is the adoptive father to Marshall's daughter, actress Tracy Reiner. He married Michel  in 1989. The couple have three children together. 

Published: 15 Dec 2025