Beloved Hollywood director Rob Reiner (78) and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner (70), were found dead inside their Los Angeles Brentwood home on Sunday afternoon, December 14, 2025. The couple’s bodies were discovered by their daughter after they did not show up for a scheduled appointment. Authorities later confirmed the deaths were homicides and not accidents.
Later that same day, their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was located near the University of Southern California and taken into custody without incident. Police charged him with involvement in the killings after evidence linked him to the scene.
On Tuesday, December 16, prosecutors filed two counts of first-degree murder against Nick Reiner, including “special circumstances” due to multiple victims and use of a deadly weapon — a knife. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment without parole or potentially the death penalty, though officials have not yet decided whether to pursue capital punishment.
Nick remains held in jail without bail, and his initial court appearance was postponed for medical reasons.
Rob Reiner was a highly respected filmmaker and actor whose career spanned decades. He first rose to prominence playing Michael “Meathead” Stivic on All in the Family before becoming a acclaimed director of films including When Harry Met Sally…, The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men and Stand By Me.
Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer and film producer who worked closely with her husband on various projects and supported numerous artistic and philanthropic causes. The couple had been married for 36 years and were active in both the entertainment community and social causes.
Nick Reiner had long been open about his battles with addiction and mental health issues, including periods of homelessness and multiple stays in rehabilitation programs. In 2015, he collaborated with his father on Being Charlie, a film that drew inspiration from aspects of his life and struggles.
Friends and family had reportedly been concerned for his wellbeing in recent weeks. Reports suggest there was an argument between Nick and his father at a Christmas party the night before the deaths, and Reiner had been seen acting erratically.
The deaths sent shockwaves throughout Hollywood and beyond, drawing tributes from colleagues and public figures. Actors, directors and fans placed flowers at Reiner’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, mourning not just the loss of a creative force, but of a couple known for their kindness, civic engagement and long partnership.
Close friends and collaborators described the family as warm and supportive, and the senseless nature of the killings made the story especially devastating for many who admired the Reiners’ work and legacy.
While authorities continue their investigation and the legal process unfolds, the case highlights broader issues around mental health, addiction, family dynamics and the limits of public compassion. The shock stems not only from violence but from the fact that this tragedy occurred within a family long seen as a model of success and stability — a narrative that now resonates with deep complexity for the public and for those who knew them.
