The film industry in the United States is reeling after the deaths of acclaimed director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele , who were found dead in their home in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Authorities said the case is being investigated as an “apparent homicide,” though no arrests have been made and no suspects have been publicly identified.

Police and emergency crews were called to the residence on Sunday afternoon following a request for medical assistance.

Upon arrival, they discovered the bodies of a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman, both pronounced dead at the scene. While officials initially withheld the victims’ identities, a family spokesperson later confirmed they were Rob Reiner and his wife.

The Los Angeles Police Department said detectives from its robbery-homicide division responded to the scene and launched an investigation.

Speaking to reporters, Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton declined to provide details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths, noting that the bodies remained inside the house for several hours as investigators conducted preliminary examinations.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death.

Authorities emphasized that there is currently no active search for suspects, but the investigation remains ongoing.News of the deaths sent shockwaves through Hollywood, where Reiner was widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation.

Reiner’s career: successes and legacy

The son of legendary comedian Carl Reiner, he began his career as an actor in the 1960s and rose to fame in the 1970s portraying “Meathead” on the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family, earning two Emmy Awards.

Reiner’s enduring legacy, however, was forged behind the camera. As a director, he delivered a remarkable string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and A Few Good Men, the latter earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.

Known for his versatility, Reiner seamlessly navigated genres ranging from comedy and romance to courtroom drama and psychological thriller. His films became cultural touchstones, shaping popular cinema in the late 20th century and influencing generations of filmmakers.

In recent years, Reiner returned to one of his most beloved projects with the release of Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, a long-awaited sequel that reunited the original cast and rekindled enthusiasm for the cult classic.

As an actor, Reiner appeared in films such as The Wolf of Wall Street and Bullets Over Broadway, as well as in popular television series.

Beyond his creative work, he co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment, a production company behind numerous successful films and TV shows.

Reactions around the world

Tributes poured in from across the entertainment world and beyond. California Governor Gavin Newsom described Reiner as “a big-hearted genius,” while fellow actors and directors praised his kindness, humor, and artistic vision.

Former President Barack Obama highlighted Reiner’s lifelong commitment to social justice and the moral clarity reflected in both his work and activism.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the deaths “a devastating loss for our city and for the United States,” emphasizing the couple’s contributions to the arts, education, and community causes.

As investigators work to clarify what happened inside the Brentwood home, Hollywood mourns the loss of a filmmaker whose stories helped define modern American cinema.

The sudden tragedy has left colleagues, fans, and the broader cultural community grappling with grief—and with unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of one of Hollywood’s most respected voices and his wife in Los Angeles.