Rob Reiner dead at his Los Angeles County home Sunday morning. Sadly, his wife Michele Singer was discovered dead with him. The newlyweds soon entered an unconventional partnership. They are survived by their three children—Jake, Nick and Romy—who now join all of us as they deal with the devastation of losing both parents. GBH Music friends, family, and fans are still mourning the loss of two extraordinary music-industry trailblazers. They gave their lives to art, activism, and the people they loved.
Rob Reiner shot to stardom for his legendary portrayal of Michael “Meathead” Stivic. He was a star on the pioneering sitcom “All in the Family,” produced by Norman Lear. As a result, he became one of the most successful and well-known actors in Hollywood. More than that, he gained tremendous admiration as one of the preeminent directors of his era. Over the years, his achievements have ranged from the cult classic 1984 rock documentary spoof “This Is Spinal Tap,” his directorial debut. His final film, “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” released in September, serves as a poignant reminder of his creative influence.
Tributes have come in from across the entertainment industry since the shocking news first broke that they were killed in a shooting. Norman Lear, who was frequently quoted calling Reiner a son, said in a statement that he was devastated by the loss. He sang accolades of Reiner’s creativity, intelligence and quick wit. He quipped, “Having Rob Reiner as a boss makes you feel like you’re in a room full of people.” His brain, and his mouth, like a string of Chinese firecrackers, are going off simultaneously.
Reiner’s commitment to social issues was evident all the way through his life and career. He often stood up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. Lear pointed out this character trait and emphasized the fact that both Reiner and Singer gave their lives to improving the world. The Obamas stated that they were heartbroken. They concluded, “Michelle and I are devastated by the sudden loss of Rob Reiner and his loving partner, Michele. Together, he and his wife led lives marked by meaning. On those grounds, they will endure, both for the values they championed and the thousands of lives they inspired.”
Josh Gad echoed these sentiments, calling Reiner “one of the greatest directors of our time” and highlighting his character. In a tribute to Reiner on social media, director Paul Feig called him a “true hero,” underscoring the profound influence Reiner had on the people around him. Ron Howard recalled Reiner as a “superlative filmmaker” and good citizen, someone who devoted his considerable talents to serving the greater good.
Both Christopher Guest and Jamie Lee Curtis released statements of shock and sorrow at the death of the iconic couple. They stated, “Christopher and I are numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michelle Singer Reiner.” They reiterated that their priority is still on continuing to support Reiner’s children and families through this tragic time.
In her own words, the Lear family expressed themselves as heartbroken at the loss. They noted, “Norman often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary, to us and the world.” They recognized the couple’s uncompromising desire to make the world a better place via their art and activism.
Michelle and Barack Obama issued heartfelt statements about Reiner’s legacy. They wigged out that his accomplishments gave moviegoers some of their favorite narratives to experience on display. They added, “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.”
Reiner’s life was marked by his relentless pursuit of stories, and for advocacy. His mastery at interweaving humor with impactful social commentary endeared him to fans around the globe. The heartfelt tributes from friends and colleagues illustrate the profound impact he had on both the entertainment industry and those who knew him personally.
