Tributes from across the entertainment world have poured in following the passing of acclaimed filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner, who was found dead alongside his wife, Michele, at their Brentwood, Los Angeles home on December 14. Reiner was 78; Michele was 68.
According to authorities, their daughter Romy discovered them, and the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical aid call that afternoon. As the investigation continues — including the arrest of the couple’s son, Nick Reiner, on suspicion of murder — fellow artists, collaborators, and admirers have taken to social media to honor Reiner’s life, legacy, and lasting influence on film and television. Here are all the tributes shared so far.
Kathy Bates
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Kathy Bates won an Academy Award for her performance in Reiner’s adaptation of Misery, a role she has long credited as career-defining.
In a statement to Deadline, the star revealed she was “horrified hearing this terrible news” and “absolutely devastated” by the deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. Bates said, “I loved Rob. He was brilliant and kind, a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist. He also fought courageously for his political beliefs. He changed the course of my life.” She also paid tribute to Michele, calling her “a gifted photographer” and noting that she shot Bates’ promotional photos for Misery, adding, “My heart breaks for them both. My thoughts are with their family.”
Jerry Seinfeld
Rob Reiner played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in the early survival of Seinfeld, championing the show when network executives were unconvinced.
“Next to Larry David and George Shapiro, Rob Reiner had the biggest influence on my career,” Seinfeld wrote on Instagram. “Our show would have never happened without him. He saw something no one else could. When nobody at the network liked the early episodes, he saved us from cancellation.” Seinfeld also reflected on Rob and Michele’s marriage, calling their death together “impossibly sad.”
Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney had recently collaborated with Reiner, who directed him in the recently released Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.
“What a tragedy the death of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, is,” McCartney wrote on Instagram, noting that the loss felt especially personal because he had worked closely with Reiner over the past year for the sequel of Spinal Tap. McCartney remembered Reiner as “such an upbeat, lovable man,” reflected on the creative legacy he shared with his father, Carl Reiner, and added, “I will always have fond memories of Rob and the idea that he and his wife will no longer be in the world with us is heartbreaking. Thanks for all the humour, Rob. Rest in Peace.”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Julia Louis-Dreyfus paid tribute to Rob and Michele Reiner while reflecting on a professional relationship that spanned both film and television. She starred in Reiner’s 1994 film North, which he directed and produced, and also worked under his Castle Rock Entertainment banner on Seinfeld, the landmark sitcom that helped define her career.
“My husband Brad and I had the great honor and pleasure of working with Rob and Michele Reiner often and happily,” Louis-Dreyfus wrote on Instagram. “Even more deeply felt was their superb example of how to be an activist and a powerful voice for justice and democracy. They were great American patriots, and they were so much fun.”
Stephen King
Stephen King worked closely with Rob Reiner on two of the most acclaimed adaptations of his work, Stand By Me and Misery, forming a creative partnership that lasted decades.
“I’m horrified and saddened by the death of Rob Reiner and Michele,” King wrote on X. “Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker, including two of mine. Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me.”
Ron Howard
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Ron Howard and Rob Reiner worked together for years, with Reiner writing the pilot for Happy Days and later becoming an inspiration to Howard as both transitioned into directing.
“Our careers and lives intersected often over the decades,” Ron Howard wrote on X. “He proved to be a superlative filmmaker, a supportive colleague, and at all times a dedicated citizen. Rob will be missed on so many levels.”
Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda remembered Rob and Michele Reiner for their unwavering dedication to activism and social causes, noting that they had recently been collaborating with her on efforts to protect First Amendment rights.
“Rob and Michele Reiner were wonderful, caring, smart, funny, generous people,” Fonda wrote on Instagram. “They were always coming up with ideas for how to make the world better, kinder. I am reeling with grief. Stunned.”
Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller reflected on the profound influence Rob Reiner had on his generation of filmmakers and audiences, noting the lasting impact of his work in both comedy and drama.
“What a huge loss,” Stiller wrote on X. “Rob Reiner was one of my favorite directors. He made some of the most formative movies for my generation. Spinal Tap is one of the best comedies ever made. He was a kind, caring person who was really, really funny.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger honored Rob Reiner’s versatility and lasting influence in Hollywood, praising his ability to excel across acting, directing, and producing.
“In Hollywood, Rob Reiner was a rare talent,” Schwarzenegger wrote on X. “He could act, he could produce, he could direct, and he was amazing at all three. He was a creative genius who left us some of the greatest movies of all time.”
Guillermo del Toro
Guillermo del Toro remembered Rob Reiner as both a talented filmmaker and a compassionate advocate for his community, emphasizing the personal and professional impact he had on those around him.
“Rob Reiner was a true and good human being and an extraordinary director,” del Toro wrote on X. “He and Michele were cornerstones of their community. A staggering loss.”
Eric Idle
Eric Idle recalled speaking to Reiner the night before his death, praising him as a clever, talented, and thoughtful man.
“Rob Reiner was a lovely man,” Idle wrote on X. “I spoke to him last night for over an hour. I always enjoyed his company. A clever, talented, and very thoughtful man. This is so awful.”
Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest
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Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest were longtime friends and collaborators of Reiner, with Guest starring in This Is Spinal Tap and The Princess Bride.
In a joint statement, Jamie Lee Curtis and her husband Christopher Guest said they were “numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michele Singer Reiner,” stressing that their “only focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families,” and that they would “offer all support possible to help them.” Curtis added that “there will be plenty of time later to discuss the creative lives we shared and 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.” She concluded simply, “We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.”
Sean Astin
Sean Astin, president of SAG-AFTRA, reflected on the filmmaker’s enormous influence on multiple generations of actors and audiences, noting how his films and performances have left a lasting mark on American culture.
“Rob Reiner was one of the most significant figures in the history of film and television,” Astin said. “The impact he made on American culture simply can’t be overstated. Tributes will pour in and the impossibly long list of genre-defining films and indelible performances will play in our minds and hearts.”
Harry Shearer
Harry Shearer and Rob Reiner shared a long-standing creative partnership that began in the mid-1970s with early television pilots and extended into film, most notably the legendary mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap. Their collaboration continued over the years with sequels and specials, further cementing their enduring professional and personal bond.
“Rob was a friend and collaborator through much of my life. He was funny, he was smart, he was a mensch. When he came to see the comedy act I was in, and, later, the musical comedy I had co-written, his laugh was uproarious and audible around the block. He was a great collaborator, and when the four of us proposed ideas for the films, he was the one who wrote them on 3×5 cards, and organized them into a movie. And Michele was a very good friend to my wife Judith. This is unspeakable, the stuff of Greek tragedy.”
Robin Wright
Robin Wright reflected on her admiration for Rob Reiner, highlighting their bond through working together on The Princess Bride and the lasting impact he had on her life and career. In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, she expressed her shock and sorrow at his passing and extended her condolences to his family and loved ones.
“I am deeply shocked and devastated,” Wright said. “I cannot begin to imagine what the family is experiencing or what they will have to endure in the months and years ahead. It is truly heartbreaking. Rob was one of the most loving, compassionate, and kind people I have ever known. He was an extraordinary director and the impact he had on me has stayed with me throughout my career. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Paul Feig
Paul Feig, director of Bridesmaids, reflected on his professional and personal relationship with Rob Reiner, sharing a picture of their joint appearances at San Diego Comic-Con for a “Directors on Directing” Q&A panel. They frequently engaged in discussions about filmmaking, forming a lasting bond through shared creative dialogue.
“One of my most cherished pictures. Rob was my true hero. A true visionary titan and a lovely lovely person. One never knows if it’s proper to post during something as tragic as this. But I just want the world to know what so many of us know in the industry. Rob was the best.
Norman Lear’s Family
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The family of legendary television producer Norman Lear spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the profound bond between Rob Reiner and Lear, which began on the set of All in the Family, where Reiner played Michael “Meathead” Stivic.
“The Lear Family is devastated by the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner. Norman often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary, to us and the world. Norman would have wanted to remind us that Rob and Michele spent every breath trying to make this country a better place, and they pursued that through their art, their activism, their philanthropy, and their love for family and friends.” Lyn Lear, who had remained very close to the couple, added, “The world is unmistakably darker tonight, and we are left bereft.”
Kevin Bacon
Kevin Bacon reflected on the pivotal role Rob Reiner played in his career, noting how being cast in A Few Good Men had a lasting impact on him both professionally and personally.
“Today is a sad one,” Bacon wrote. “Thank you for everything, Rob. May you and Michele rest in peace.”
Fred Savage
Fred Savage recalled his early career and how Rob Reiner gave him the opportunity to be part of The Princess Bride, which became a lasting cultural touchstone.
“Rob found me in a casting room in downtown Chicago and gave me the opportunity to be a part of something that became so much bigger than anyone imagined,” Savage wrote. “His work was a gift to us all.”
Wil Wheaton
Wil Wheaton credited Rob Reiner with shaping both his early acting career and his understanding of storytelling, from their work together on Stand By Me to Reiner’s iconic contributions on All in the Family. Wheaton described how Reiner’s humanity and creativity left a lasting impression, personally and professionally.
“Rob made me feel loved, valued, seen, and respected,” Wheaton wrote on his blog. “He made sure I knew that I was important to him and his movie. Rob was a good person who put great art into the world, who made a positive difference in more lives than any of us can imagine. The world is a better place thanks to his activism and the way he chose to use all of his privilege and influence.”
Kiefer Sutherland
Kiefer Sutherland remembered the profound impact Rob Reiner had on his early career, particularly giving him a pivotal opportunity in Stand By Me. He noted the kindness and guidance Reiner showed him as a young actor.
“Like so many, my heart was broken when I heard the news about Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife, Michele,” Sutherland wrote on Instagram. “Rob was one of the kindest gentlemen I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. When I was very young he gave me an opportunity that changed my life, and I will forever be grateful.”
Mandy Patinkin
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Mandy Patinkin remembered his longtime collaboration and friendship with Rob Reiner, particularly their work together on The Princess Bride, which left a profound impact on him both professionally and personally.
Patinkin shared a statement with Entertainment Weekly: “How do we process this unthinkable tragedy? When we were filming the scene in the Princess Bride, where Inigo kills the six-fingered man and says: ‘I want my father back’ take after take after take, Rob kept asking me to do less do less, do less. In my sleepless night, I realized he wanted less anger from me to allow my broken heart to be felt. Now I’m hearing his voice tell us all to do more, do more, do more to repair the human soul, to repair our hearts, to repair our country, to repair our world, to never give up, to keep fighting, to keep living for every soul taken from this earth, that no longer has the life and breath to raise their voices for a better world, we must raise our voices for them.”
Demi Moore
Demi Moore worked with Rob Reiner on the 1992 legal drama A Few Good Men, in which she starred as Lieutenant Commander Joanne Galloway, USN, JAG Corps.
“There are no words to truly express the unfathomable devastation of losing Rob and Michelle Reiner,” Moore wrote on Instagram. “Our kids grew up together, we worked together, and as our lives intertwined personally and professionally I will always cherish the moments and memories of what we shared. They were amazing people and wonderful parents who gave of themselves to make the world a better place. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with their family, friends, and all that are affected by this tragedy.”
Zooey Deschanel
Zooey Deschanel spoke about the joy of working with Rob Reiner on New Girl, where he played her character Jess Day’s father, Bob Day. She highlighted his warmth, humor, and the kindness he always showed on set.
“My heart is broken. Rob Reiner was the absolute warmest, funniest, most generous of spirits. A truly good human being. An incredible artist and such a playful and fun collaborator. I cherish the time we spent working together and the many films he made that have shaped who I am. Rob and his lovely wife Michele were always so kind and it brought me so much joy any time I was lucky enough to see them. I’m absolutely devastated. Sending so much love to their family and friends,” Deschanel wrote on Instagram.
John Cusack
John Cusack, who starred in Rob Reiner’s 1985 film The Sure Thing, expressed his sadness at the director’s passing.
“Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner — a great man,” Cusack, 59, wrote on X.
Elijah Wood
Elijah Wood reacted with sorrow to the loss of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, sending love and support to their family. Wood had worked with Reiner on the 1994 film North, in which he played the title role.
“Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle. So much love to their kids and family,” Wood wrote on X.
Morgan Freeman
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According to Deadline, Morgan Freeman spoke warmly about working with Rob Reiner on the 2007 comedy The Bucket List, where he starred opposite Jack Nicholson.
“Rob was a terrific director. A man for all reasons,” Freeman said.
Paul Walter Hauser
Paul Walter Hauser recalled how meeting Rob Reiner early in his career left a lasting impression. The actor admired Reiner’s work as a director, from A Few Good Men to This Is Spinal Tap, and credited him with inspiring his own path in film and directing.
Grieving the loss of my favorite director of all-time, Hauser wrote on Instagram, “A Few Good Men is THE reason I became an actor, and Rob’s filmography behind the camera is THE reason I wanted to direct and still do. I met Rob Reiner on a Sunday at UCB theatre in Los Angeles on Franklin in 2010… The guy just treated me with the friendliness and intimate details that few people of his stature would bother recounting to a total stranger. And he said ‘That thing you did, with your belly. That was funny.’ I hate that Rob and his wife are gone from this world, but they sure as hell impacted me and countless others while here. There was and will never be anyone better, in my opinion. Sick to my stomach. Headed back to set. Holding him close as I do the gig that he inspired me to do.”
Josh Gad
Josh Gad paid tribute to Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, highlighting their kindness and the care Reiner showed for others. The two collaborated on the fan-made, quarantine-style remake of The Princess Bride.
“He was one of the greatest directors of our time. He was a friend. He was simply a beautiful person. Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were two of the most kind and caring souls you could ever imagine. He cared so much for those who had no voices. This loss is devastating. I cannot express how much this hurts. Love you Rob and Michelle. Thank you for all you gave us,” Gad wrote on Instagram.
Virginia Madsen
Virginia Madsen, who worked with Rob Reiner on the 2012 film The Magic of Belle Isle, expressed her sorrow over his and Michele Reiner’s deaths, reflecting on the joy his work brought to others.
“Damn this awful news out of Brentwood. God be with those who love them. Thank you Rob for giving us so much joy to hold on to. Life and talent always turned up to 11,” Madsen wrote on Instagram.
Kevin Nealon
Comedian Kevin Nealon reflected on Rob Reiner’s unique blend of humor and heart, noting how deeply his films resonated with audiences.
On X, he shared: “Rob Reiner. The humor is smart and the heart is real. His films were part of the air for us. Grateful for what he made, and for what he and his wife gave the world.”
Sally Struthers
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Sally Struthers, who played Gloria Stivic to Rob Reiner’s Michael “Meathead” Stivic on All in the Family, shared her heartbreak over the loss of Reiner and his wife.
“There are no words. This is beyond devastating and my heart is with their family,” she told Deadline.
James Woods
James Woods spoke about the deep bond he shared with Rob Reiner, which began during their work on Ghosts of Mississippi. He wrote this on X:
“Rob and I remained good friends ever since we made Ghosts of Mississippi. The studio didn’t think I was old enough to do the part, but Rob fought for me. Political differences never stood in the way of our love and respect for each other. I am devastated by this terrible event.”
Cory Feldman
On Instagram, Cory Feldman recalled how Rob Reiner became a surrogate father during the filming of Stand By Me, guiding the young actors and making the set feel like a supportive family.
“Rob Reiner certainly was a master of reinvention, crafting some of the most amazing cinematic experiences and some of the richest, most solid, and believable stories ever told on the silver screen. Rob was a hero to many, a great director to those who had the lucky chance to work with him, an amazing comedic actor and writer, an incredible father to the best of his abilities, and a loyal son to his own famous father. That summer in 1985, forty years ago this year, on the set of Stand By Me, he was like a father to all of us.”
Jerry O’Connell
Jerry O’Connell, who played Vern Tessio in Rob Reiner’s 1986 film Stand By Me, shared a heartfelt tribute along with a photo from the movie’s set, recalling the bond formed during filming.
“Love you, Rob. Sincerely,” O’Connell wrote on Instagram.
Cary Elwes
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Cary Elwes remembered his longtime collaboration with Rob Reiner on The Princess Bride, reflecting on the iconic film that helped define both of their careers.
Elwes shared an image of Reiner’s director’s chair next to his own from the set, writing simply, “No words.”
