The creative force behind the cult classic This Is Spinal Tap has died under tragic circumstances. Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele, 68, were discovered dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday. Police are treating the case as a homicide, with reports indicating that both victims suffered stab wounds. A person of interest, identified only as a family member, is currently being questioned.
The discovery was made by the Los Angeles Fire Department, who responded to the Brentwood home for a medical aid request. Upon finding the bodies, the police were notified, and the Robbery Homicide Division assumed control of the investigation. The identity of the victims has been confirmed by sources close to the inquiry.
Reiner’s contribution to comedy and cinema is legendary. This Is Spinal Tap invented the “mockumentary” genre, while films like The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally became cultural touchstones. His earlier work as an actor on All in the Family set the stage for a career defined by intelligence, humor, and heart.
Michele Reiner, a photographer, was Rob’s partner in life and activism. The couple met on a movie set and built a life together centered on their children and their shared values. Their deaths have left a void in the Hollywood community, where they were respected not just for their talent, but for their character.
As the investigation unfolds, tributes are flowing in. Mayor Karen Bass and the family of Norman Lear have both issued statements praising the couple’s contributions to society. The shocking nature of their deaths stands in stark contrast to the joy and laughter Reiner brought to the world through his work.