Flowers have been placed on director Rob Reiner's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, following the shocking deaths of both him and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. The couple were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday.
Obamas' Poignant Tribute and Unmet Plans
In a poignant revelation, former First Lady Michelle Obama disclosed that she and former President Barack Obama were supposed to meet the Reiners on the very night the couple were discovered. Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday, Obama stated, "We were supposed to be seeing them that night – last night." She did not elaborate on the nature of their planned gathering.
Obama used the platform to pay a powerful tribute, directly countering a social media post from former President Donald Trump that had labelled Rob Reiner "deranged." "Unlike some people, Rob and Michele Reiner are some of the most decent, courageous people you ever want to know," Obama asserted. "They are not deranged or crazed."
She praised their passion and courage, highlighting their commitment to family, country, fairness, and equity. Barack Obama had earlier posted a statement honouring the couple for lives "defined by purpose."
Details of the Tragedy and Arrest
The bodies of Rob and Michele Reiner were discovered at their Brentwood home at 3.30pm local time on Sunday. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed both had suffered stab wounds and that the robbery homicide division had ruled their deaths a homicide.
In a tragic turn, the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was arrested on suspicion of murder at around 9.15pm on Sunday. He remains in police custody without bail. The Reiners had reportedly attended a Christmas party hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien with their son on Saturday, just a day before the tragedy.
Hollywood Mourns a Profound Loss
The entertainment world has been united in grief. Among the many tributes, comedian Jerry Seinfeld posted a heartfelt message acknowledging Rob Reiner's pivotal role in the success of his iconic sitcom, Seinfeld.
"Our show would have never happened without him," Seinfeld wrote. He credited Reiner, whose company Castle Rock Entertainment produced the show, with saving it from early cancellation when network executives were unimpressed.
Seinfeld also reflected on the Reiners' personal relationship, calling them "an imprint for me of how it’s supposed to work, each one broadening the other." He described their simultaneous death as "impossibly sad."
The deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner have sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond, marking a devastating end for a couple celebrated for their professional contributions and personal integrity.
