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‘Princess Bride’ Director, Disney Channel Actor Reportedly Stabbed to Death by His Son

The entertainment world reels from devastating news out of Los Angeles, where legendary filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were discovered dead in their Brentwood home on Sunday afternoon. The beloved director, who created some of Hollywood’s most treasured films and appeared as himself on several Disney Channel programs, was 78.

Tragic Discovery in Brentwood

Rob Reiner smiling and speaking
Credit: LBJ Library

Law enforcement arrived at the Reiner residence on Sunday, December 14, following reports of a death investigation. Officers discovered both Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, 68, deceased inside their home. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, both victims sustained apparent knife wounds, and authorities are treating the deaths as a homicide investigation.

LAPD News: On December 14th, at 3:40 pm, LAPD officers responded to a death investigation in the 200 block of S. Chadbourne Ave. Inside the residence, officers discovered 2 decedents. The identity of the decedents has not yet been confirmed.

Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) responded to the residence, which has been identified as the home of Rob Reiner. At this time, no further details are available as this is an ongoing RHD investigation, into an apparent homicide.

Later on Sunday evening, authorities arrested the couple’s son, Nick Reiner, 32, in connection with his parents’ deaths. In an official statement posted to X (formerly known as Twitter), the LAPD indicated that Nick Reiner is considered “responsible” for the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner. He remains held without bail as the investigation continues.

LAPD News: Detectives Announce Arrest in Murder of Robert and Michele Reiner

Rob Reiner: A Legendary Career in Film and Television

Rob Reiner rose to prominence portraying Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking CBS sitcom All in the Family, earning Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy in both 1974 and 1978. His character, the liberal son-in-law constantly sparring with Carroll O’Connor’s conservative Archie Bunker, became one of television’s most memorable roles during the show’s nine-season run.

Transitioning behind the camera, Reiner established himself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile directors. His filmography includes This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Stand By Me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally... (1989), and Misery (1990). The Princess Bride is now owned by The Walt Disney Company following its acquisition of 20th Century Fox. The film is now available on Disney+.

A television displaying the Disney+ login screen with various characters from different Disney movies. The TV is placed on a wooden stand with shelves holding books and decorations. To the left is a potted plant, and a white door is visible to the right.
Credit: Disney

Beyond his celebrated film work, Reiner made guest appearances on several Disney Channel shows, portraying himself on both Hannah Montana and Wizards of Waverly Place.

RIP Rob Reiner, who made cameo appearances in Hannah Montana and Wizards of Waverly Place

RIP Rob Reiner, who made cameo appearances in Hannah Montana and Wizards of Waverly Place
byu/VictoriaDeG100 inDisneyChannel

Reiner met Michele Singer while directing When Harry Met Sally… in the late 1980s. The couple married in 1989, and their relationship reportedly inspired Reiner to change the romantic comedy’s ending, allowing the titular characters to end up together rather than apart. They shared three children, including Nick Reiner.

In 2015, Rob directed Being Charlie, a film co-written by Nick that drew from Nick’s personal experiences with addiction and homelessness.

A representative for the Reiner family released a statement to Variety:

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”

What is your favorite Rob Reiner project? In the comments, share your memories of the late Hollywood legend with Disney Dining. 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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