Hollywood director and wife Michelle found dead at home in LA

Legendary Hollywood director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead at their home in Los Angeles.

Authorities are investigating the case as an apparent murder after police and firefighters responded to the couple’s home in an upscale Los Angeles neighborhood Sunday afternoon.

Reiner is known for directing classic films such as The Princess Bride, This is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and A Few Good Men.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the tragic deaths of Michelle and Rob Reiner,” a family spokesperson said in a statement.

“We are heartbroken by this sudden loss and ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”

Police said a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were found dead at their home, but police did not immediately reveal the identity of the couple or the circumstances of their deaths.

Police also said no arrests have been made yet, but no suspects or officials are currently being sought.

A Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson told the BBC that a call requesting medical assistance was made at approximately 15:38 local time (23:38 GMT) to a home in Brentwood, where many celebrities live.

Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division also responded to the home and began a murder investigation.

At a news conference Sunday night, police did not release any details about the deaths or what they found when responding. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Hamilton said the two bodies were still inside the home more than six hours after police and firefighters responded.

Police also did not provide details about the injuries suffered by the two men or whether any weapons were found or used. Hamilton said the cause of death will be determined by the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office.

California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement confirming the deaths of Reiner and his wife.

Newsom said he was “heartbroken” by his death and called Reiner “the big-hearted genius behind so many classic stories we love.”

The son of comedy great Carl Reiner, he began his career in the 1960s and achieved great success in the 1970s with his role as Meathead in the groundbreaking TV sitcom All in The Family, for which he won two Emmy Awards.

He found further success with the 1984 cult mockumentary film This Is Spinal Tap, which he directed and also played on-screen director Marty DiBergi.

This led to a string of classic Hollywood films directed by Reiner, including Stand By Me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally (1989), Misery (1990), and A Few Good Men (1992).

He reunited with Spinal Tap for the long-awaited sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which was released in September of this year.

Reiner also co-founded the successful Castle Rock Entertainment production company.

He was married to actress Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981, and is the stepfather of Marshall’s daughter, actress Tracy Reiner.

He married actress, photographer, and producer Michele Reiner in 1989. The couple had three children.

Michele owned the Reiner Light photo agency and production company.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the incident “a tremendous loss to our city and country” and paid tribute to the couple’s philanthropic work for child development and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

“Rob Reiner’s contributions resonate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and fight for social and economic justice,” she said.