Tributes to Rob Reiner are pouring in from Hollywood stars — who remember the actor and director for his warmth, comedic talent, impact on filmmaking and string of beloved films.
Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead Sunday in their Los Angeles home. Investigators believe they suffered stab wounds. Reiner was 78. Michele was 68.
“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,” said a spokesperson for the family, per ABC News.
“I came from the greatest family ever,” Reiner’s daughter, Tracy, told NBC News. “I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
Here is how some Hollywood stars have paid tribute to Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner.
Eric Idle
“Monty Python” actor and comedian Eric Idle shared that he spoke with Reiner “for over an hour” the night before his death, and that Reiner shared “his thoughts for the future.”
“Rob Reiner was a lovely man,” Idle shared in the post. “This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful.”
Cary Elwes
“The Princess Bride” star Cary Elwes wrote, “No words,” in an Instagram post, alongside a photo from the set of “The Princess Bride,” which Reiner directed.
Ron Howard
“Our careers and lives intersected often over the decades from Rob writing the pilot script for ‘Happy Days’ and then as we each shifted from acting careers into directing and producing,” Ron Howard wrote in a tribute on X.
Howard continued, “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. My heart goes out to his family and his many close friends.”
Barack Obama
Former President Barack Obama wrote, “Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people — and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.
“Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose,“ he continued. ”They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.”
Ben Stiller
“What a huge loss,” actor Ben Stiller shared in a tribute post.
“Rob Reiner was one of my favorite directors. He made some of the most formative movies for my generation‚” he continued. “’Spinal Tap’ is one of the best comedies ever made — and the list goes on. He was a kind caring person who was really really funny.”
Stephen King
Author Stephen King wrote, “I’m horrified and saddened by the death of Rob Reiner and Michele. Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine).”
“Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me.”
Reiner directed two films adapted from King’s novels — “Misery” and “Stand By Me” (based on King’s novella “The Body”).
Elijah Wood
“Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michele. So much love to their kids and family,” actor Elijah Wood, known for “The Lord of the Rings,” wrote.
John Cusack
“Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner — a great man," wrote actor John Cusack, who starred in the Reiner-directed romantic comedy “The Sure Thing.”
He later added in a separate post, “At a loss for any words that make sense — RIP Rob and Michele."
Corey Feldman
Corey Feldman, who starred in the Reiner-directed movie “Stand By Me,” wrote, “This is horrible news. I’m so sorry for Rob and his wife and their children and the whole Reiner family.”
“All I can say is I’m shocked and saddened, but I love you Rob!” he continued. “You will be forever missed!”
Josh Gad
“He was one of the greatest directors of our time. He was a friend. He was simply a beautiful person,” actor-comedian Josh Gad wrote in a tribute post. “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.”
Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis shared a statement with Variety on behalf of herself and her husband, Christopher Guest, who starred in the Reiner-directed comedy, “This is Spinal Tap.”
“Christopher and I are numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michelle Singer Reiner and our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them,” Curtis shared.
The statement continued, “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. We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.”
Kathy Bates
Kathy Bates, who earned an Oscar for her leading role in the Reiner-directed horror film “Misery,” described the late director as “brilliant and kind, a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist,” reported NBC News.
“I’m horrified hearing this terrible news. Absolutely devastated. I loved Rob,” Bates continued.
She added praise for Michele Singer Reiner, describing her as a “gifted photographer.”
Cheryl Hines
Cheryl Hines, who worked as an assistant to the Reiner family, described the news as “devastating” in a tribute post.
“I met them 31 years ago when I began working for them as an assistant and instantly loved their generosity, humor, and unwavering inspiration,” Hines added. “Their legacy lives on in the countless lives they touched and the countless ways they made the world brighter.“
Michael Douglas
In a tribute post to Reiner, actor Michael Douglas wrote, “A most tragic situation for two extraordinary people who gave so much to make a better world. Rob and Michele Reiner will be deeply missed.”
Douglas was directed by Reiner in two films, “The American President” and “And So It Goes.”
Harry Shearer
Harry Shearer, who starred in the “This is Spinal Tap” movies, called Reiner “a friend and collaborator through much of my life.”
He added, “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 3x5 cards, and organized them into a movie.”
Sean Astin
Sean Astin, who is the president of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, shared a tribute describing Reiner as “one of the most significant figures in the history of film and television.”
“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. Rob Reiner was a member of our union for nearly 60 years.”
Astin noted that the entertainment community sends love to the Reiner family and will “deeply mourn” the loss of both Reiner and his wife, Michele.
“On a personal note, so many of Mr. Reiner’s films and performances made me think, made me emotional and especially they made me laugh really hard,” he added. “That’s how I will remember him.”
Norman Lear family
Reiner launched his acting career on “All in the Family,” a series created by Norman Lear, who died in 2023.
The family of the late Lear shared in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, “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.”
Paul Feig
Filmmaker Paul Feig called Reiner his “true hero,” in a tribute post.
“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,“ he added. ”Rob was the best.”
Mira Sorvino
Actress Mira Sorvino described Reiner as “a legend and a kind, brilliant man, a wonderful actor to work opposite.”
Sorvino co-starred with Reiner in the limited series “Hollywood.”
“He was so funny and intelligent — we had a great time shooting what could have been awkward scenes but his wit and warmth made all that go away. Talking with him on and off the set was a joy.”
She added, “His wife Michele was a lovely generous person — I wish I had been able to get to know her better.”
Rita Wilson
Actress and singer Rita Wilson, who raised her kids alongside Rob and Michele Reiner, wrote, “Rob and Michele Reiner are two people who really did make the world a better place. This is truth. We have been friends since our kids were toddlers attending the same preschool.”
Reiner and Wilson co-starred in two films, “Sleepless in Seattle” and the holiday movie, “Mixed Nuts.” They also worked together on the movies “North” and “The Story of Us.”
“(Reiner’s) work as an actor, writer and director will live on, as will all the works he and Michele endeavored so hard to establish for our civil good,” she added.
“Michele was an enormously talented photographer whose eye applied not only to what she captured on film but also to her own personal esthetic. Her work as a producer focused on social justice and creating awareness of our world. She was wry, funny, opinionated but also reasonable and self reflective.”
Zooey Deschanel
Actress Zooey Deschanel, who starred alongside Reiner on “New Girl,” shared an emotional tribute, describing Reiner as the “absolute warmest, funniest, most generous of spirits.”
“A truly good human being. An incredible artist and such a playful and fun collaborator,” she added. “I cherish the time we spent working together and the many films he made that have shaped who I am.”
“I’m absolutely devastated.”
Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney, who made a cameo in “Spinal Tap II,” described Reiner as “an upbeat, lovable man,” in a tribute post.
“Life can be so unfair and this tragedy proves it,” he 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 humor, Rob. Rest in Peace.”
Jerry O’Connell
Jerry O’Connell, who was directed by Reiner in “Stand By Me,” shared a photo of himself and the director with the message, “Love you, Rob.”
“I don’t mean this as any offense to my parents—Rob was like a father to me,” he added in a separate tribute, per E News. “He was like a father to me. It’s just surreal.”
“Everything I have is because of Rob Reiner. Everything I have. It’s just a shocking day.”
James Woods
Actor James Woods said he is “devastated” by Reiner’s death, adding that they became close friend while working together on “Ghosts of Mississippi.”
“Political differences never stood in the way of our love and respect for each other,” he noted.
Paul Walter Hauser
“Grieving the loss of my favorite director of all-time,” comedian-actor Paul Walter Hauser wrote in a tribute post.
“‘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.”
Mitt Romney
Former United States Sen. Mitt Romney remembered Reiner as the “genius who gave us ‘inconceivable, does anyone want a peanut, only mostly dead, rodents of unusual size, and…as you wish.’”