Hollywood 'devastated' at death of director Rob Reiner and his wife

Rob Reiner has died aged 78 according to reports (Yui Mok/PA)

Hollywood actors have paid tribute after the death of director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, and said they feel “devastated”.

Authorities are investigating an “apparent homicide” at Mr Reiner’s home in Los Angeles after police, firefighters and paramedics were called to the property on Sunday, it has been reported.

Mr Reiner, 78, was a prolific Hollywood director and created some of the most well-known movies of the 1980s and 1990s, including legal thriller A Few Good Men in 1992 and romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally in 1989.

The director's other films included his 1984 hit This Is Spinal Tap, and The Princess Bride and Stand By Me in 1987.

Monty Python star Eric Idle said in a post on X that he spoke with Mr Reiner in the hours before his death.

The English actor, 82, called Mr Reiner “a clever, talented and very thoughtful man”, and said: “I spoke to him last night for over an hour. I always enjoyed his company. I met him at his Dad’s in 1975.

“He was telling me about filming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future. This is so awful. I shall miss him.”

US actor James Woods said he and Mr Reiner had been friends since they made 1996 thriller Ghosts Of Mississippi together.

In an online post, he said: “The studio didn’t think I was old enough to do the part, but Rob fought for me.

“Political differences never stood in the way of our love and respect for each other. I am devastated by this terrible event.”

Frozen actor Josh Gad described Mr Reiner as “one of the greatest directors of our time” in a post on Instagram.

He said: “He was simply a beautiful person. 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. Love you Rob and Michelle. Thank you for all you gave us.”

Rob Reiner, centre, with Jack Nicholson, right and Morgan Freeman at the UK premiere of The Bucket List (PA)

John Cusack, who starred in Mt Reiner’s film The Sure Thing, wrote on X: “Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner – a great man.”

The Lord Of The Rings star Elijah Wood, who appeared in Mr Reiner’s 1994 family film North, posted: “Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle. So much love to their kids and family.”

In a post on X, American actor and Zoolander star Ben Stiller described Mr Reiner’s death as a “huge loss”, and said: “Rob Reiner was one of my favourite directors.”

“He came out form behind a huge comedic shadow of the great Carl Reiner and being a TV actor to being a great director who made an incredible run of movies.

“He was a kind caring person who was really really funny. I didn’t know him well but was always a fan and I feel a real sadness for those who did, and his family.”

Rob’s father, comedian, director and actor Carl Reiner helped create The Dick Van Dyke Show and appeared in films including Ocean’s Eleven, and died in June 2020, aged 98.

Also among those who have paid tribute is actor and comedian Rob Schneider, who is best known for his role as Rob Hilliard in the Grown Ups films.

In a post on X, Ms Schneider, 62, said he was “deeply saddened”, and described Mr Reiner as “one of the most accomplished American directors who ever lived”.

Prominent political figures also paid tribute, including former US president Barack Obama, who wrote on X that he and his wife Michelle were “heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele”.

He added: “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.”

Former US vice president Kamala Harris also paid tribute to her “dear friends”, Mr Reiner and his wife.

In a post on X, Ms Harris said: “Rob and his wife Michele loved each other very much.

“Doug and I are devastated to learn of their passing. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this tragic time.”

Former US speaker Nancy Pelosi described the news of Mr Reiner’s death as “devastating”, describing him as “creative, funny, and beloved” in a tribute on X.

Ms Pelosi also went on to praise his support of the Californian state-level initiative First 5, which aims to reduce childhood poverty in those up to the age of five years old by offering programs for health, learning, and family support.

She also noted his activism working to overturn California’s Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that outlawed same-sex marriages.

She said: “Rob cared deeply about people and demonstrated that in his civic activities — whether by supporting the First 5 initiative or fighting against Prop 8 in California. Civically, he was a champion for the First Amendment and the creative rights of artists. And professionally, he was an iconic figure in film who made us laugh, cry and think with the movies he created.

“Paul and I and our entire family mourn the loss of our very dear friends and are praying for their loved ones during an unimaginable time of grief.”

The mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, said Mr Reiner’s death is a “devastating loss”, and wrote on X: “I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob and his wife Michele. I knew Rob and have tremendous respect for him.”

California state governor Gavin Newsom said: “Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity.”

Reports say authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of the people found dead.

US publication Variety said a family spokesman for Mr Reiner confirmed “the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner” to them, in a statement that added: “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”

Away from directing,  r Reiner also had acting credits, having made a name for himself playing Meathead in the 1970s TV show All In The Family, which aired between 1971-1979 in the US.

He also appeared in front of the camera in Sleepless In Seattle, The Wolf Of Wall Street, TV series New Girl and most recently in season four of The Bear.

In September this year, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, the sequel to the 1984 film, was released, following David St Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), who reunite after a 15-year hiatus, with Mr Reiner starring as documentary filmmaker Martin “Marty” DiBergi.

The film also featured cameos from Paul McCartney and Elton John.

The original film followed the band from their beginnings as skiffle group The Originals, through to their time as a 1960s R&B group called The Thamesmen, who had a hit with Gimme Some Money, before eventually becoming Spinal Tap, which begins as a psychedelic band and then moves into heavy metal.