Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele, 68, were found dead at their Los Angeles home on Sunday. Investigators said the couple suffered stab wounds, and their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, who had struggled with substance abuse, was arrested on suspicion of murder. The shocking deaths have sent waves of grief through Hollywood and beyond.
After the news broke, Barack Obama shared a heartfelt tribute on X on behalf of himself and his wife. “Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele,” he wrote. Obama praised Reiner’s legendary career in film and television, but said what mattered most was his belief in the goodness of people and his commitment to living by his values. He added that the couple lived lives “defined by purpose” and inspired countless others.
On Monday night, Michelle Obama appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and spoke emotionally about the loss. She revealed that the Obamas had plans to see the Reiners that very evening. “We were supposed to be seeing them that night — last night,” she told Jimmy Kimmel. “We’ve known them for many, many years.” She described herself and her husband as “heartbroken” by the tragedy.
During the interview, Michelle also strongly pushed back against comments made by Donald Trump following Reiner’s death. In a Truth Social post, Trump described the late director as “deranged” and “tortured,” blaming his death on what he called “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” The remarks sparked immediate outrage.
Responding on the show, Michelle defended the Reiners’ character. “Unlike some people, Rob and Michele Reiner are some of the most decent, courageous people you ever want to know,” she said. “They are not deranged or crazed.” She added that the couple were passionate, principled, and willing to stand up for what they believed in, including fairness, equity, family, and the country. “And that is the truth. I do know them,” she said firmly.
Jimmy Kimmel also addressed Trump’s post in his opening monologue, criticizing the lack of compassion in the response to such a brutal family tragedy. He said moments like these call for leadership, empathy, and understanding, not political attacks.
Trump’s comments drew criticism from both sides of the political aisle. Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said the killings were a family tragedy, not a political issue, and should be met with empathy, especially given the reported struggles with addiction and mental health. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky called the remarks “inappropriate and disrespectful,” while Rep. Mike Lawler of New York said the situation should inspire sympathy and compassion, regardless of political differences.
Rob Reiner was one of Hollywood’s most successful and influential directors. His work included classics such as This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, and A Few Good Men. He also became famous as “Meathead” on the hit 1970s sitcom All in the Family, a role that earned him two Emmy Awards.
The son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, Rob married photographer Michele Singer Reiner in 1989. They met while he was directing When Harry Met Sally and shared three children together: Nick, Jake, and Romy.
As tributes continue to pour in, many have emphasized the same message echoed by Michelle Obama and others: this is a devastating human tragedy that deserves compassion, respect, and empathy above all else.
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