Rob Reiner’s son Nick arrested after death of director and wife Michele

Rob Reiner’s son Nick Reiner has been arrested following the death of the Hollywood director and his wife, Michele.

Nick, 32, was arrested on Sunday night and is being held in custody on a four-million-dollar (£2.9 million) bail, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff Department Inmate Information Centre.

It comes after detectives launched an investigation into an “apparent homicide” after two people were found stabbed to death at the director’s home on Sunday, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) told the Press Association.

LAPD Chief of Police Jim McDonnell confirmed the identities of the two bodies as Rob and Michele during a press conference on Monday, adding that their son Nick is a suspect in the case and has been “booked for murder”.

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

Nick worked with his father on the 2016 film, Being Charlie, which was loosely inspired on Nick’s experience of addiction and attending rehab.

The film, which he co-wrote, was directed by Rob and follows the son of a US governor, Charlie, played by Nick Robinson, as he battles with drug abuse.

In an interview with US publication People Magazine, Nick explained that the film was not about him, however parts of the story he had experienced himself including going to rehab throughout his teenage years and his own experiences of homelessness and spending “weeks” on the streets for refusing to return to a rehab facility.

Tributes have poured in for the Hollywood director and his wife including from former US president Barack Obama, former US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi, and singer Sir Elton John, who featured in the sequel to his 1984 mockumentary film Spinal Tap, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, released in September this year.

US president Donald Trump has also commented on the death with a post on Truth Social where he described Reiner as a “tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star”.

He continued to suggest that the couple’s death was politically motivated.

Mr Trump claimed Rob and Michele died “reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as Trump derangement syndrome.

“He was known to have driven people crazy by his raging obsession of President Donald J Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before.

“May Rob and Michele rest in peace!”

Rob was also known for directing 1986 film Stand By Me and 1990’s Misery, both of which are adaptations of Stephen King books.

In a post on X, King, 78, said he was “horrified and saddened” by the death of Reiner and his wife Michele.

“Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine). Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me,” he said.

Former US President Joe Biden wrote on X: “Jill and I send our deepest condolences to everyone whose lives were touched by Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner’s extraordinary contributions.

“We take solace in knowing their work will live on for generations to come.”

Mr Obama added that he and his wife Michelle were “heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele”.

He wrote on X: “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.”

Beatles star Sir Paul McCartney, who appeared in the Spinal Tap sequel, paid tribute on Instagram, describing he filmmaker as “an upbeat, lovable man”.

He said: “Life can be so unfair and this tragedy proves it. His father, Carl Reiner, was a great humourist before him and Rob followed in his dad’s footsteps doing a terrific job making many great films. 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 humour, Rob. Rest in Peace. Love Paul.”

Kathy Bates, who starred in Rob’s 1990 psychological drama Misery, said she was “horrified” and “absolutely devastated” at the “terrible news”.

She said: “I loved Rob. He was brilliant and kind, a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist.

“He also fought courageously for his political beliefs. He changed the course of my life. Michele was a gifted photographer. She shot my beautiful photos for the Misery campaign. My heart breaks for them both. My thoughts are with their family.”

Former US president Bill Clinton also paid tribute to the couple on behalf of himself and his wife, former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, in a post X.

The statement said: “They inspired and uplifted millions through their work in film and television. And they were good, generous people who made everyone who knew them better through their active citizenship in defence of inclusive democracy, setting an example of us all to follow.

Other Hollywood stars who have paid tribute include US actor James Woods, Frozen star Josh Gad, Zoolander actor Ben Stiller and The Lord Of The Rings’ Elijah Wood who appeared in his 1994 family film North and said he was “horrified” to hear of his death.

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

His other films included The Princess Bride (1987), The Story Of Us (1999), The Magic Of Belle Isle (2012) and LBJ (2016).

Most recently he starred in season four of The Bear, but he was also in front of the camera for Sleepless In Seattle, The Wolf Of Wall Street and US sitcom New Girl.

Actress Ayo Edebiri, who plays Sydney Adamu in The Bear, said in a post on her Instagram story: “This man’s work changed my life and I don’t think that’s hyperbolic.

New Girl actress Zooey Deschanel said her heart was broken in a tribute on Instagram to Rob, who played her father in the hit series, and Michele.

She said: “Rob Reiner was the absolute warmest, funniest, most generous of spirits. A truly good human being. An incredible artist and such a playful and fun collaborator. I cherish the time we spent working together and the many films he made that have shaped who I am.

“Rob and his lovely wife Michele were always so kind and it brought me so much joy any time I was lucky enough to see them.

“I’m absolutely devastated. Sending so much love to their family and friends.”