Hollywood was stunned Sunday after legendary actor-director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were found dead inside their Brentwood home — and their son Nick Reiner was later arrested on suspicion of homicide, according to Los Angeles County jail documents.
Authorities confirmed that Nick was taken into custody at 9:15 p.m. Sunday and formally booked early Monday morning at 5:04 a.m., with bail set at $4 million. Jail records released no further details on the arrest or possible motive.
⭐ Argument Reportedly Took Place the Night Before
Family friends told the Los Angeles Times that Rob and his son had a heated argument Saturday evening during a gathering at Conan O’Brien’s home, where several guests allegedly observed Nick behaving erratically.
Nick Reiner, 39, has spoken publicly about years of addiction and periods of homelessness during his adolescence.
He eventually turned his life around, and in 2015 collaborated with his father on “Being Charlie,” a film loosely based on his struggles with drug dependency and recovery.
Rob directed the movie, while Nick co-wrote it.
During interviews about the film, Rob described the experience of working on the story as both painful and healing. He said revisiting their shared history brought up difficult memories but also helped the family rebuild and strengthen their relationship.
⭐ LAPD Treating the Case as Homicide
According to LAPD officials, the couple’s bodies were discovered at their Chadbourne Avenue residence on Sunday afternoon. First responders were called to the home around 3:30 p.m. for a medical emergency.
Law enforcement sources said there were no signs of forced entry, and the Reiners had injuries “consistent with stab wounds.”
One of the couple’s children reportedly discovered their bodies and contacted police.
By Sunday night, the quiet Brentwood neighborhood had transformed into a major crime scene. Officers sealed off the entire block with yellow tape, stationed patrol cars at both ends, and a police helicopter circled overhead.
A young man — believed to be a family member — was seen leaving the home in a white Tesla around 7:30 p.m., declining to speak with reporters.
⭐ Remembering Rob Reiner: A Hollywood Giant
Rob Reiner, 78, leaves behind a monumental legacy spanning five decades. His work shaped American film and television, beginning with his role as Michael “Meathead” Stivic in All in the Family from 1971 to 1979.
As a director, Reiner delivered some of the most iconic films ever made, including:
- When Harry Met Sally
- The Princess Bride
- This Is Spinal Tap
- Stand By Me
- Misery
- A Few Good Men (Oscar-nominated)
Beyond entertainment, Reiner was a prominent political voice in California and a major supporter of children’s welfare initiatives. He co-founded the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which helped overturn Proposition 8 and legalize same-sex marriage in California.
He was instrumental in the passage of Proposition 10, establishing early childhood development programs statewide.
Reiner was previously married to actress Penny Marshall before marrying Michele Singer Reiner in 1989.
Michele was an accomplished photographer and producer, working on several of her husband’s later projects including Spinal Tap II and Albert Brooks: Defending My Life.
⭐ Officials React to the Tragedy
Local leaders expressed shock and grief following the news.
Councilmember Traci Park, who represents Brentwood, said LAPD has increased patrols “out of an abundance of caution” amid the investigation.
“I want to express my profound sadness at the heartbreaking news coming out of Brentwood,” Park said. “We remain in close contact with LAPD as the homicide unit continues its investigation.”
Mayor Karen Bass said she was “heartbroken” by the couple’s deaths.
“Rob Reiner’s contributions shaped American culture, and he used his voice to fight for social and economic justice,” Bass said. “He was a towering figure in film and a compassionate advocate for others.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom remembered Reiner as a “big-hearted creative force” whose films and activism made the state “a better place.”
⭐ Investigation Ongoing
Police have not yet released an official cause of death, nor have charges been formally filed against Nick Reiner.
LAPD homicide detectives continue to gather evidence as the Brentwood community awaits further updates in the stunning case.