Authorities confirmed that filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead on Sunday, December 14, after their daughter discovered their bodies at home. Early reports indicated the couple had suffered fatal stab wounds.
At first, LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton stated that police were not searching for any suspects. However, in a press briefing the next day, officials announced that the couple’s son, Nick Reiner, had been taken into custody and charged with murder. His bail has reportedly been set at $4 million.
Rob and Michele shared three children — Nick, Jake, and Romy. Rob also adopted Tracy Reiner, his daughter from his earlier marriage to Penny Marshall. Tracy told NBC News that she had seen her father just one day before his death and expressed shock, saying, “I came from the greatest family ever. I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
The family issued a statement to Variety, asking for privacy while mourning the sudden loss of Rob and Michele. The message did not mention Nick’s arrest.
Nick Reiner’s Long Battle With Mental Health and Addiction
TMZ reported that tensions were noticeable the night before the tragedy, when the family attended Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party. Witnesses say Nick and Rob were involved in a loud argument. Friends later confirmed these details to The Los Angeles Times.
TMZ also noted that Michele had confided in others about the difficulties of supporting Nick through his mental health challenges and addiction struggles, saying they had “tried everything.”
Nick’s personal struggles were the basis of the 2016 film Being Charlie, which he co-wrote while Rob directed. The story mirrored Nick’s experiences with heroin addiction and homelessness.
Interviews from that period resurfaced online, showing Rob praising Nick’s honesty and insight during the making of the film, and Nick explaining why he wanted to tell his story. The pair discussed the long and painful journey through Nick’s addiction, including multiple stays in rehab starting at age 15.
Despite years of turmoil, they said working on the film brought them closer. Nick had largely stayed out of the public eye in recent years, with his most recent appearance coming in September 2025 when the family gathered to support Rob at the Spinal Tap II premiere.
The family is now grieving an unimaginable loss. In their statement, they expressed deep heartbreak and asked for time and privacy. Friends, colleagues, and fans have been sending condolences as more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
