Ben Stiller mourns deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele: ‘What a huge loss'

Ben Stiller mourned Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, calling him a favorite director whose films shaped his generation
PUBLISHED DEC 15, 2025
Authorities are investigating the deaths of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner as an apparent homicide (Getty Images)
Authorities are investigating the deaths of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner as an apparent homicide (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ben Stiller paid tribute to director Rob Reiner following the shocking deaths of Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, who were found dead at their Los Angeles home on December 14, 2025.

As the LAPD investigates the apparent homicide, Stiller reflected on Reiner’s remarkable career, highlighting his evolution from actor to acclaimed filmmaker behind iconic classics of the 1980s and 1990s, including 'This Is Spinal Tap,' 'Stand by Me,' and 'The Princess Bride.'



Ben Stiller pays tribute to filmmaker Rob Reiner

In a post on X dated December 15, Ben Stiller expressed his grief over the deaths of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer, writing, “What a huge loss.”

He praised Reiner as “one of my favorite directors,” adding, “He made some of the most formative movies for my generation.” Stiller reflected on Reiner’s career journey, noting, “He came out from 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.”

Ben Stiller attends the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Frazer Harrison)
Ben Stiller attends the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Highlighting one of Reiner’s most iconic works, Stiller wrote, “Spinal Tap is one of the best comedies ever made - and the list goes on.”

He also remembered Reiner as “a kind, caring person who was really, really funny.” Stiller concluded his tribute by saying, “I didn’t know him well but was always a fan and I feel a real sadness for those who did, and his family.”

Police probe apparent homicide of Rob Reiner and wife Michele

Authorities are treating the deaths of director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, as an apparent homicide after investigators found stab wounds consistent with a knife attack. As of this writing, police have not publicly identified any suspects or made any arrests, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Michele Singer Reiner and director Rob Reiner attend the
Michele Singer Reiner and director Rob Reiner attend the 'Shock and Awe' red carpet on day four of the 14th annual Dubai International Film Festival held at the Madinat Jumeriah Complex on December 9, 2017 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for DIFF)

The couple’s family has asked for privacy amid the tragedy. While multiple media outlets have reported claims that the couple’s son, Nick, killed them, law enforcement has not officially confirmed those accounts.

On Sunday, December 14, at approximately 3:30 pm, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call at a residence to provide medical aid.

Upon arrival, first responders found a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman dead at the scene. Sources later confirmed the victims as Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. Police said their son, Nick Reiner, 32, is alive and being questioned. Authorities have made no arrests. 

Nick Reiner detailed past d*ug addiction in 2016 interview

In a 2016 interview with PEOPLE, Nick Reiner spoke openly about his long struggle with d*ug addiction, which began in his early teens and led to years of instability, including periods of homelessness.

Director Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner attend the Premiere of Verticle Entertainment's
Director Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner attend the Premiere of Verticle Entertainment's 'Shock And Awe' at The London West Hollywood on July 9, 2018 in West Hollywood, California (Alberto E Rodriguez/Getty Images)

He said he entered and exited rehab starting around age 15 and later lived on the streets in several states as his addiction worsened. Nick explained that those experiences inspired the semi-autobiographical film 'Being Charlie,' which he co-wrote.

“Now, I’ve been home for a really long time,” he told People at the time, “and I’ve sort of gotten acclimated back to being in LA and being around my family.”

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