Gavin Newsom issues statement on deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: California Governor Gavin Newsom released a statement on Sunday, December 14, after filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead inside their $13.5 million Brentwood mansion in Los Angeles.

Authorities are investigating the deaths as homicides, saying the couple was discovered suffering from apparent knife wounds. The deaths of the longtime liberal activist and his wife set off an outpouring of grief from prominent Democrats.

Gavin Newsom leads condolences

Newsom was among the first to publicly respond to the tragedy. “Jen and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner,” the governor said in a statement. He described Rob as “the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love, with products as wide ranging as The Princess Bride to A Few Good Men.”

“His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others — and encouraging us to dream bigger,” Newsom added.

The governor also noted Rob's activism. “From taking on Big Tobacco, fighting for marriage equality to serving as a powerful voice in early education, he made California a better place through his good works,” Newsom said.

He concluded that Rob “will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity.”

Nancy Pelosi calls Rob and Michele Reiner's deaths ‘devastating’

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also released a statement reacting to the deaths. “The news of a deadly assault on Rob and Michele Reiner is devastating,” Pelosi said. “It’s hard to think of anyone more remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavor they pursued,” she added, calling Rob “creative, funny, and beloved.”

Pelosi noted Michele’s role in her husband’s life and work. “And in all of their endeavors, Michele was his indispensable partner, intellectual resource, and a loving wife,” she said.

Pelosi also referenced Rob's politics. “Personally, Rob cared deeply about people and demonstrated that in his civic activities,” she said, calling him a “champion for the First Amendment and the creative rights of artists.”

The 85-year-old added, “And professionally, he was an iconic figure in film who made us laugh, cry, and think with the movies he created."

She closed her remarks by saying she, her husband, “and our entire family mourn the loss of our very dear friends and are praying for their loved ones during an unimaginable time of grief.”

Family statement and political activism

A spokesperson for the family asked for privacy as authorities continue investigating the deaths. “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” they said in a statement. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”

Police have not released additional details but confirmed the deaths are being treated as homicides.

It's worth noting that Rob had become increasingly engaged in politics in recent years. He was an ardent supporter of Democrats and a strong advocate of liberal causes.

The 'When Harry Met Sally' director was also a fierce critic of President Donald Trump and announced in 2021 that he was working on a 10 to 13-episode television project examining his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But Rob did not spare members of his own party from criticism. He once reportedly yelled at former Vice President Kamala Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff, during a watch party for then-President Joe Biden’s disastrous June 2024 debate against then-candidate Trump.