The entertainment community, reeling from the pandemic’s impacts, looks to address their grief. Legendary filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer were discovered dead under suspicious circumstances in their Los Angeles home. Political life Reiner became known for his iconic portrayal of Michael “Meathead” Stivic on Norman Lear’s hit and groundbreaking sitcom “All in the Family.” His most visionary and important contributions, however, his inimitable legacy, are felt off-screen and in the form of just a few words.
Reiner’s career spanned decades and included notable achievements such as directing the 1984 rock documentary spoof “This Is Spinal Tap” and its recent sequel “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” which marked his final film. Tributes poured in from friends, colleagues, and admirers, highlighting not only his artistic talents but his deep commitment to social justice and advocacy for those without a voice.
Norman Lear, the creator of “All in the Family,” praised Reiner’s quick wit and intellect, stating, “Rob’s brain and mouth, like a chain of Chinese firecrackers, are firing constantly.” This sentiment was echoed by actor Josh Gad, who declared him “one of the greatest directors of our time.” Reiner’s work sparked conversations and challenged societal norms, making him a significant figure in the fight for equality and representation.
Beyond his success on screen, Rob Reiner was a passionate family advocate. He married Michele Singer in 1989, and together they raised three children: Jake, Nick, and Romy. The couple’s unquenchable devotion to each other glowed strongly — even in the darkest moments. Together they fought for innovation in arts, activism, and philanthropy.
Barack and Michelle Obama tweeted about their sadness at the couple’s death. In a joint statement, they reflected on Reiner’s impact on storytelling and his belief in humanity’s goodness. They remarked, “Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired.”
Private Facebook messages and posts from friends of the couple further expressed their own grief. Christopher Guest and Jamie Lee Curtis are “numb and sad” over the “violent, tragic deaths” of their closest friends. They’re committed to ongoing support for Reiner’s kids as they weather this storm. There would be plenty of time down the line to celebrate the Reiners’ extraordinary lives and lasting contributions to the world, they explained.
In a statement, the Lear Family said they were heartbroken over the loss of Rob and Michele Reiner. Specifically, they shone a spotlight on the incredible story behind Norman Lear and Rob Reiner’s relationship. Lear often referred to Reiner as his son, a testament to their intense connection. Their relationship grew on a foundation of mutual respect and shared ideals. They committed their lives to, above all, making our nation a better place through their work.
Comedian and filmmaker Paul Feig, a friend of Reiner’s, described him as a “true hero.” Scores of others expressed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the powerful way Reiner leveraged his platform to push for positive change in society. Ron Howard remembered him as “a superlative filmmaker, a supporting colleague and at all times a dedicated citizen,” reflecting on the qualities that made Reiner an inspiration to many.
In 1985, Reiner directed his first feature film, the teen romantic comedy The Sure Thing. This film almost instantly made him one of the most powerful forces in Hollywood. His later productions pushed boundaries and broke molds even further, all the while captivating theatergoers and critics alike. His films offered not just laughter and tears, but a mirror to society that engaged audiences then—and still today.
Much like her equally illustrious husband, Michele Singer was dedicated to advocacy, often working in tandem with her husband to promote awareness for causes that mattered most. Their love and partnership became an essential fabric in the pursuit for equity and justice, intersecting and enriching thousands of lives. The Obamas encapsulated this sentiment by describing them as “two of the most kind and caring souls you could ever imagine.”
