As tragic details of Rob Reiner’s death unfold, celebrities and leaders from our community are remembering the actor, director and activist’s talent, kind heart and devotion to his family.
Best known for directing classic films like A Few Good Men, starring Cuba Gooding Jr., The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally, and for appearing on the 1970s hit show All in the Family, Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their homes on December 15, allegedly murdered at the hands of their own son, Nick Reiner.
Octavia Spencer was one of the first actors to speak of the legend’s mournful passing. “We lost a great actor, director, and activist today. My prayers are with your loved ones and legions of fans around the world,” she captioned on an Instagram post featuring a black and white photo of the late Reiner.
Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 15, 2025
President Barack Obama posted on X (Twitter): “Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action. 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. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.”
Michelle Obama appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where she shared that she had plans with the slain couple this week. “We’ve known them for many, many years, and we were supposed to be seeing them that night. Last night. And we got the news,” she stated.
The View host Whoopi Goldberg eulogized Reiner on the talk show’s live December 15 broadcast. “I was lucky enough to get directed by him in Ghosts of Mississippi,” she stated. “He was also an outspoken activist, and quite a guy, quite an amazing man.” She recalled how he was a good friend and that she had last seen him at the joint appearance at the 2023 Kennedy Center Honors.
“He was a wonderful director, and a guy who was a stand-up guy,” she concluded. Both appeared on the 2022 TV broadcast of Norman Lear’s 100th Birthday Special.
Ayo Edebiri shared heartfelt words for the director on her Instagram Stories. “This man’s work changed my life, and I don’t think that’s hyperbolic…I was so fortunate to have met him recently and couldn’t believe how game he was to talk with me — and not just because he wanted to indulge a young fan.”
Abbott Elementary creator Quinta Brunson also shared her admiration and offered condolences on the passing of the late Reiner. “My first ever television role was a scene with Rob Reiner. I admired him beyond words,” she shared.
Tributes have been pouring in for the late Reiner. Wreaths, flowers, and candles have been placed on his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.