Legendary film director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer were found dead in their California home Sunday in what law enforcement is investigating as “an apparent homicide,” leaving figures from across the political spectrum stunned and sparking a wave of tributes for both his film career and political activism.
“We lost Rob Reiner tonight. Not only was he a legend in Hollywood, one of our biggest industries, but he was also a patriot,” wrote The Young Turks founder Cenk Uygur in a social media post on X. “Whether you agreed with him or not, there was something you couldn't take from him – he cared about this country! He tried so hard to make a difference!”
Reiner’s career in film spanned several decades, and saw him direct countless critically-acclaimed films that have gone on to become enduring fixtures in American cinema, including 1987’s “The Princess Bride,” 1992’s “A Few Good Men” and “When Harry Met Sally.”
Beyond his work in Hollywood, Reiner was also a longtime supporter of the Democratic Party and a vocal advocate for human rights and progressive social causes, as well as a fierce critic of President Donald Trump.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he and his wife Jen were “heartbroken” over the news of Reiner and his wife’s sudden death, praising the director and Brentwood resident for not only his films, but his political advocacy.
“His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others – and encouraging us to dream bigger,” Newsom wrote in a social media post on X.
“That empathy extended well beyond his films. Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights – 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.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris praised Reiner for having “fought for America’s democracy,” and author Stephen King called Reiner a “wonderful friend,” a “brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine)” and a “political ally.” Former President Barack Obama wrote that he was also “heartbroken” over the news, and argued Reiner and his wife would be “remembered for the values they championed.”
MAGA influencer Robby Starbuck – a staunch supporter of Trump – issued condolences to the family of the legendary filmmaker and his wife, noting that “political differences aside, this is very sad.”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