Entertainment Tonight
Just a heartbreaking situation.
On Sunday, devastating news emerged that actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found brutally murdered inside their Los Angeles home.
Reiner began his career in the entertainment industry in the late 1960s, taking on small television roles in shows like The Andy Griffith Show and The Beverly Hillbillies. His breakout moment came in 1971 when he stepped into the role of “Meathead” on All in the Family. Although he continued acting, Reiner ultimately became best known for his work behind the camera, directing critically acclaimed films such as When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, Stand By Me, and A Few Good Men.
Authorities arrested Reiner’s son, Nick Reiner, earlier today in connection with the shocking deaths of his parents. He is currently being held without bond. Reports indicate Nick had been battling serious mental health and substance abuse issues and was allegedly involved in a loud confrontation with his parents over the weekend during a Christmas gathering hosted by Conan O’Brien.
Following the news, tributes began pouring in immediately from across Hollywood and beyond, including from members of the country music community who had worked closely with Reiner.
One of those voices was Reba McEntire, who shared a deeply emotional tribute to the late actor and director. Reiner had previously collaborated with McEntire on her 1993 music video for “Does He Love You,” a duet with Linda Davis.
The cinematic video centers on a dramatic love triangle between the two singers and their shared love interest. It concludes with Davis and the unnamed man fleeing on a boat that suddenly explodes — only for Reiner to call “Cut!” revealing the dramatic twist was part of the film they were shooting.
At the time, McEntire was also working with Reiner on his film North, and she fondly reflected on those experiences:
“I enjoyed every minute I was around Rob Reiner. He was one of a kind. I got to work with him on the movie North and he also helped us with the ending of my video, ‘Does He Love You.’ I sure will miss him. What a gift he was to this world. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Many who knew Reiner and his wife are struggling to process the loss. During an interview with Entertainment Tonight this week, McEntire became visibly emotional when asked about him.
She choked up while recalling their time together, calling Reiner “a great guy” and expressing how deeply he will be missed:
“It’s been a very emotional day, with everything happening in the world and with Rob and his family. It’s hard to feel upbeat. All we can do is look back and lift people up, saying thank you for the time we had with them.
We learned from him, we were so blessed to have him in our lives. He was so gracious, so much fun, a great director and a wonderful person. His legacy lives on through his work. I will miss him dearly.”
It is an unimaginable loss, and hearing from those who knew him best makes it clear just how impactful Rob Reiner was, not only as a filmmaker, but as a person. He will be remembered as a true legend whose influence on Hollywood will never fade.