Metal Insider is devastated to report the horrifying news that acclaimed director and actor Rob Reiner, most recognized in the metal community as the director of the iconic Spinal Tap mockumentary film series — Spinal Tap: The Final Tour – Short (1981), This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Spinal Tap Short (2007), and Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (2025), has died on Sunday (14th), along with his wife, Michele Singer. Reiner (78) and his wife (70) were found dead in their home in Brentwood, CA, with apparent knife wounds. TMZ reported the two suffered “lacerations consistent with a knife,” as the LAPD’s Robbery Homicide Division continues to investigate.
According to People, Reiner and his wife were found in their Los Angeles home by their daughter, Romy. People also reports the couple was allegedly killed by their son, Nick, based on sources who have spoken with family members. However, police have yet to confirm Nick as an official suspect, as the 32-year-old is being questioned with no arrests made at this time. Calls surrounding the tragedy were made at 3:30 PM on Sunday (14) to the LA Fire Department. Once they arrived at the scene, first responders said they found a man and woman dead, who were later identified as Reiner and Michele.
A spokesperson for the family issued the following statement:
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Despite rumors circulating immediately, LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton stated the following:
“We are not looking for anyone as a suspect or in any other manner at this time. We’re going to try to speak to every family member that we can to get to the facts of this investigation.”
Reiner was beloved within the metal community for bringing us the iconic mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap. Its sequel, This Is Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, was released in September of this year. A third Spinal Tap film is listed on IMDB as “completed,” titled Spinal Tap at Stonehenge: The Final Finale, with a release date set for 2026. Following this shocking news, it is unclear whether the release timeline will change.
Beyond the classic mockumentary, Reiner was a two-time Emmy-winning actor for his acclaimed role in the classic TV series All in the Family. He directed numerous films across multiple genres, including one of the most beloved horror/thriller films: Misery. Additional movies and genres include the classic When Harry Met Sally. There’s also North, one of late critic Roger Ebert’s most recognized “worst films.”
“North” is a bad film – one of the worst movies ever made. But it is not by a bad filmmaker, and must represent some sort of lapse from which Reiner will recover – possibly sooner than I will.”
However, many consider North as a cult classic, which didn’t ruin Reiner’s reputation. Reiner’s extended filmography also includes the iconic The Princess Bride, the Emmy-nominated documentary Albert Brooks: Defending My Life, and more. His work as both a director and actor made him one of the industry’s most recognizable and influential figures, whose legacy will remain.
Rob was born in the Bronx, NY, on March 6, 1947. His father was comedian Carl Reiner, who passed away in 2020, and his mother was actress/singer Estelle Lebost. Rob and Michele had three children together and met when Rob directed the classic film When Harry Met Sally. This loss deeply saddens Metal Insider, and we extend our condolences to Rob and Michele’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Rob Reiner’s Filmography highlights:
Director:
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
Stand By Me (1986)
The Princess Bride (1987)
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Misery (1990)
A Few Good Men (1992)
North (1994)
The American President (1995)
Ghosts of Mississippi (1996)
I Am Your Child (1997)
The Story of Us (1999)
Alex & Emma (2003)
Everyday Life (2004)
Rumor Has It… (2005)
The Bucket List (2007)
Flipped (2010)
The Magic of Belle Isle (2012)
And So It Goes (2014)
Being Charlie (2015)
LBJ (2016)
Shock and Awe (2017)
Albert Brooks: Defending My Life (2023)
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (2025)
Actor:
All In The Family TV Series
Throw Mamma From The Train (1987)
Postcards From The Edge (1990)
Sleepless In Seattle (1993)
Mixed Nuts (1994)
Bye Bye Love (1995)
The First Wives Club (1996)
EdTV (1999)
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Full filmography list view here.
