Rob Reiner's family has spoken out after he and his wife were found dead inside their Los Angeles home on Sunday in what police are investigating as a double homicide.
Relatives said in a 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.'
Reiner's adopted daughter Tracy Reiner, 61, told NBC News: 'I came from the greatest family ever. I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.'
She added that she last saw her father at a family gathering one day before his murder.
The couple's son Nick, 32, is in custody in connection with their deaths.
Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, allegedly had their throats slit after a heated argument turned deadly at their $13.5 million mansion.
Law enforcement sources said their bodies were discovered with what appeared to be knife wounds after the LAPD responded to the home just after 3.30pm.
At a press conference on Sunday it was revealed that 'a family member' was being questioned by authorities, per the Los Angeles Times.
Law enforcement sources told TMZ the victims at the Brentwood house suffered lacerations 'consistent with a knife [attack].'
PEOPLE reported the Los Angeles Fire Department was called to the couple's home at around 3.30pm on Sunday afternoon to provide medical aid, but found the pair already deceased.
The Los Angeles Police Department later confirmed the robbery homicide division was leading the investigation.
Reiner was married to Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981 and he adopted her daughter Tracy from a previous relationship.
After meeting on the 1989 set of When Harry Met Sally and marrying the same year, the director and Michele had three children: Jake, 34, Nick and Romy, 28.
Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass said in a statement: 'This is a devastating loss for our city and our country.
'Rob Reiner's contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice.
'An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others. Personally, I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob and his wife Michele. I knew Rob and have tremendous respect for him.'
She added: 'I want to thank all of the first responders who were called to this tragic event. The investigation is ongoing. I'm holding all who loved Rob and Michele in my heart.'
California Governor Gavin Newsom said: 'Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love, with projects as wide-ranging as The Princess Bride to A Few Good Men.
'His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others – and encouraging us to dream bigger.
'That empathy extended well beyond his films. Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights - from taking on Big Tobacco to fighting for marriage equality to serving as a powerful voice in early education. He made California a better place through his good works.
'Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity.'
Former US president Barack Obama shared a joint message on X with his wife Michelle, writing: '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.'
Since news of the tragedy broke, there has also been an outpouring of grief from across Hollywood.
Christopher Guest, who worked with Reiner on This Is Spinal Tap and The Princess Bride, released a joint statement with his actress wife Jamie Lee Curtis.
They said: '[We are] numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michelle Singer Reiner and our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them.
'There will be plenty of time later to discuss the creative lives we shared and the great political and social impact they both had on the entertainment industry, early childhood development, the fight for gay marriage and their global care for a world in crisis. We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.'
In a post on X, director Paul Feig wrote: 'Rob is one of my heroes. I had the honor of calling him a friend. I pray this isn't what it sounds like it is. I just saw [him] and Michele two nights ago.'
James Woods, who appeared in Reiner's 1996 film Ghosts of Mississippi, added in a post on the platform: 'Rob and I remained good friends ever since we made GHOSTS OF MISSISSIPPI.
'The studio didn't think I was old enough to do the part, but Rob fought for me. Political differences never stood in the way of our love and respect for each other. I am devastated by this terrible event.'
Elijah Wood, who starred in the moviemaker's 1994 film North, wrote: 'Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michele. So much love to their kids and family.'
Reiner, son of comedian Carl Reiner, who created The Dick Van Dyke Show, and his actress wife Estelle, started his career in Hollywood as an actor.
He first played Mike 'Meathead' Stivic in the hit sitcom All in the Family between 1971 and 1979, with the role earning him two Primetime Emmy Awards.
His other acting credits include parts in 1993 romcom Sleepless in Seattle, The First Wives Club in 1996, 1998 thriller Primary Colors and 2013 movie The Wolf of Wall Street.
However, he is best remembered for his directing work which started in the early 1980s when he took charge of 1984 music mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap.
He went on to direct 1986's Stand by Me as well as the 1987 fantasy adventure The Princess Bride and 1989 rom-com When Harry Met Sally.
Reiner's directing work continued with Stephen King adaptation Misery in 1990 and courtroom drama A Few Good Men in 1992, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.
His other movies included 1995's The American President, And So It Goes in 2014 and 2017's Shock and Awe. His final movie returned to his roots as he brought Spinal Tap back to the big screen for a second outing, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which hit cinemas earlier this year.
