Celebrities

Inside Rob Reiner And Son Nick’s Relationship—Separating Fact From Rumor

Inside Rob Reiner And Son Nick’s Relationship—Separating Fact From Rumor
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Two bodies were discovered at the Brentwood home of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer, with Los Angeles Fire Department crews responding around 3:30 PM PT on Sunday, December 14, TMZ reports.

File this under stories I wish I did not have to write: multiple outlets are reporting a horrific situation at Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner's home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. The details are developing, some of them are unconfirmed, and several are frankly hard to process. Here is what is being reported and what is not yet official.

What we know so far

  • On Sunday, December 14, around 3:30 PM PT, the Los Angeles Fire Department was called to a Brentwood address. First responders found two adults dead: a man, approximately 78, and a woman, approximately 68. LAPD arrived roughly 10 minutes later, and a formal investigation is underway.
  • TMZ initially reported two unidentified bodies at the home. The outlet later reported the victims are filmmaker-actor Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, 68. TMZ's sources also say the injuries appeared to be lacerations consistent with a knife.
  • PEOPLE reports that the couple were discovered by their daughter, Romy. The magazine also says multiple sources have alleged that their son, Nick, may be responsible. Police are questioning him, but authorities have not announced an arrest or publicly named a suspect.
  • As the reports spread, tributes began appearing on social media on December 15.

The family context PEOPLE and others are pointing to

Back in 2016, Nick Reiner spoke openly about his long battle with addiction. He told PEOPLE he started using drugs early, spiraled into homelessness across multiple states, and first entered rehab at 15. His experience became the basis for the semi-autobiographical film 'Being Charlie' (2015), which he co-wrote. Rob directed the movie, and Nick Robinson played the title character, a young addict who cycles in and out of treatment.

Rob has said making the film with his son was both painful and meaningful. On TODAY, he put it this way:

'It was very personal. What I didn't understand is the depth of what [Nick] was going through.'

He also talked about how the process helped them see each other's side of those years. Nick told Variety that their relationship improved during the project; he even added a reconciliation moment to the script where the son hugs his father, which he said was a way of letting his dad back in.

Rob Reiner, in brief

Rob first broke out on CBS's 'All in the Family,' winning two Primetime Emmys. On the acting side, he showed up in films like 'Sleepless in Seattle,' 'The First Wives Club,' and 'The Wolf of Wall Street.' He met Michele while he was directing 'When Harry Met Sally' and married her in 1989. Before Michele, he was married to the late Penny Marshall.

Where this stands right now

This is a fast-moving, deeply troubling story with some claims still unconfirmed by authorities. The LAPD has launched an investigation. Reports naming the victims as Rob and Michele are coming from outlets citing sources, and allegations involving their son remain just that: allegations. No arrests have been announced.

I know this is grim. As more verified information comes in, I will update. Until then, take everything not coming directly from law enforcement or an official statement with caution.