Actor and director Rob Reiner tragically passed away on Sunday, Oct. 14 at the age of 78, and all of Hollywood rushed to pay tribute to the legendary actor.
Tracy Reiner
“I came from the greatest family ever,â she told NBC News. âI donât know what to say. Iâm in shock.â
Stephen King
âIâm horrified and saddened by the death of Rob Reiner and Michele. Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine). Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me.â
Kathy Bates
“Absolutely devastated,” she told NBC News in a statement. “I loved Rob. He was brilliant and kind, a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist. He also fought courageously for his political beliefs. He changed the course of my life. Michelle was a gifted photographer. She shot my beautiful photos for the Misery campaign. My heart breaks for them both. My thoughts are with their family.”
Josh Gad
“He was one of the greatest directors of our time. He was a friend. He was simply a beautiful person.”
Mia Sorvino
“I am in absolute shock. Rob Reiner was a legend and a kind, brilliant man, a wonderful actor to work opposite on Hollywood, an iconic director. His wife Michele was a lovely generous person- I wish I had been able to get to know her better. The world has lost two tremendous humans. He was so funny and intelligent – we had a great time shooting what could have been awkward scenes but his wit and warmth made all that go away. Talking with him on and off the set was a joy. This doesnât seem possible. My deepest sorrow and condolences and prayers go out to their family.”
Ron Howard
“#RIPRobReiner Our careers and lives intersected often over the decades from Rob writing the pilot script for Happy Days and then as we each shifted from acting careers into directing and producing. He proved to be a superlative filmmaker, a supportive colleague and at all times a dedicated citizen. Rob will be missed on so many levels. My heart goes out to his family and his many close friends.”
Christopher Guest & Jamie Lee Curtis (via Variety)
âChristopher and I 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.â
Cary Elwes
“No words⦔
Estate of Norman Lear (via Variety)
âThe Lear Family is devastated by the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner. Norman often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary, to us and the world. Norman would have wanted to remind us that Rob and Michele spent every breath trying to make this country a better place, and they pursued that through their art, their activism, their philanthropy, and their love for family and friends. Lyn Lear had remained very close with them and said, âThe world is unmistakably darker tonight, and we are left bereft.’â
Paul FeigÂ
One of my most cherished pictures. Rob was my true hero. A true visionary titan and a lovely lovely person. One never knows if itâs proper to post during something as tragic as this. But I just want the world to know what so many of us know in the industry. Rob was the best
Paul Walter Hauser
“Grieving the loss of my favorite director of all-time.
A Few Good Men is THE reason I became an actor, and Robâs filmography behind the camera is THE reason I wanted to direct and still do.
I met Rob Reiner on a Sunday at UCB theatre in Los Angeles on Franklin in 2010. I got very nervous realizing he and his wife and daughter were sitting behind me. I raised my hand to volunteer for a sketch with the show ASSCAT and somehow ended up Lio synching the song âBittersweet Symphonyâ by The Verve using my belly instead of my mouth. It was beyond absurd but I couldnât help thinking âCommit to this. Rob Reiner is watchingâ.
At the intermission, we spoke for maybe 5-10 minutes about how I had just moved to LA from Michigan. He spoke of how he enjoyed filming in Michigan, and he was kind enough to regale me with stories of he and his wife co-writing the marital drama âThe Story of Usâ with Alan Zweibel and HIS wife, and how it was such an interesting exercise. He told me how he wanted to use anamorphic lenses to make the courtroom feel more epic in scope on âA Few Good Menâ.
The guy just treated me with the friendliness and intimate details that few people of his stature would bother recounting to a total stranger. And he said âThat thing you did, with your belly. That was funnyâ.
I hate that Rob and his wife are gone from this world, but they sure as hell impacted me and countless others while here.
THIS IS SPINAL TAP-THE PRINCESS BRIDE-STAND BY ME-WHEN HARRY MET SALLY-MISERY-A FEW GOOD MEN.
He made those films in the course of a decade. There was and will never be anyone better, in my opinion.
Sick to my stomach. Headed back to set. Holding him close as I do the gig that he inspired me to do.”
Meredith Salenger
“There are no words. He was such a light. Beyond his talent in film, he advocated for the best of society. He was a true leader. This is an unimaginable loss. ð #RobReiner rest in peace”
Barack Obama (via Variety)
“Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Robâs 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 peopleâand 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.”
Nancy Pelosi
“The news of a deadly assault on Rob and Michelle Reiner in their home is devastating. Itâs hard to think of anyone more remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavor they pursued. Rob was creative, funny, and beloved. And in all of their endeavors, Michelle was his indispensable partner, intellectual resource, and loving wife. Personally, Rob cared deeply about people and demonstrated that in his civic activities â whether by supporting the First 5 initiative or fighting against Prop 8 in California. Civically, he was a champion for the First Amendment and the creative rights of artists. And professionally, he was an iconic figure in film who made us laugh, cry and think with the movies he created. Paul and I and our entire family mourn the loss of our very dear friends and are praying for their loved ones during an unimaginable time of grief”
Elijah Wood
“Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle. So much love to their kids and family.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
“This is a devastating loss for our city and our country. Rob Reinerâs 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. Among his numerous contributions, Rob helped create First 5 California, a landmark initiative funded by a tobacco tax to support early childhood development programs. He and Michele fought for early childhood development and marriage equality, working to overturn Proposition 8. They were true champions for LGBTQ+ rights. 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.”
President of SAG-AFTRA Sean Astin (via Variety)
âRob Reiner is one of the most significant figures in the history of film and television. The impact he made on American culture simply canât be overstated. Tributes will pour in and the impossibly long list of genre defining films and indelible performances will play in our minds and hearts. Rob Reiner was a member of our union for nearly 60 years,â Astin said in a statement. âWe send love and warmth to Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reinerâs families, friends and colleagues. Our entertainment community and audiences around the world will mourn deeply. On a personal note, so many of Mr. Reinerâs films and performances made me think, made me emotional and especially they made me laugh really hard. Thatâs how I will remember him.â
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