Kathy Bates and Barack Obama lead tributes to Hollywood titan Rob Reiner after shocking death

Celebrities have paid tribute to director and actor Rob Reiner after the Hollywood star and his wife were killed at their home.

The When Harry Met Sally director Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele Singer, 68, were killed in their home in Los Angeles, their family has announced.

Reiner has directed classic films, including the likes of Misery, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, and This Is Spinal Tap, while Singer was an actress and photographer.

The Los Angeles Police Department has told ABC7 that the deaths are being investigated as homicides.

In reaction to their sudden deaths, many A-listers have spoken out and paid tribute, with some even revealing that they spoke to him just before his death.

In a statement given to NBC News, Kathy Bates, 77, who worked on Reiner’s film Misery, said: ‘I’m horrified hearing this terrible news. Absolutely devastated. 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.’

The star won a best actress oscar for her role as Annie Wilkes in Reiner’s 1990 adaptation of the Stephen King novel, and she also acted alongside him in 1998’s Primary Colors, which won her another Academy Award nomination.

She also praised Reiner’s wife: ‘Michele 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.’

Actor and comedian, Eric Idle, said on X that he spoken to the star just before his death.

‘Rob Reiner was a lovely man. I spoke to him last night for over an hour. I always enjoyed his company. I met him at his Dad’s in 1975. He was telling me about filming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future. This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful,’ he said.

Former US President Barack Obama also shared his condolences on X: ‘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.’

Elijah Wood commented that he was horrified by the news.

‘Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle. So much love to their kids and family,’ he said.

John Cusack, who appeared in Reiner’s 1985 comedy, The Sure Thing, wrote on X: ‘Shocked  by the death of  Rob Reiner –  a great man.’

He later added: ‘At a loss for any words that make sense – RIP Rob and Michelle.’

Cobra Kai star Paul Walter Hauser mourned the director and added that Reiner’s 1992 film, A Few Good Men, was one of the reasons he became a an actor: ‘[A Few Good Men was ] THE reason I became an actor, and Rob’s filmography behind the camera is THE reason I wanted to direct and still do.’

Jerry O’Connell, who starred in Reiner’s 1986 film, Stand By Me, shared a picture from the film’s set and wrote: ‘Love you, Rob.’

Frozen actor Josh Gad posted: ‘He was one of the greatest directors of our time. He was a friend. He was simply a beautiful person. Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were two of the kindest and caring souls you could ever imagine.’

Director and actor Rob Schneider shared: ‘Human beings, Rob Reiner and his wife Michele have been tragically killed today. I am deeply saddened. Every life is sacred and given by God, our creator. One of the most accomplished American directors who ever lived, his movies have been adored by generations, but I will remember him most for making me laugh my guts out with my Dad watching the greatest American tv show of all time, “All In The Family.” I will be praying for his friends and family that they may find solace and peace.’

Kamala Harris also paid tribute: ‘Rob Reiner’s work has impacted generations of Americans. The characters, dialogue, and visuals he brought to life in film and television are woven throughout our culture. Rob loved our country, cared deeply about the future of our nation, and fought for America’s democracy. Rob and his wife Michele loved each other very much. They were dear friends, and Doug and I are devastated to learn of their passing. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this tragic time.’

LA Mayor Karen Bass said Sunday night: ‘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. 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.’

Ben Stiller said: ‘What a huge loss. Rob Reiner was one of my favorite directors. He made some of the most formative movies for my generation. He came out form behind a huge comedic shadow of the great Carl Reiner and being a tv actor to being a a great director who made an incredible run of movies. Spinal Tap is one of the best comedies ever made – and the list goes on. He was a kind caring person who was really really funny.

‘I didn’t know him well but was always a fan and I feel a real sadness for those who did, and his family.💙’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.