Tributes have flooded in from across the entertainment world following the deaths of filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, who were found dead at their Los Angeles home. Friends, collaborators and cultural figures have shared memories honoring Reiner’s creativity, warmth and lasting influence — while also acknowledging the profound shock surrounding the circumstances of their deaths.
Harry Shearer, Reiner’s longtime friend and collaborator who portrayed bassist Derek Smalls in This Is Spinal Tap, remembered him as “funny, smart and a mensch.” Shearer, who co-wrote Spinal Tap with Reiner, recalled his infectious laugh during early comedy days and credited him with shaping the chaotic ideas behind the project into a fully realized film. He also spoke of the close bond between his wife and Michele Singer Reiner, calling the loss of the couple “unspeakable” and likening the tragedy to something drawn from Greek drama.
Jamie Lee Curtis, speaking alongside her husband Christopher Guest — who played Nigel Tufnel in Spinal Tap — shared a joint statement expressing disbelief and sorrow. Curtis said they were “numb and heartbroken” by the violent loss of their dear friends and emphasized that their immediate focus was supporting the Reiner family. She noted the couple’s impact not only on film and comedy, but also on politics and social causes, adding that there would be time later to reflect on their creative legacy.
Sir Paul McCartney also paid tribute, posting a photo of himself with Reiner taken on the set of Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, released earlier this year. McCartney described the deaths as “a tragedy” and “so shocking,” particularly given his recent collaboration with Reiner. He remembered the director as upbeat and deeply lovable, acknowledged the influence of Reiner’s father Carl Reiner, and said it was heartbreaking to imagine a world without Rob and Michele in it.
In a separate message, Elton John shared his disbelief at the news, calling Rob and Michele “two of the most beautiful people” he had ever known and saying they “deserved better.” His words echoed the sense of devastation felt by those who knew the couple personally.
The outpouring of grief reflects the profound respect held for Rob Reiner’s decades-long career — from This Is Spinal Tap to The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men, and his recent return to the Spinal Tap universe — as well as the quiet but meaningful creative presence of Michele Singer Reiner, who worked as a photographer, actress and artistic partner.
