The director of “The Princess Bride” and “Harry & Sally” is dead. Newsom, Pelosi and stars from all over the world say goodbye to Rob and Michele Reiner.
Hollywood mourns Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner. After the unexpected death of the couple, who was found with multiple stab wounds in their home in Brentwood, California, on the morning of December 14, 2025, numerous representatives from politics, the film industry and culture have publicly expressed their dismay. The news caused great concern, particularly in democratic government circles and in liberal Hollywood.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom praised Reiner as a warm-hearted creative genius and committed citizen. With films like “The Princess Bride” and “A Question of Honor,” Rob Reiner created timeless works that shaped generations. “Jen and I are heartbroken over the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner,” Newsom said in a public statement.
It continued: “This empathy extended far beyond his films. Rob was a passionate advocate for children’s rights and civil rights – from fighting the tobacco industry to supporting marriage equality to his commitment to early childhood education. Through his work, he made California a better place.”
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Nancy Pelosi recalls decades of commitment
Democratic Congresswoman and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi also recalled Reiner’s decades of civic engagement. “As a citizen, he fought tirelessly for freedom of expression and artists’ copyrights. And professionally, he was a film icon who made us laugh, cry and think through his films,” she added. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass spoke of a “devastating loss for our city and our country.”
Paul Walter Hauser explained on Instagram that “A Question of Honor” was the reason he wanted to become an actor and director:
“Legend is an understatement”
There were also numerous personal reactions from the film industry. Director Paul Feig shared a photo together on X with the words: “Rob was my true hero. A visionary giant and a wonderful human being.” “Legend is an understatement,” said screenwriter and producer C. Robert Cargill about the platform.
Many actors shared their memories of working with the director. In addition to Elijah Wood, who starred in “North” in 1994, Virginia Madsen and John Cusack also commented. The family of the late TV producer Norman Lear released a particularly personal statement. Lear often referred to Reiner as his son. “Norman would certainly have reminded us that Rob and Michele have worked tirelessly to make this country a better place,” it continued.