Recommendations of the Editorial team
Reiner was a longtime activist, supporter of progressive causes and supporter of the Democratic Party. Like Michelle Obama in the Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show noted on Monday (Dec. 15), she and her husband had known the Reiners for “many, many years.”
She added, “We were supposed to meet them last night. And then we got the news. Let me just say this: Unlike some other people, Rob and Michele Reiner are some of the most decent and courageous people you can imagine.”
(That appeared to be a not-so-subtle reference to President Donald Trump, who mocked Reiner after hearing the news.)
Murder of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer: investigation and prosecution
The Reiners were killed in their home on Sunday, December 14th. Her 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was arrested later that same night and ultimately charged with murder. He remains in custody without bail and a court hearing is expected to take place on Wednesday (December 17).
In addition to all his colleagues, friends and admirers in the entertainment industry, Reiner was also mourned by many politicians, especially from the left-wing camp. Although Reiner was best known for his comedies, his works often had sharp political undertones, particularly his two career-defining films with Aaron Sorkin, “A Question of Honor” and “Hello, Mr. President.”
“They’ve always been passionate people in a time where there’s not a lot of courage,” Obama said on Kimmel. “They were people who were willing to stand up for what they cared about. And they cared about their family, they cared about this country, and they cared about fairness and justice.”
Appreciations from politicians and the public
In his own statement, Barack Obama said that all of Reiner’s film narratives were characterized by “a deep belief in the good in people – and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.” He added: “Together, he and his wife lived a life defined by a shared purpose. They will be remembered for the values they stood for and the countless people they inspired.”
Other tributes came from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Bill and Hillary Clinton.