British comedian and Monty Python member Eric Idle said he spoke to filmmaker Rob Reiner just hours before Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, in what authorities are investigating as an apparent homicide. Reiner was 78, Michele Reiner was 68.
“Rob Reiner was a nice man. I spoke with him for over an hour last night,” Idle wrote. “He told me about filming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future. It’s so terrible.”
According to several media reports citing family sources, the couple was allegedly killed by their son, Nick Reiner. Their bodies were reportedly discovered by their daughter Romy Reiner. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Nick was taken into custody on December 15 and is being held on $4 million bail. Officials have not released further details and the investigation is still ongoing.
“He will be missed. A smart, talented and very thoughtful man,” Idle added in a follow-up post, expressing shock and sadness at the unfortunate news.
Reiner’s family confirmed the death in a statement to Variety on Sunday and asked for privacy during what they described as an “incredibly difficult time.”
Rob and Michele Reiner have been married since 1989. They met while Reiner was working on When Harry Met Sally, the 1989 romantic comedy classic that he directed. Reiner has previously said that meeting Michel influenced how he approached the end of the film.
In addition to Nick and Roma, the couple also shared a son, Jake Reiner, a Hollywood producer. Rob Reiner is survived by his daughter Tracy Reiner from his first marriage to filmmaker Penny Marshall.
