Hollywood is mourning the tragic deaths of acclaimed director and actor Rob Reiner, 78, and his beloved wife, photographer and producer Michele Singer Reiner, 68. The couple was discovered deceased in their Brentwood home on Sunday in what authorities are investigating as an apparent homicide, with early reports suggesting the victims had been stabbed. The LAPD Robbery Homicide Division is leading the ongoing investigation, questioning a family member though no suspect has been identified or detained. This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond.

Rob Reiner, the son of legendary comedy writer Carl Reiner, first rose to prominence through his iconic acting role as Michael "Meathead" Stivic, the liberal son-in-law, in the groundbreaking 1970s sitcom "All in the Family." He remained on the show for eight of its nine seasons, even penning three episodes himself and earning two Emmy Awards for his performance. Throughout his career, Reiner continued to grace the screen in films like "Sleepless in Seattle," "The First Wives Club," "Primary Colors," and "The Wolf of Wall Street," and more recently in television series such as "New Girl" and "The Bear."

Reiner's profound impact on cinema truly solidified with his transition to directing. He helmed a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, starting with the groundbreaking "mockumentary" comedy "This Is Spinal Tap," where he also appeared as the fictional documentary director Marty DiBergi. Over a six-year span, he directed five cinematic masterpieces: "Stand by Me," "The Princess Bride," "When Harry Met Sally…," "Misery," and "A Few Good Men." His directorial efforts also included "The American President," "Ghosts of Mississippi," "The Bucket List," "LBJ," and "Shock and Awe," with his final directorial project being "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" this year. Reiner further expanded his influence by co-founding Castle Rock Entertainment, the production company behind hits like "In the Line of Fire," "City Slickers," the acclaimed drama "The Shawshank Redemption," and the television phenomenon "Seinfeld."

Michele Singer Reiner was a distinguished photographer, known for her famous portrait of Donald Trump featured on the cover of his 1987 memoir "The Art of the Deal." She also ventured into acting with an appearance in the 1994 Nora Ephron comedy "Mixed Nuts," and served as a producer on several films, including the documentaries "Albert Brooks: Defending My Life" and "God & Country."

Beyond their individual creative achievements, Rob and Michele Reiner were formidable forces for progressive causes. They were deeply committed to activism, philanthropy, and advocating for social and economic justice. Rob Reiner was a passionate advocate for children and civil rights, actively fighting against Big Tobacco, championing marriage equality, and serving as a powerful voice in early education. He was a major fundraiser for the Democratic Party and a prominent critic of President Donald Trump. As expressed by the Lear Family, "Rob and Michele spent every breath trying to make this country a better place, and they pursued that through their art, their activism, their philanthropy, and their love for family and friends." Former President Barack Obama noted that they "lived lives defined by purpose," and Mayor Karen Bass stated that Rob Reiner "improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy."

The news of their deaths has prompted a massive outpouring of grief and tributes from across Hollywood and political spheres. Christopher Guest and Jamie Lee Curtis expressed being "numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths," with their focus on supporting the family. The Lear Family stated they were "devastated," and that "The world is unmistakably darker tonight." John Cusack remembered Rob Reiner as "a great man," while Barack Obama shared he was "heartbroken" by the tragic passing. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Seibel Newsom highlighted Reiner's empathy and how he "made California a better place." Director Paul Feig revered Rob as his "true hero" and a "visionary titan," while actor Paul Walter Hauser cited "A Few Good Men" as the reason he became an actor. Jon Cryer, Josh Gad, Virginia Madsen, Joe Russo, Nancy Pelosi, Elijah Wood, Richard Roeper, O’Shea Jackson Jr., and Bear McCreary all shared heartfelt condolences, praising Rob's genius, kindness, and the couple's significant contributions to culture and society.

Rob and Michele Singer Reiner are survived by their three children: Jake, Nick, and Romy. Additionally, Rob is survived by his adopted daughter, Tracy Reiner, from his first marriage to the late actress and director Penny Marshall. The collective memory of their impactful lives and legacies will undoubtedly be cherished.