Hollywood luminaries and political heavyweights expressed their shock and sadness Sunday night upon learning that prolific director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Los Angeles home.
Actor Kathy Bates, who worked with Reiner on the 1990 film “Misery,” called him a "brilliant" artist who "changed the course" of her life.
"I’m horrified hearing this terrible news. Absolutely devastated. I loved Rob," Bates, who also acted in the 1998 political comedy and drama "Primary Colors" alongside Reiner, told NBC News in a statement.
"He was brilliant and kind, a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist. He also fought courageously for his political beliefs. He changed the course of my life."
She also praised Michele Reiner, Bates, calling her a “gifted photographer.”
Some who worked with Rob Reiner praised him for his heartfelt authenticity throughout his long career.
"The humor is smart and the heart is real," comedian Kevin Nealon said in statement. "His films were part of the air for us. Grateful for what he made, and for what he and his wife gave the world."
Fellow director Paul Feig posted a photo of him and Rob Reiner at Comic-Con on X, describing the filmmaker as his "true hero."
"One never knows if it’s proper to post during something as tragic as this," wrote Feig, the director of "The Housemaid." "But I just want the world to know what so many of us know in the industry. Rob was the best."
“Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle,” wrote actor Elijah Wood in a post on X. “So much love to their kids and family.”
John Cusack, who scored an early career hit with the Rob Reiner-directed 1985 comedy “The Sure Thing,” also paid tribute to the filmmaker, calling him "a great man" in a post on X.
SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin said Reiner was "one of the most significant figures in the history of film and television."
"The impact he made on American culture simply can’t be overstated. Tributes will pour in and the impossibly long list of genre defining films and indelible performances will play in our minds and hearts," Astin said.
Several politicians also issued their condolences to the Reiner family. The filmmaker had been a mainstay of fundraising support for the Democratic Party and its top candidates for office.
Former President Barack Obama said Reiner’s work gave America “our most cherished stories on screen,” which frequently leaned into “the goodness of people.”
“Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen,” Obama said in a statement.
“But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.”
Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the former House speaker, called Reiner and Singer's deaths "devastating."
"Rob was creative, funny, and beloved," Pelosi said in a statement. "And in all of their endeavors, Michelle was his indispensable partner, intellectual resource, and loving wife."
California Gov. Gavin Newsom hailed Reiner's work for its wide range, from "The Princess Bride" to "A Few Good Men."
"His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others — and encouraging us to dream bigger," Newsom said in statement.
"Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity."
