R.I.P. Rob Reiner and His Wife Michelle Singer

Photo by Dan Steinberg/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images

Terrible, terrible news. 

Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle Singer were found murdered in their Brentwood home Sunday night, and early indications are that his son is the prime suspect. 

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In recent years, Reiner was probably best known for being a stinging critic of President Trump and the object of much disdain from conservatives, but Reiner was so much more than his political persona. 

He was, simply put, one of the greatest film directors to have ever lived. 

His father, Carl Reiner, is an acknowledged genius in the film world, but any fair evaluation shows that his son's talent eclipses even the father's. 

The Princess Bride? One of the most quotable films ever made, and a touchstone for millions of us who have watched it innumerable times. 

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Misery? Probably the best film adaptation of a Stephen King story ever made, except perhaps for Stand By Me. Which, by the way, was directed by...Rob Reiner. 

A Few Good Men? I have used clips and made references to that film many times, including several in recent weeks. 

When Harry Met Sally? I fell in love with Meg Ryan watching that film

Rob Reiner, the celebrated actor, director and producer whose work shaped American television and cinema for decades, has died at 78, according to Variety and TMZ. His death, alongside that of his wife, Michele Singer, 68, is under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department after the couple was found in their home in Brentwood, California.

Reiner, born March 6, 1947, in the Bronx, New York, grew up in the entertainment business − his father was comedy legend Carl Reiner and his mother, Estelle, was an actress. He became famous in his own right for his portrayal of Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom "All in the Family," winning two Emmy Awards as Archie Bunker’s son-in-law. 

Though he has dozens of acting credits to his name, he transitioned to directing and created beloved filmed including "This Is Spinal Tap," "Stand by Me," "The Princess Bride", "Misery," "A Few Good Men" and "When Harry Met Sally..." He cast his mother as an extra in the rom-com classic, for a scene at a New York deli where Meg Ryan faked an orgasm. "First couple of times, she didn't do it full out," Reiner said of directing Ryan in the scene. "Finally, I sat across from Billy. And I acted it for her. … And I'm pounding the table, 'Yes! Yes! Yes!' And I'm realizing I'm having an orgasm in front of my mother, you know? There's my mother over there." His mother's line – "I'll have what she's having" – became one of the most famous lines in film.

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People of all political stripes are stunned and saddened by the news, as they should be. Reiner has been a fixture in our lives since the 1970s. I grew up watching All in the Family, in which he played "Meathead," the liberal foil for Carroll O'Connor's Archie Bunker. Both became icons and went on to great careers. 

Reiner, for all his political fire, remained a human being who could, in his best moments, see beyond politics to the humanity of (most of) his political opponents. He was extraordinarily gracious after the death of Charlie Kirk, and so far it appears that Trump supporters are returning the favor (as we all should be.

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The investigation is in its early stages, so we will learn much more in the coming days. 

In the meantime, please say a prayer for the Reiners and their family. 

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