Hollywood actors pay tribute after Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner found dead in Los Angeles home

US authorities are investigating the incident as an “apparent homicide” after emergency services, including police, firefighters and paramedics, were called to the 78-year-old’s property in the upmarket Brentwood neighbourhood on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Reiner’s work includes the hits This is Spinal Tap, A Few Good Men, When Harry Met Sally and The Princess Bride. He married photographer Michele Singer Reiner, who he met while directing When Harry Met Sally, in 1989 and the pair have three children together.

A family spokesperson said in a statement: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner," a family spokesperson said in a statement to US media.

"We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time."

The Los Angeles Fire Department said it responded to a report shortly after 3.30pm on Sunday and found a 78-year-old man and 68-year-old woman dead inside the home.

Detectives with the Robbery Homicide Division from the LA police department confirmed they were investigating an “apparent homicide”.

‘Big hearted genius’

Politicians and celebrities have paid tribute to the famous director following the news of the deaths.

Former president Barack Obama posted on X that he and the former first lady Michelle Obama were “heartbroken” by the passing of Mr Reiner and his wife Michele, who he attributed to giving the nation some of its “most cherished stories”.

California Governor Gavin Newsom described him in a statement as a “big-hearted genius” while fellow director Joe Russo said on X: “I can’t handle the truth that one of the greatest filmmakers to ever live is gone. We lost one of the few good men.”

US actor James Woods, who had been friends with Mr Reiner since they made the1996 thriller Ghosts Of Mississippi together, said he was “devastated” by his death.

He said: “The studio didn’t think I was old enough to do the part, but Rob fought for me.

“Political differences never stood in the way of our love and respect for each other. I am devastated by this terrible event.”

Meanwhile, in a post on Instagram, Frozen actor Josh Gad described Reiner as “one of the greatest directors of our time”.

He said: “He was simply a beautiful person. Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were two of the most kind and caring souls you could ever imagine.

“He cared so much for those who had no voices. This loss is devastating. I cannot express how much this hurts. Love you Rob and Michelle. Thank you for all you gave us.”

Actor and comedian Ben Stiller said on X: “What a huge loss. Rob Reiner was one of my favorite directors.

“He made some of the most formative movies for my generation. He came out from behind a huge comedic shadow of the great Carl Reiner and being a TV actor to being a great director who made an incredible run of movies.

“Spinal Tap is one of the best comedies ever made - and the list goes on. He was a kind caring person who was really really funny. I didn’t know him well but was always a fan and I feel a real sadness for those who did, and his family.”