Actress and producer Rita Wilson offered a heartfelt tribute to her late friends Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner this week, reflecting on the couple’s profound impact on her life and on Hollywood. The tribute comes in the wake of the couple’s shocking deaths in a double homicide that has reverberated across the entertainment world.
In a lengthy message published in Variety, Wilson remembered both Rob and Michele not only for their professional accomplishments but for the warmth, generosity and joy they brought to those around them. “Yes, there is the work we did together — the films will be there to experience over and over again,” Wilson wrote. But she added that what can’t be experienced again are the everyday moments, like bumping into Rob and Michele in the neighborhood or having dinner with them — memories she described as irreplaceable.
Remembering a Life in Film and Friendship
Wilson and Reiner shared the screen in beloved films such as Sleepless in Seattle and Mixed Nuts, and she appeared in two movies directed by Reiner, North and The Story of Us. Her reflection highlighted both their creative collaborations and the personal rapport that developed over years of friendship.
The tribute offered vivid snapshots of social gatherings at the Reiners’ home, including evenings filled with laughter, such as when the couple hosted showbiz-themed nights where friends and industry luminaries shared stories — even the “worst showbiz moments” — in a room full of peers. Wilson also recalled Michele’s talent as a photographer, praising her keen eye not just for imagery but for life itself.
Praise for Civic Work and Lasting Legacy
Wilson’s tribute celebrated the couple’s deep civic engagement and contributions beyond film and photography. She wrote that Rob and Michele “made the world a better place,” emphasizing their commitment to activism, community involvement and meaningful relationships. “They did everything right. They loved. They were loved,” she wrote, underscoring the depth of their impact.
Wilson also shared a personal tribute on Instagram, highlighting Michele’s work as a producer and social justice advocate. She described Michele as “wry, funny, opinionated but also reasonable and self reflective,” and noted the importance Michele placed on family and close personal connections.
A Family’s Unimaginable Loss
Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead on Dec. 14, 2025, in their Los Angeles Brentwood home from multiple sharp-force injuries, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Their deaths were ruled homicides, and their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He appeared briefly in court earlier this week and did not enter a plea; his formal arraignment is scheduled for early January.
The Reiners’ other children, Jake and Romy, released a statement expressing the unimaginable pain of losing their parents, whom they described not only as caregivers but as their best friends. The family has asked for privacy and kindness during this deeply difficult time.
A Legacy of Love and Laughter
Wilson’s tribute captures the essence of how Rob and Michele lived: with love, creativity and joy. Her words reflect both personal loss and profound appreciation, celebrating a couple who enriched the lives of many, from cinema audiences to close friends.
