In a shocking turn of events, British comedy legend and Monty Python member Eric Idle has revealed he was one of the last people to speak with acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner before the tragic deaths of Reiner and his wife, Michele. The couple was found dead at their Los Angeles home in an incident authorities are investigating as an apparent homicide.
A Fateful Final Conversation
Eric Idle shared the poignant details in a post on the social media platform X early on Monday. He recalled a long and engaging conversation with Rob Reiner late on Sunday night, just hours before the grim discovery. According to Idle, their discussion lasted over an hour, touching upon filmmaking and Reiner's recent work on the sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.
"Rob Reiner was a lovely man. I spoke to him last night for over an hour," Idle wrote. "He was telling me about filming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future. This is so awful." In a follow-up post, Idle expressed his profound grief, adding, "I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man."
Son Arrested in Connection with the Deaths
The devastating news was compounded by reports from multiple media outlets citing family sources, which alleged that the couple were killed by their own son, Nick Reiner. The bodies of Rob, 78, and Michele Reiner, 68, were reportedly discovered by their daughter, Romy Reiner, at their Brentwood residence.
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department confirmed that Nick Reiner was taken into custody on December 15. He is currently being held on a substantial $4 million bail. While officials have not released extensive further details, confirming the ongoing nature of the investigation, the arrest points to a deeply tragic domestic situation.
A Legacy in Film and a Personal Bond
The connection between Eric Idle and Rob Reiner runs deeper than this final call. Idle, famed for his work with Monty Python, created the 1978 television mockumentary All You Need Is Cash about the fictional band the Rutles. This project is often noted as a precursor to Rob Reiner's own legendary 1984 mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap. Reiner recently expanded that beloved franchise with the sequel released earlier this year.
Rob and Michele Reiner had been married since 1989, after meeting while Rob was directing the classic romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally. Reiner had previously credited meeting Michele with influencing the film's iconic ending. The couple, alongside their daughter Romy and other son Jake Reiner, a Hollywood producer, released a statement through Variety on Sunday confirming the deaths and requesting privacy during this "unbelievably difficult time." Rob Reiner is also survived by his daughter Tracy Reiner from his first marriage to filmmaker Penny Marshall.
The entertainment world and fans globally are left mourning the loss of a influential filmmaker and his wife, while grappling with the horrifying circumstances surrounding their deaths.
