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TV star and comedian Paul O’Grady has died at the age of 67, his partner Andre Portasio has said.

In a statement, he said the star, known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening.

The Tranmere-born presenter hosted a number of game shows, including Blankety Blank in the late 90s under the guise of Savage.

His career spanned more than 30 years, during which he hosted The Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date and For The Love Of Dogs.

He also featured on TV shows such as Dr Who and Holby City.

File photo dated 09/11/98 of Paul O'Grady, as Lily Savage, during a photocall on Hyde Park, London, where it was announced that he was to play Miss Hannigan in the musical Annie on stage in London. TV presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady has died at the age of 67, his partner Andre Portasio has said. The TV star, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday evening, a statement shared with the PA news agency via a representative said. Issue date
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He started off as Lily Savage, which became an integral part of his career
EDITORIAL USE ONLY File photo dated 07/05/13 of Paul O'Grady with rescue dogs Razor a German Shepherd, Moose a Rottweiler and Dodger a Terrier at London's Battersea Park.
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Paul O’Grady with rescue dogs at London’s Battersea Park

Mr Portasio, who married O’Grady in 2017, said: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.

“We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.

“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.

“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”

paul o'grady and partner
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Paul O’Grady and Andre Portasio married in 2017
File photo dated 17/03/15 of Queen Elizabeth II looking at a Corgi as Paul O'Grady looks on during a visit to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London.
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Queen Elizabeth II with Paul O’Grady at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London in 2015

In 2012, O’Grady spoke about his health after having had two heart attacks.

He said following the publication of his third book: “The worst thing you can do is to sit and fret.

“I take tablets and have check-ups every eight months when they put me on the treadmill. I say to them, ‘Heart attack or not, I’m hopeless on treadmills!'”

Both his parents died young from heart problems – his father when O’Grady was in his late teens and his mother, whose maiden name was Savage, when he was 33.

The name is believed to have inspired his famous drag alter ego who helped propel him to mainstream success.

File photo dated 16/10/08 of Paul O'Grady being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the then Prince of Wales (now King Charles III), at Buckingham Palace, central London.
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Paul O’Grady being handed an OBE by then Prince Charles in 2008

‘We have lost a unique talent’

Long-time friend and producer, Malcolm Prince, offered his tribute to O’Grady having visited him at his home only yesterday.

Mr Prince said: “I popped round to Paul’s for a good old catch-up. Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing smiling and full of life. He was looking forward to so many new projects.

“And now he’s gone I can’t believe it. We have lost a unique talent – and I’ve lost a dear friend. We were all lucky to have Paul in our lives.

“My heart goes out to Andre, Paul’s family, and friends. Oh how I’ll miss him.”

‘He made millions laugh’: Tributes pour in for O’Grady

File photo dated 21/12/04 of Paul O'Grady performing as Lily Savage, as the Wicked Queen, in Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs -at the Victoria Palace Theatre, London. TV presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady has died at the age of 67, his partner Andre Portasio has said. The TV star, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday evening, a statement shared with the PA news agency via a representative said. Issue date: Wednesday March 29, 2023.

The rise of Paul O’Grady

He began his career as Lily Savage in the 1970s and the act later gained traction at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern cabaret club, where he was a prominent advocate of LGBT issues.

The Savage persona propelled him to TV and radio whilst he remained in character, and he took over as The Big Breakfast presenter in 1995.

Blankety Blank, which ran until 2002, would showcase his dry humour.

Comedy chat shows would follow with The Paul O’Grady Show in 2004, and Paul O’Grady Live in 2010, which featured guests like Kylie Minogue, Tom Jones and Michael McIntyre.

The presenter was honoured with an MBE for services to entertainment in 2008, adding to a list of achievements including a TV Bafta, a British Comedy Award, and a National Television Award for The Paul O’Grady Show.

Last year O’Grady commemorated 160 years of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home with the Queen Consort in a special episode of For The Love Of Dogs.

File photo dated 04/11/11 of Paul O'Grady standing next to a former costume of his alter ego Lily Savage at Liverpool's Walker Art Gallery, where it was appearing as part of the Savage Style: Costumes from Lily's Wardrobe exhibition.
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Paul O’Grady standing next to a former costume of his alter ego Lily Savage at Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery in 2011

Further tributes have poured in for the much-loved comedian.

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said: “Paul wasn’t just a brilliant comedian and broadcast personality but a much-admired campaigner for LGBT+ equality and animal rights.”

ITV’s Lorraine Kelly described him as “a really special man” and “funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise”.

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Rob Reiner death: Whoopi Goldberg among stars to condemn ‘disgusting’ Trump post about murdered film director

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Rob Reiner death: Whoopi Goldberg among stars to condemn 'disgusting' Trump post about murdered film director

Donald Trump has launched an extraordinary attack on film director Rob Reiner, who was found stabbed to death with his wife on Sunday, as it was revealed the filmmaker’s son had been arrested on murder charges.

The US president said in a post on Truth Social that Reiner was “a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star”.

Mr Trump said Reiner and his wife died “reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS”.

“He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before. May Rob and Michele rest in peace,” Mr Trump wrote.

Celebrities and politicians have criticised Mr Trump for his comments, labelling them “disgusting” and “petty”.

Rob Reiner on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999. Pic Reuters
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Rob Reiner on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999. Pic Reuters

“What a disgusting and vile statement,” actor Patrick Schwarzenegger said on X, while Californian Democrat Zoe Lofgren condemned Mr Trump’s comments as “a new low for this petty, hateful man”.

Talk show host Whoopi Goldberg compared the president’s comments to those he made after the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, when Mr Trump hit out at critics.

“I don’t understand the man in the White House. He spoke at length about Charlie Kirk and about caring, and then this is what he puts out. Have you no shame? No shame at all? Can you get any lower? I don’t think so,” she said.

“This is a sick man,” California governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X.

Republican US House member Thomas Massie also addressed the comments, saying: “Regardless of how you felt about Rob Reiner, this is inappropriate and disrespectful discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered.”

Meanwhile, Reiner’s son, Nick, 32, has been “booked for murder”, Los Angeles police chief Jim McDonnell said. The LAPD later said Nick Reiner remains in custody without bail.

Mr McDonnell said the department’s robbery and homicide division was handling the investigation.

“They worked throughout the night on this case and were able to take into custody Nick Reiner, a suspect in this case,” he said, calling the deaths “a very tragic incident”.

Rob Reiner, Michele Singer Reiner, Romy Reiner, Nick Reiner, Maria Gilfillanaknd  Jake Reiner.
Pic: JanuaryImages/Shutterstock
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Rob Reiner, Michele Singer Reiner, Romy Reiner, Nick Reiner, Maria Gilfillanaknd Jake Reiner.
Pic: JanuaryImages/Shutterstock

It comes as it emerged Nick was reportedly disruptive when he joined his father and mother, Michele Singer Reiner, at a party hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien on Saturday night, the day before the killings.

Reiner and his wife were upset and embarrassed about their son’s behaviour, Sky News’s US partner NBC News cited a source as saying, and expressed concerns about his health.

The outlet cited another source saying Nick’s behaviour had made other guests uncomfortable. They said he interrupted a conversation comedian and filmmaker Bill Hader was having with two guests and, when told it was a private conversation, stood still and stared before storming off.

Rob Reiner with wife Michele and children Jake, Romy and Nick (right to left). Pic: Reuters
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Rob Reiner with wife Michele and children Jake, Romy and Nick (right to left). Pic: Reuters

Reiner and his wife apparently died of stab wounds, US media reported.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were found dead inside a property in the Brentwood neighbourhood, without identifying the victims. The victims were later confirmed to be Reiner and his wife.

The case against Nick Reiner will be presented to the Los Angeles county district attorney’s office for filing consideration on Tuesday, according to the LAPD.

Rob and Michele Reiner's home. Pic: Reuters
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Rob and Michele Reiner’s home. Pic: Reuters

Nick Reiner has spoken publicly of his struggles with addiction after he had cycled in and out of treatment facilities by the age of 18, with periods of homelessness and relapses in between.

Reiner and his son explored their difficult relationship and Nick Reiner’s struggles with heroin addiction and homelessness in a 2016 film called Being Charlie, which they co-wrote.

Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene referred to Nick Reiner’s “drug addiction and other issues” in a statement on X.

“This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies,” Ms Taylor Greene said.

“Many families deal with a family member with drug addiction and mental health issues. It’s incredibly difficult and should be met with empathy especially when it ends in murder.”

The couple were found dead in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Pic: AP
Image:
The couple were found dead in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Pic: AP

Reiner was a celebrated director whose work included some of the most memorable movies of the 1980s and 1990s.

He directed classics such as This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men and Stand By Me.

He also acted, starring in Sleepless In Seattle and The Wolf Of Wall Street among others. His most recent high-profile work was a recurring guest role in the hit show The Bear.

He met Michele Singer in 1989, while directing When Harry Met Sally. They have three children together.

Singer used to work as a photographer and took the photo of Donald Trump that appears on the cover of his book Trump: The Art Of The Deal.

Reiner on the set of This Is Spinal Tap. Pic: Authorized Spinal Tap LLC/Shutterstock
Image:
Reiner on the set of This Is Spinal Tap. Pic: Authorized Spinal Tap LLC/Shutterstock

Former US president Barack Obama has led tributes. He wrote on X that “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”.

Harry Shearer, who collaborated with Reiner on This Is Spinal Tap, said in a statement: “Rob was a friend and collaborator through much of my life. He was funny, he was smart, he was a mensch.”

He said Reiner’s wife was a “very good friend” to his own wife, Judith, adding: “This is unspeakable, the stuff of Greek tragedy.”

Christopher Guest, who starred in Reiner’s films This Is Spinal Tap and The Princess Bride, and his wife Jamie Lee Curtis said in a joint statement that they were “numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michelle Singer Reiner”.

The couple said: “There will be plenty of time later to discuss the creative lives we shared and the great political and social impact they both had on the entertainment industry, early childhood development, the fight for gay marriage and their global care for a world in crisis. We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.”

Read more: Reiner spoke to Eric Idle about future before death

Rob Reiner with Billy Crystal (left) and Meg Ryan (right). Pic: THA/Shutterstock
Image:
Rob Reiner with Billy Crystal (left) and Meg Ryan (right). Pic: THA/Shutterstock

Reiner was a champion of liberal causes and a political activist.

In the 2004 presidential election, he backed Democrat candidate John Kerry and featured in advertisements taking aim at incumbent president George W Bush.

Reiner also supported Democratic presidential hopefuls Al Gore and Hillary Clinton.

“This is a devastating loss for our city and our country. Rob Reiner’s contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice,” Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass said.

Rob Reiner with Hillary Clinton. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Rob Reiner with Hillary Clinton. Pic: Reuters

California governor Mr Newsom paid tribute to Reiner’s activism as he said he was “heartbroken” over the director’s death.

“Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights – from taking on Big Tobacco, fighting for marriage equality, to serving as a powerful voice in early education,” Mr Newsom said in a statement.

“He made California a better place through his good works. Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity.”

Read more from Sky News:
Four charged with California bomb plot
Australian PM reveals details about Bondi killers

Former House speaker, Democrat Nancy Pelosi, said: “Personally, Rob cared deeply about people and demonstrated that in his civic activities – whether by supporting the First 5 initiative or fighting against Prop 8 in California.

“Civically, he was a champion for the First Amendment and the creative rights of artists. And professionally, he was an iconic figure in film who made us laugh, cry and think with the movies he created.”

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Donald Trump launches attack on Rob Reiner, found stabbed to death, as director’s son is arrested

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Donald Trump launches attack on Rob Reiner, found stabbed to death, as director's son is arrested

Donald Trump has launched an extraordinary attack on film director Rob Reiner, who was found stabbed to death with his wife on Sunday, as it is revealed his son has been arrested on homicide charges.

The US president said in a post on Truth Social that Reiner was “a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star”.

Mr Trump said Reiner and his wife died “reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS”.

“He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before. May Rob and Michele rest in peace,” Mr Trump wrote.

Meanwhile, Reiner’s son, Nick, 32, has been “booked for murder” and is being held on $4m bail in connection with the deaths of his parents, Los Angeles Police chief Jim McDonnell said.

Rob Reiner, Michele Singer Reiner, Romy Reiner, Nick Reiner, Maria Gilfillanaknd  Jake Reiner.
Pic: JanuaryImages/Shutterstock
Image:
Rob Reiner, Michele Singer Reiner, Romy Reiner, Nick Reiner, Maria Gilfillanaknd Jake Reiner.
Pic: JanuaryImages/Shutterstock

Mr McDonnell said the department’s robbery and homicide division is handling the investigation.

“They worked throughout the night on this case and were able to take into custody Nick Reiner, a suspect in this case,” he said, calling the deaths “a very tragic incident”.

Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner apparently died of stab wounds, US media reported.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were found dead inside a property in the Brentwood neighbourhood, without identifying the victims. Other officials confirmed the victims were Reiner and his wife.

Rob Reiner arrives with his wife Michele and children Jake, Romy and Nick (right to left). Pic: Reuters
Image:
Rob Reiner arrives with his wife Michele and children Jake, Romy and Nick (right to left). Pic: Reuters

Nick Reiner has spoken publicly of his struggles with addiction after he had cycled in and out of treatment facilities by the age of 18, with periods of homelessness and relapses in between.

Reiner and his son explored their difficult relationship and Nick Reiner’s struggles with heroin addiction and homelessness in a 2016 film called Being Charlie, which they co-wrote.

Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene referred to Nick Reiner’s “drug addiction and other issues” in a statement on X.

“This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies,” Ms Taylor Greene said.

“Many families deal with a family member with drug addiction and mental health issues. It’s incredibly difficult and should be met with empathy especially when it ends in murder.”

A police officer places tape around the investigation scene near Rob Reiner's in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles.
Pic: AP
Image:
A police officer places tape around the investigation scene near Rob Reiner’s in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles.
Pic: AP

Reiner was a celebrated director whose work included some of the most memorable movies of the 1980s and ’90s.

He directed such classics as This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men and Stand By Me.

He also acted, starring in Sleepless In Seattle and The Wolf Of Wall Street among others. His most recent high-profile work was a recurring guest role in the hit show The Bear.

He met Michele Singer in 1989, while directing When Harry Met Sally. They have three children together.

Rob Reiner with Billy Crystal (left) and Meg Ryan (right). Pic: THA/Shutterstock
Image:
Rob Reiner with Billy Crystal (left) and Meg Ryan (right). Pic: THA/Shutterstock

Michele used to work as a photographer and took the photo of Donald Trump that appears on the cover of his book Trump: The Art Of The Deal.

Former US president Barack Obama has led the tributes. He wrote on X that “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.”

Harry Shearer, who collaborated with Reiner on This Is Spinal Tap, said in a statement: “Rob was a friend and collaborator through much of my life. He was funny, he was smart, he was a mensch.”

Reiner on the set of This Is Spinal Tap. Pic: Authorized Spinal Tap LLC/Shutterstock
Image:
Reiner on the set of This Is Spinal Tap. Pic: Authorized Spinal Tap LLC/Shutterstock

He said Reiner’s wife Michele was a “very good friend” to his own wife, Judith, adding: “This is unspeakable, the stuff of Greek tragedy.”

Christopher Guest, who starred in Reiner’s films This Is Spinal Tap and The Princess Bride, and his wife Jamie Lee Curtis said in a joint statement that they were “numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michelle Singer Reiner”.

The couple said: “There will be plenty of time later to discuss the creative lives we shared and the great political and social impact they both had on the entertainment industry, early childhood development, the fight for gay marriage and their global care for a world in crisis. We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.”

Read more: Reiner spoke to Eric Idle about future before death

Rob Reiner on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999. Pic Reuters
Image:
Rob Reiner on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999. Pic Reuters

Reiner was a champion of liberal causes and a political activist.

In the 2004 presidential election, he backed Democratic candidate John Kerry and featured in advertisements taking aim at incumbent President George W Bush.

Reiner also supported Democratic presidential hopefuls Al Gore and Hillary Clinton.

“This is a devastating loss for our city and our country. Rob Reiner’s contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said.

Rob Reiner with Hillary Clinton. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Rob Reiner with Hillary Clinton. Pic: Reuters

California governor Gavin Newsom paid tribute to Reiner’s activism as he said he was “heartbroken” over the director’s death.

“Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights – from taking on Big Tobacco, fighting for marriage equality, to serving as a powerful voice in early education,” Mr Newsom said in a statement.

“He made California a better place through his good works. Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity.”

Read more from Sky News:
Four charged with California bomb plot
Australian PM reveals details about Bondi killers

Former House speaker, Democrat Nancy Pelosi, said: “Personally, Rob cared deeply about people and demonstrated that in his civic activities – whether by supporting the First 5 initiative or fighting against Prop 8 in California.

“Civically, he was a champion for the First Amendment and the creative rights of artists. And professionally, he was an iconic figure in film who made us laugh, cry and think with the movies he created.”

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US director and actor Rob Reiner and wife found dead ‘with stab wounds’ at their LA home

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US director and actor Rob Reiner and wife found dead 'with stab wounds' at their LA home

US director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife have been found dead at their home in Los Angeles.

Reiner and wife Michele Singer Reiner apparently died of stab wounds and a family member is being questioned, US media reported.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were found dead inside a property, without identifying the victims. Reiner turned 78 in March.

Pic: AP
Image:
Pic: AP

Detectives from the LAPD Robbery Homicide Division have been assigned to the case, the force said in a statement.

LAPD Captain Mike Bland said they were investigating an “apparent homicide”.

A large police presence gathered at the house.

Pic: AP
Image:
Pic: AP

‘Celebrated director’

Reiner was a celebrated director whose work included some of the most memorable movies of the 1980s and ’90s.

He directed such classics as This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men and Stand By Me.

 With Tom Cruise at the premiere of courtroom drama A Few Good Men in 1992. Pic: Reuters
Image:
With Tom Cruise at the premiere of courtroom drama A Few Good Men in 1992. Pic: Reuters

He also acted, starring in Sleepless in Seattle and The Wolf of Wall Street among others. His most recent high-profile work was a recurring guest role in the hit show The Bear.

He met Michele Singer in 1989, while directing When Harry Met Sally. They have three children together.

Michele used to work as a photographer and took the photo of Donald Trump that appears on the cover of his book Trump: The Art Of The Deal.

Rob Reiner on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999. Pic Reuters
Image:
Rob Reiner on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999. Pic Reuters

A spokesperson for the Reiner family said: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”

Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass said Reiner’s death was a devastating loss for the city.

“Rob Reiner’s contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice,” she said.

“An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others.”

Hollywood mourns a legend

A group of two dozen journalists are gathered behind a police cordon at the end of a street in Brentwood, usually a quiet and secure suburb of LA, an enclave of multimillionaires.

Beyond the yellow tape is the home of acclaimed Hollywood film director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele.

Stationed outside the house is a trailer being used by a forensic team gathering evidence from inside. The bodies of Rob and Michele were found with apparent stab wounds.

Every so often, local people wander past the house, expressing shock at what has happened. In this part of LA, home to many in show business, Rob Reiner is incredibly well-regarded. Even if you don’t immediately recognise his face, you know his work.

He is the director behind iconic films like The Princess Bride and Stand By Me. But it was while filming When Harry Met Sally, one of the most iconic rom coms of all time, that Rob met Michele, a photographer.

Their relationship persuaded him to change the ending of the film to ensure the main characters, played by Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, ended up together.

‘Creative, funny, and beloved’

Reiner was a champion of liberal causes and a political activist.

In the 2004 presidential election, he backed Democratic candidate John Kerry and featured in advertisements taking aim at incumbent President George W Bush.

Reiner also supported Democratic presidential hopefuls Al Gore and Hillary Clinton.

Rob Reiner with Hillary Clinton. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Rob Reiner with Hillary Clinton. Pic: Reuters

Former US president Barack Obama has led the tributes. He wrote on X that “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.”

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi said: “It’s hard to think of anyone more remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavour they pursued.

“Rob was creative, funny, and beloved. And in all of their endeavours, Michelle was his indispensable partner, intellectual resource, and loving wife.

“Personally, Rob cared deeply about people and demonstrated that in his civic activities – whether by supporting the First 5 initiative or fighting against Prop 8 in California.

“Civically, he was a champion for the First Amendment and the creative rights of artists. And professionally, he was an iconic figure in film who made us laugh, cry and think with the movies he created.”

Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner. Pic: AP
Image:
Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner. Pic: AP

Actress Kathy Bates, who starred in Reiner’s film Misery, told NBC News: “I’m horrified hearing this terrible news. Absolutely devastated. I loved Rob.

“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. Michele was a gifted photographer. She shot my beautiful photos for the Misery campaign. My heart breaks for them both. My thoughts are with their family.”

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