Legendary Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele found dead at home in apparent homicide

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

Police were called to the home of 78-year-old Reiner - known for his roles in The Wolf of Wall Street and The Bear - and his wife Michele, 68, on Sunday afternoon (14 December) in the wealthy neighbourhood of Brentwood, Los Angeles following a request from the Los Angeles Fire Department.

A spokesperson for the family later confirmed that Rob and Michele had been found dead in their home.

No cause of death has currently been confirmed for the couple, which is now being investigated as an apparent homicide by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The couple's son, Nick Reiner, is currently being questioned by police, according to PEOPLE. However, he has not been arrested or charged.

The bodies of the couple were discovered in their Brentwood home (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Speaking in a press conference on Sunday night, Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton revealed that no formal arrests have been made and no one has been detained in relation to the incident.

Reiner is known for his work as a Hollywood film director, producer and screenwriter, with his credits including classics from the 1980s and 90s such as The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, This Is Spinal Tap, Misery and A Few Good Men.

He also worked as an actor, with his most notable role being Mike 'Meathead' Stivic on the sitcom All in the Family, a series which aired during the 70s. He also had acting roles Sleepless in Seattle, The Wolf of Wall Street, This Is Spinal Tap and Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.

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

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

Reiner was a critically acclaimed actor, director, screenwriter and producer (Jesse Grant/Getty Images for TCM)

Tributes have since poured in for the couple, with California Governor Gavin Newsom saying he is 'heartbroken' by the news.

"Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity," he said in a statement.

Newsom also paid tribute to Reiner's activism, adding: "Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights... He made California a better place through his good works."

Meanwhile Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has called the couple's deaths 'devastating'.

"Personally, I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob and his wife Michele," she said.

"Rob Reiner’s contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society... An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others."

Topics: US News