Stephen King has paid tribute to ‘brilliant filmmaker’ Rob Reiner and his wife Michele following the news that the couple had reportedly been killed after being found dead in their LA home.
Today (15 December), it was reported that Reiner and his wife, Michele, an actress and photographer, had been found deceased in their Brentwood home, with police and firefighters being called out to the property yesterday afternoon (14 December).
LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said that the case was being investigated as an apparent homicide by the department's Robbery Homicide Division, with the couple's son, Nick Reiner, who'd previously worked with his father on a film about their family troubles, reportedly being questioned, People says.
However, he has not been arrested or charged. Police have also said that there have been no arrests and no suspect or person of interest is currently being sought.
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Many, however, are revisiting the iconic filmography of Hollywood legend Rob, particularly his incredible run of films from 1986 to 1992.
In that time, the New York native directed The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and A Few Good Men.
Reiner directed two of the most iconic adaptations of Stephen King’s novels, Misery and Stand By Me, both of which received critical acclaim.
Speaking to the Chicago Tribune in 1986, King had told Reiner that Stand by Me was 'the best film ever made out of anything [he’s] written'.
Today, the author paid tribute to Michele and Rob in an emotional tweet, saying: “I’m horrified and saddened by the death of Rob Reiner and Michele.
“Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine). Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me.”
Fans were left emotional by the tribute, with one replying that the final line left them in tears.
Meanwhile, another praised Rob’s filmography, saying: “He made us laugh without being cruel, cry without being manipulative, and believe again and again in love, friendship, courage, and standing up for what’s right. Thank you for the stories. Thank you for the heart.”
Jerry O’Connell, who played Vern Tessio in Stand By Me, also paid tribute to the director by posting a picture of the pair, writing: “Love you, Rob. Sincerely.”
Kathy Bates, who starred in Misery, said in a statement given to 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.”
Bates won Best Actress for her role in the film, an adaptation of one of King’s most critically acclaimed stories.
A spokesperson for the Reiner family announced the pair’s death in an emotional statement.
They 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.”
Rob’s eldest daughter, Tracey, was the first member of the family to speak out in a very brief statement, saying: “I came from the greatest family ever. I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
Topics: Stephen King, TV and Film, Film, Crime, Twitter, Celebrity
Michael Slavin