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Two principal actors from the renowned mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap” have expressed their condolences to the film’s director, Rob Reiner, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, who were discovered deceased within their Brentwood, California residence on Sunday afternoon (December 14), as per blabbermouth.net. The couple’s son, Nick Reiner, has been apprehended and charged with their murder.
Harry Shearer, who co-authored the “This Is Spinal Tap” films with Reiner and portrayed the British bassist Derek Smalls, utilized his Instagram platform to issue a public message of tribute.
Rob was a friend and collaborator through much of my life. He was funny, he was smart, he was a mensch. When he came to see the comedy act I was in, and, later, the musical comedy I had co-written, his laugh was uproarious and audible around the block. He was a great collaborator, and when the four of us proposed ideas for the films, he was the one who wrote them on 3×5 cards, and organized them into a movie. And Michele was a very good friend to my wife Judith. This is unspeakable, the stuff of Greek tragedy.
Additionally, Jamie Lee Curtis and her spouse, Christopher Guest—an actor and writer associated with the “This Is Spinal Tap” franchise—released a joint statement through Curtis, noting their connection to Reiner, who reportedly hosted their wedding at his residence in 1984.
Christopher and I are numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michele Singer Reiner and our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them. 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.
Reiner’s recent work includes directing “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” a sequel to the original film, which featured cameo appearances by prominent musicians such as Paul McCartney and Elton John. McCartney also paid homage to Reiner via social media, while Elton John expressed his sentiments through an Instagram story.
What a tragedy the death of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, is. It is so shocking in many ways but for me especially so, because over the last year I had been working with him. He directed me in ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’. He was such an upbeat, lovable man. Life can be so unfair and this tragedy proves it. His father, Carl Reiner, was a great humourist before him and Rob followed in his dad’s footsteps doing a terrific job making many great films. I will always have fond memories of Rob and the idea that he and his wife will no longer be in the world with us is heartbreaking. Thanks for all the humour, Rob. Rest in Peace. Love Paul
I am in disbelief at today’s news of Rob and Michele. They were two of the most beautiful people I’d ever met and they deserved better. My thoughts are with them and their loved ones. – Elton John
