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ROB Reiner, the celebrated director of the Spinal Tap films, and his wife Michele Singer have been stabbed to death in their Los Angeles home. Their 32-year-old son Nick has been taken in for questioning.
While Australia was reeling from the Bondi Beach terrorist attack on Sunday night, another tragedy was unfolding in California with Reiner snr, 78, and Singer, 68, found dead in their home with injuries consistent with stab wounds.
Aside from the two films with will resonate most with Hot Metal readers, This Is Spinal Tap (1984) and its sequel this year, Reiner also directed such decorated classics as Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men.
Nick, a screenwriter who has had issues with drug addiction and homelessness, was arrested on a charge of “gang activity” and bail was posted at US$4 million.
It is reported that another of the Reiners’ children, daughter Romi, discovered their bodies.
At a media conferennce, LAPD chief detective Alan Hamilton confirmed a family member was in custody, adding:“At this time, the LAPD is not seeking anyone as a suspect or as a person of interest”.
Nick collaborated with his father on the 2016 film Being Charlie (trailer below), which was based on their own experiences and dealt with addiction and homelessness.
Christopher Guest, who portrayed Nigel Tufnel in the Tap films, issued a statement through his wife Jamie Lee Curtis, which read: ““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.”
Harry Shearer, who played Derek Smalls, wrote on Instagram: “The loss of Rob and Michelle is devastating … the stuff of Greek tragedy.”
Michael McKean (David St Hubbins) said Reiner was “more than a brilliant director and actor. He was a generous spirit whose creativity and kindness touched everyone around him.”
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