Rob Reiners friend Eric Idle details final phone call with director night before he was found dead in home!
The investigation into the tragic deaths of legendary Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, continues to unfold in Brentwood, Los Angeles, yet the focus remains intensely on the outpouring of grief and the poignant memories shared by those closest to the couple. Reiner, a figure whose immense talent bridged decades of American entertainment, was beloved by colleagues and friends alike.1 Among the most recent and heartbreaking revelations is the detail of a final, long conversation the night before the devastating discovery, shared by his close friend, comedy icon Eric Idle.
The bodies of Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele, 68, were found at their affluent Southern California home on Sunday.2 Authorities, including the specialized Robbery-Homicide Division, are treating the incident as an apparent homicide, a fact that adds a layer of surreal horror to the passing of the man who gave the world so much laughter and resonant drama.3 Idle, the celebrated writer and actor best known as a founding member of Monty Python, spoke with Deadline and later posted on X, detailing his final talk with his friend.4
“I spoke to him last night for over an hour,” Idle revealed, referencing the conversation that took place on Saturday, just hours before the Reiners were found.5 Idle affectionately described Rob as a “lovely man” and a “clever, talented and very thoughtful man.” Their final chat, he noted, covered both ongoing creative endeavors and future aspirations.6 Reiner was telling Idle about “filming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future,” a detail that underscores the sudden and shocking interruption of a vibrant life still deeply engaged in creative production.7 Idle, who first met Reiner in 1975 at the home of Rob’s father, Carl Reiner, shared his profound sorrow: “This is so awful. I shall miss him.” At the time of his death, Rob and Michele were actively involved as producers on a planned reboot of the classic comedy show Fawlty Towers, alongside Idle and John Cleese, illustrating Rob’s enduring commitment to high-quality comedy and his continued relevance in the entertainment industry.8
The tributes pouring in from across the spectrum of film, television, and political activism reflect the depth and breadth of Reiner’s influence. John Cusack, who starred in Reiner’s film The Sure Thing, expressed his shock on X, writing, “Shocked by the death of Rob Reiner – a great man.” Similarly, Elijah Wood, who worked with Reiner on the 1994 family film North, conveyed his horror: “Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michele.9 So much love to their kids and family.” These messages confirm the warmth and respect Reiner commanded among the many actors and writers who benefited from his guidance and talent as a director.
Reiner’s early career was cemented by his role as Michael “Meathead” Stivic in the revolutionary 1970s sitcom All In The Family, where he worked closely with producer and writer Norman Lear.10 Reiner often referred to Lear as his “second father,” a relationship that provided a vital anchor for his early success in network television.11 In the wake of the tragedy, the Norman Lear Family issued a moving statement, expressing that they were “devastated.” They highlighted the extraordinary closeness between the two men and emphasized that “Norman would have wanted to remind us that Rob and Michele spent every breath trying to make this country a better place, and they pursued that through their art, their activism, their philanthropy, and their love for family and friends.” This sentiment captures the core of the Reiners’ lives: a blend of high-level creative genius and fervent commitment to social change.
Beyond his legendary work behind the camera—which includes enduring classics like When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, Stand by Me, and the Academy Award-nominated military drama A Few Good Men—Rob Reiner was a deeply engaged public figure.12 He was known for his decades-long involvement in progressive politics and his unwavering commitment to causes he believed in.13 This dedication earned him respect from political figures across the aisle, but particularly from those who shared his vision.
Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, were among the prominent figures to offer condolences.14 Writing on X, the former President stated, “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. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.” Obama’s tribute beautifully encapsulated the dual nature of Reiner’s public life, acknowledging his cultural contributions while celebrating his moral integrity. “Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.”
Michele Singer Reiner, a respected photographer and producer, was an integral partner in Rob’s life, both personally and professionally, since they met on the set of When Harry Met Sally.15 Their marriage since 1989 and their shared life of activism underscore the profound, shared commitment to purpose that characterized their decades together.
As the LAPD continues its methodical investigation, pursuing leads that require a delicate balance of speed and thoroughness, the public is left to grapple with the shocking gap left by the couple’s sudden, violent departure. The details shared by Eric Idle—the last conversations about new projects, the plans for the future—make the tragedy all the more acute, highlighting the vast reservoir of talent and passion lost. The legacy of Rob Reiner, the actor who made us laugh and the director who made us think, combined with the memory of Michele Singer Reiner’s contributions and their shared life of principled action, will continue to inspire and resonate, even as the search for answers in their Los Angeles home proceeds.