Rob Reiner’s Son Nick Reiner: What to Know After Arrest for Murder

Rob Reiner described working with his son, Nick Reiner, on the film Being Charlie as the most creatively satisfying and personally rewarding experience of his career.

As someone who’s followed Rob and Nick’s journey for a long time, I remember being really struck by something Rob shared on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert back in May 2016. He talked about Nick’s tough time as a teen, going through multiple rehab facilities, and how they didn’t approach it hoping for some big emotional breakthrough or even a truly healing experience. It was just about getting through it, day by day, and they weren’t focused on therapy or a ‘catharsis’ moment.

The director, who has been nominated for an Oscar, explained that the situation helped him truly understand what the other person had been going through. While he already knew some of it, this gave him a complete picture. He believes it also allowed the other person to understand his own experiences and those of his mother.

In a shocking turn of events, Nick has been arrested and is being held as a suspect in the deaths of Rob and his wife, Michele Reiner. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell announced the arrest at a news conference on December 15th, identifying Nick as a suspect in the case.

Police found Rob and his wife, Michele, dead in their Los Angeles home on December 14th. Both appeared to have been stabbed. The couple had been married for 36 years.

The families of Michele and Rob Reiner announced with deep sadness that they have passed away, according to a statement released to Variety on December 14th. They asked for privacy as they grieve this unexpected and devastating loss.

Nick, Rob, and Michele had two children together: Jake Reiner, age 34, and Romy Reiner, age 28. Rob also had a daughter, Tracy Reiner, age 61, with his former wife, Penny Marshall, who passed away in 2018.

Police arrested Nick at 9:15 p.m., several hours after the bodies of Rob and Michele were found. Jail records show he was booked at 5:04 a.m. on December 15th and is currently being held without the possibility of bail.

Police haven’t filed charges yet. According to a statement from the LAPD, the case will be reviewed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on December 16th to determine if charges will be filed.

Here is what to know about Nick:

Who Is Nick Reiner?

Nick was born on September 14, 1993, and is one of three children born to Rob and Michele. He’s also the grandson of the famous comedian Carl Reiner, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 98.

Let me tell you a bit about his family! He has two siblings: an older brother named Jake, and a younger sister, Romy. And that’s not all – he also has an older half-sister who’s actually a well-known actress, Tracy Reiner. It’s lovely to see such a supportive family dynamic!

Rob and Michele, who first connected on the set of the 1989 film When Harry Met Sally…, built a family life in the Los Angeles area. Their children all followed paths in the entertainment industry.

According to family friends who spoke with the Los Angeles Times, Nick was living in a guest house on his parents’ property in Brentwood when he and his partner were found deceased on December 14th.

Rob and Michele were last seen in public with their children, Jake, Nick, and Romy, at the premiere of Spinal Tap II: The End Continues in Los Angeles on September 9th.

What has Nick Reiner said about substance abuse and drug addiction?

Nick has previously shared his experiences with substance abuse, and he first went to rehab at age 15 because of it.

In 2016, Nick, who was 22 at the time, shared with People magazine that he had experienced homelessness in three different states: Maine, New Jersey, and Texas. He described spending nights and weeks living on the streets, and said it was a difficult time.

When he refused to go back to rehab, his family eventually left him to his own devices.

He explained that if he didn’t follow their recommended path and instead chose to do things his own way, he would end up without a home.

In September 2015, Nick told the Los Angeles Times he stopped using heroin simply because he “got tired of it.”

He explained that he had a good family and wasn’t used to being on the streets or relying on homeless shelters for help. He felt out of place doing what he was doing.

Looking back, Nick explained that those experiences shaped him into the person he is today, teaching him how to cope with difficult situations. He also met some amazing people while being completely outside of his comfort zone. Now that he’s been back in L.A. with his family for a while, he’s adjusted to being home, but he admits there were several tough years.

Did Rob Reiner and son Nick Reiner work together?

Rob directed the 2015 movie Being Charlie, a film based on a script co-written by Nick, and drawing from his personal experiences with rehab.

Nick explained to People magazine that while the events weren’t his personal experiences, he witnessed many of them firsthand and therefore had plenty of stories to share.

Nick first showed Rob a rough version of the script, which was originally a thirty-minute comedy. As the filmmaker explained on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in 2016, he suggested to Nick that the story had potential for more depth. While it was funny, he believed they could explore the themes more fully, and they eventually developed it into the movie we know today.

The movie features Cary Elwes—who Rob previously directed in the 1987 classic The Princess Bride—as an actor hoping to enter politics. He’s also trying to help his son, played by Nick Robinson, who is struggling with drug addiction.

Rob admitted the project with Nick had its challenges. However, he also described it as the most creatively stimulating and rewarding experience of his life.

He confessed it caused him and Michele to reconsider how they’d handled their son’s issues at the time.

In 2015, when Being Charlie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, Rob explained to the LA Times that the program wasn’t a universal solution. He shared that they often dismissed their son’s feedback, prioritizing the opinions of professionals simply because of their credentials. “When Nick would tell us that it wasn’t working for him, we wouldn’t listen. We were desperate and because the people had diplomas on their wall, we listened to them when we should have been listening to our son.”

When asked if he gained anything positive from his time in rehab, Nick told the Times, hinting at the movie, “Perhaps this did.”

Oh my gosh, Rob actually said this, and it just gets me. He explained they technically made Being Charlie for an audience, but honestly? It was for them. He admitted that by the time they even started filming, whether the movie actually got finished didn’t even matter anymore! Their bond had just become so incredibly strong, and that was all that mattered. It’s just… everything!

What did Rob Reiner say about son Nick Reiner’s substance abuse issues and recovery?

In a 2016 appearance on The Late Show, Rob mentioned that Nick, then 22 years old, had been doing well for three years and was working on a new project. Being Charlie is currently Nick’s only officially credited writing work according to IMDb.

Raising teenagers is challenging no matter what, even without the added issues of drugs or alcohol,” Rob shared. “They’re figuring out who they are and trying to become independent, which is naturally difficult. What I realized, and what we explore in the film, is that I was primarily driven by fear during that time.

Rob admitted he’d relied too much on logic and credentials—rather than his own intuition—when trying to help Nick. He realized he’d been so focused on keeping Nick safe that he hadn’t trusted his instincts, which, in hindsight, was a mistake.

Rob explained that his initial instinct was to figure out the root causes of the problems, not just address the drug or alcohol use. He believes these substances are often a form of self-treatment for deeper emotional issues. It’s crucial to understand what is causing the pain and discomfort, and he emphasized that the source is unique for every individual.

Where is Nick Reiner now?

Nick was arrested on December 14th and charged with murder the next morning in connection with the deaths of Rob and Michele, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell, who announced the news on December 15th.

Oh my god, it’s just… I still can’t believe it. Apparently, the police were at the Reiners’ house – that beautiful place in Brentwood – around 3:40 PM on December 14th. Detective McDonnell said they worked all night on this, and they actually arrested Nick Reiner! Nick! They’re saying he’s a suspect… and now he’s been booked for murder. It’s just… shocking. Absolutely shocking.

According to the LAPD, he is currently being held in jail without the possibility of bail. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will review the case on December 16th to decide if charges will be filed.

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the Reiners,” the chief said. “A tragic incident.”

See the tributes that have poured in following the deaths of Rob and Michele:

The actress, adopted by director Rob Reiner while he was married to the late Penny Marshall, stated she last saw her father at a family event the day before he and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were discovered dead at their Los Angeles home in what appeared to be a homicide.

In a statement to NBC News on December 14th, she said she came from a wonderful family and was completely shocked by recent events, adding she didn’t know what to say.

The director of A Simple Favor shared a beloved photo and a heartfelt tribute, calling Rob her hero, a visionary leader, and a genuinely kind person.

He paused, then said it’s always difficult to know if posting is appropriate after a tragedy. However, he wanted everyone to understand something many people in their field already knew: Rob was truly exceptional.

The actress was heartbroken when she remembered Rob, her on-screen father from the show New Girl.

She shared on Instagram that she was heartbroken by the loss of Rob Reiner, describing him as incredibly kind, funny, and generous. She called him a wonderful person, a talented artist, and a joy to work with, adding that she will always treasure their time together and the impact his films had on her life.

She fondly remembered Rob and his wife, Michele, saying they were always kind and she cherished every moment she spent with them.

Former President Obama and his wife, Michelle, expressed their deep sadness over the loss of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. Obama shared that Reiner’s work in film and television created many beloved stories, but more importantly, he was a person who deeply believed in the good in people and dedicated his life to making a positive difference.

He shared that the couple lived meaningful lives filled with purpose. They will be fondly remembered for the principles they stood for and the many lives they touched. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to everyone who knew and loved them.

The actor posted a photo on Instagram with director Rob, whom he worked with on the 1986 film Stand By Me. He captioned the picture with a heartfelt, “Love you, Rob. Sincerely.”

He quickly clarified he didn’t intend any disrespect to his parents, explaining that Rob had been a father figure to him. Speaking on CBS Mornings on December 15th, he described the situation as ‘surreal’.

Honestly, I was really moved by what Jerry said. He kept repeating how everything he’s achieved, everything, is thanks to Rob Reiner. He seemed genuinely stunned and heartbroken – it was just a really shocking day for him, and you could feel it.

The family of the beloved TV star shared a heartfelt statement describing the deep bond the two of them shared.

The Lear family is deeply saddened by the passing of Rob and Michele Reiner, they shared with Deadline. Norman Lear considered Rob like a son, and their bond was remarkable to everyone who knew them.

The statement noted that Norman would have wanted everyone to remember Rob and Michele’s dedication to improving the country. They worked tirelessly towards this goal through their creative work, advocacy, charitable giving, and the love they shared with those closest to them. Their longtime friend, Lyn Lear, expressed deep sadness, saying, ‘The world feels much dimmer tonight, and we’re all heartbroken.’

Jamie Lee expressed her and Christopher’s devastation over the tragic deaths of their friends, Rob and Michelle Singer Reiner. In a statement to Variety, she said their only concern right now is supporting Rob and Michelle’s children and families in any way they can.

The couple stated they will share memories of their creative work and the positive changes they brought to entertainment, children’s development, and the fight for marriage equality, as well as their humanitarian efforts, at a later time. They also asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of dear friends.

When Rob and Michele Reiner passed away, actress Margaret Cho shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. She wrote about the director and his wife, saying, “May God comfort those who loved them. Thank you, Rob, for all the happiness you brought into our lives.”

The actor, who worked with Carl Reiner in the 2003 film Good Boy!, posted on X that Reiner’s comedy was intelligent and genuinely heartfelt. He described Reiner’s work as a constant presence during his upbringing, and expressed gratitude for both Reiner’s creations and the positive impact he and his wife had on the world.

The Monty Python alum tweeted that he had spoken to Rob on the phone the night before his death.

I was so saddened to hear about Rob Reiner. I had the pleasure of spending over an hour chatting with him just last night, and I always cherished our time together. I first met him way back in 1975 at his father’s place, and I remember him excitedly talking about filming at Stonehenge and sharing his vision for what was to come. It’s just awful news, and I’ll truly miss him. He was such a clever, talented, and genuinely thoughtful person – a real loss.

The Misery star said she was “absolutely devasted” by the news of Rob’s death.

Kathy, who collaborated with director Rob in the 1990 film, shared in a statement that she adored him. She described him as a talented and compassionate person who constantly pushed his creative boundaries by working on films across many different genres.

Oh my god, he just… completely changed everything for me. Michele was an amazing photographer, seriously. She took the most gorgeous photos of me for the Misery campaign – they were perfect! I’m just absolutely heartbroken for everyone involved, especially their family. I can’t stop thinking about them right now.

The actor expressed shock and sadness upon hearing of Rob Reiner’s passing, remembering him as “a great man.” They had worked together on the 1985 film, The Sure Thing, four decades prior.

The actor, who previously worked with Rob Reiner on the 1994 film North, shared on X (formerly Twitter) their shock and sadness at the news of Reiner and his wife Michelle’s passing. They expressed their sympathy to Reiner’s children and family.

She described Rob Reiner as an incredibly kind and joyful person, also noting his thoughtfulness and generosity. He had a huge impact on the film industry and the world, creating movies that emphasized empathy and humor. He encouraged people to be braver and take chances in the pursuit of love. With his large platform and storytelling skills, he championed democracy and supported others, both locally and globally.

Sophia continued, explaining that he consistently showed up even when he wasn’t being filmed. He was always quick to volunteer and joined countless Zoom calls to support organizations working to improve the world. He generously shared his skills and time, always saying yes to help others. Over the years I’ve known him through this work, he’s been a wonderful influence and inspiration. I’m devastated by his and Michele’s passing, and my thoughts are with their families and friends.

I’ve always loved Rob Reiner as a director,” said the actor known for Zoolander on X. “He created some of the most influential films for people my age. He stepped out from under the shadow of his incredibly funny father, Carl Reiner, and transitioned from being a TV actor to a truly fantastic filmmaker with an amazing series of movies.

He added that Spinal Tap is a truly hilarious film, and that’s just one example of his great taste. He was also a genuinely kind and very funny person.

The actress from Bear shared on Instagram that meeting this man was a life-changing experience, and she truly believes that. She was lucky enough to recently meet him and was amazed by his willingness to chat with her, especially knowing he did it simply to make a young fan happy.

She added that he truly loved his work and the people he worked with. He was incredibly giving with his time, energy, and experiences, and she was completely heartbroken.

The comedian expressed shock and horror upon learning about the incident involving Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. They called it a terrible situation and offered prayers for a quick resolution and sympathy for the family and children, admitting they were speechless.

The Emmy-winning actor shared on Instagram that they were deeply saddened by the passing of their favorite director. They explained that A Few Good Men inspired them to pursue acting, and the director’s overall work motivated them to become a director themselves – a desire that continues to this day.

He said he was deeply saddened by the loss of Rob and his wife, but acknowledged the significant and positive influence they had on his life and the lives of many others.

After learning about Rob and Michele’s passing, the musician remembered first meeting them while working on the upcoming film, Spinal Tap at Stonehenge: The Final Finale.

Josh shared on Instagram that he and Michele treated him like family and helped him achieve a lifelong dream. He described their time together as filled with laughter, love, and music, creating a memory he’ll always treasure. He expressed shock and deep sadness at their passing and sent his condolences to their family.

The actor spoke highly of Cary Elwes’ remembrance of Rob, calling Rob a hugely influential person in their field and a deeply important figure in Cary’s life. They sent their love, support, and prayers for strength and healing to Cary and everyone grieving this incredibly sad loss, adding a message of affection to their friend.

The star of Frozen shared on Facebook that the director was a truly great talent and a wonderful person. She described Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle as incredibly kind and compassionate, always looking out for those who needed help. She expressed deep sorrow over his passing, saying the loss is devastating and incredibly painful.

The comedian shared on X that they were very saddened by the director’s passing. They described him as one of America’s most talented directors, whose work has been loved by many for generations. Personally, the comedian fondly remembered watching the classic TV show All In The Family with their father and being completely overcome with laughter thanks to the director’s work.

2025-12-15 23:53

Who Is Nick Reiner?

What has Nick Reiner said about substance abuse and drug addiction?

Did Rob Reiner and son Nick Reiner work together?

What did Rob Reiner say about son Nick Reiner’s substance abuse issues and recovery?

Where is Nick Reiner now?

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