Michael Douglas and Rob Reiner had a lot in common.
It’s been incredibly sad learning more about Rob Reiner and Michele Singer’s tragic passing. As a longtime fan, I was heartbroken to hear about it. Now, details are emerging about the difficulties they faced with their son, Nick, who is now facing these awful murder charges. It’s just devastating to think about everything they went through as a family.
During the December 21st CBS News special, Rob Reiner Scenes From a Life, Michael explained that this tragedy has highlighted the immense personal struggles and pressure the individual was facing regarding his son.
Kirk Douglas, now 81, mentioned that his son, Cameron Douglas, 47, like Rob Lowe’s son Nick, also battled drug addiction. He said he and Rob had talked about how they both understood what it was like to have a child struggle with substance abuse.
Michael, who is also a father to Dylan and Carys Douglas, shared that he had a son who struggled with drug use. He’s happy to report that his son has recovered and is doing well. They had many conversations about parenting through difficult times, and what a parent can and can’t do. Michael added that despite everything happening in his personal life, this man—who he was speaking about—always tried his hardest.
It’s just… amazing to me how much Rob and I have in common! I mean, we both had these incredible parents who were total legends and really opened doors for us in this business. Rob’s parents, Carl and Estelle Reiner, were comedy gold! And my parents, Kirk and Diana Douglas, were just iconic actors. It’s like we were destined for this life, you know? It’s no surprise we both ended up doing what we love!
Michael confessed that watching Kirk perform made him realize he could never live up to his father’s legacy. Kirk was incredibly talented and had achieved iconic roles, like Spartacus. Once you follow the same career path, Michael explained, the comparison is unavoidable.
He then asked Rob, “Do you have the same sense of humor as your dad?” He believes this also contributed to Rob’s determination and resilience, qualities that people don’t often discuss when talking about his ability to persevere.
I’m still reeling from the news… Rob and Michele, gone. It’s just… awful. I found out they were found at their home in Brentwood on December 14th, and I can’t stop thinking about their kids, Jake and Romy, who must be absolutely devastated. It’s so heartbreaking. And I remembered Rob also had a daughter, Tracy, with the amazing Penny Marshall, who sadly passed away a while back. Just… everything feels so wrong.
Nick, age 32, was arrested several hours later and charged with murder. While court records initially showed a $4 million bail, the Los Angeles Police Department stated he is currently being held without bail.
He is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, each of which could result in a life sentence without parole – the death penalty is not being considered. His next court date is January 7, 2026.
Keep reading for more on the investigation timeline into Rob and Michele’s deaths…
As a long-time follower of this case, it’s incredibly unsettling to know Nick is facing two charges of first-degree murder. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison with absolutely no chance of parole, or even face the death penalty. I just saw that his next court date isn’t until January 7th, 2026 – it feels like a lifetime away.
Keep reading for more on the investigation timeline into Rob and Michele’s deaths…
Long before Rob and Michele Singer Reiner sadly passed away, their son, Nick Reiner, had spoken openly about his own struggles with addiction. He even worked with his father on the 2015 film Being Charlie, which focused on the topic of substance abuse.
Nick explained that he had been to rehab 17 times before turning 30.
In a 2016 interview with People magazine, he shared that he had experienced homelessness in multiple states – Maine, New Jersey, and Texas. He described spending nights and weeks living on the streets, calling it a difficult time.
Two years later, Nick recalled an instance when he “wrecked” his home while high on drugs.
He described an incident from 2018 on the Dopey podcast, explaining that he spent ten rounds sparring in his guest house while heavily influenced by stimulants—likely cocaine and another substance. This kept him awake for days, and he ended up hitting things in the guest house.
Oh my gosh, you will NOT believe this! I was reading everywhere that Rob Reiner – you know, the When Harry Met Sally genius? – had a huge fight with his son, Nick, at Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party! Apparently, it was a really heated argument, and People magazine had sources saying it totally happened. Even the L.A. Times confirmed it with family friends! They said people at the party noticed Nick was acting… off, before everything went down. I’m just obsessed with Rob Reiner, and this is just… wow. So sad!
According to two sources familiar with the event, Nick was causing a disturbance at the party by interrupting people’s conversations.
Jane Fonda saw Rob and Michele the night before their tragic deaths.
The actress shared on Instagram on December 15th that she had seen them two nights prior, and they seemed happy and well. She expressed being deeply saddened and shocked by the news.
On December 14th, around 3:40 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department investigated a death at a home in Brentwood, California, following a call they received the day after a Christmas party.
According to a police statement, officers found two people inside the home, later identified as Robert and Michele Reiner.
Detectives in the Robbery-Homicide Division’s Homicide Special Section began investigating how the deaths occurred.
According to NBC News, Deputy Police Chief Alan Hamilton stated that investigators will be speaking with many family members. Rob Reiner and his wife have three children: Nick, Romy, and Jake. Rob also adopted the daughter of his late ex-wife, Penny Marshall, named Tracy.
Rob and Michele did not die from natural causes; they appeared to have been stabbed, according to a source close to the Reiner family who spoke with NBC News.
According to the LAPD, the initial investigation revealed that the Reiners were victims of homicide.
Around 9 p.m. on December 14th, while the police were investigating, Nick was caught on camera buying a Gatorade at an ARCO gas station near USC in downtown Los Angeles. Footage obtained by MS NOW shows he was wearing a green jacket, jeans, and a ballcap, and carrying a red backpack.
Minutes later, the screenwriter was taken into custody near USC.
The Los Angeles Police Department stated their investigation showed that Rob and Michele’s son caused their deaths.
Police announced they arrested Nick Reiner around 9:15 p.m. on December 15th. He has been charged with murder and is currently being held in jail without the possibility of bail.
On December 15th, while appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Michelle Obama shared that she and her husband, Barack Obama, had plans to see Rob and Michele on the day they tragically passed away.
On December 16th, criminal defense attorney Alan Jackson—known for representing high-profile clients like Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, and Karen Read—told TopMob News that he now represents Nick, who was arrested two days prior in connection with his parents’ murder.
On December 16th, as authorities prepared to publicly charge Nick at a Los Angeles courthouse, his lawyer informed the press that he hadn’t been given medical approval to attend the court hearing.
According to reports, officials stated that all inmates require medical clearance before being taken to court. They are optimistic the individual in question will receive this clearance tomorrow, allowing for his transport.
On December 16th, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that Nick will be formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder, with prosecutors alleging he committed multiple murders.
The District Attorney also stated that Nick will be charged with an additional allegation: personally using a deadly weapon – a knife – during the attack on his parents.
He explained that if convicted, the charges could result in a life sentence with no chance of release, or potentially the death penalty.
Nick was formally charged Dec. 16.
Police believe Rob and Michele were likely killed about 12 hours before their bodies were found around 3 p.m. on December 14th.
According to a press release on December 16th, the district attorney stated the murders happened around dawn on December 14th.
According to a press release from the District Attorney on December 16th, Nick is accused of killing his parents by stabbing them. Authorities allege he used a knife as the weapon in the murders.
I was shocked to see Nick in court on December 17th. He showed up at the Los Angeles Supreme Court wearing a blue smock – I later learned it was designed to prevent self-harm – and, of course, he was in shackles. He didn’t say whether he was guilty or not at this first appearance, but he and his lawyers agreed to come back on January 7th for the official arraignment.
On December 17th, the medical examiner concluded that both Rob and Michele died from multiple stab or cut wounds.
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2025-12-22 23:18