Rob Riener, known largely in the rock world as the director of the iconic mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap” and the professional wrestling world as director of “The Princess Bride,” was killed on Sunday in an apparent homicide. The 78-year-old Reiner and his 70-year-old wife were both found dead in their California home with “lacerations consistent with a knife,” according to TMZ.
The Reiner family announced in a statement: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
The New York Post reports that that couple’s 32-year-old son Nick is a “person of interest.” The Post article reads: “Sources told The Post that stab wounds to their throats were among multiple wounds throughout their bodies. Their horrified daughter quickly told investigators that a relative ‘should be a suspect’ because they’re ‘dangerous;” sources told the outlet, suggesting it came during a heated argument.”
Reiner directed “This Is Spinal Tap”, “Stand By Me”, “The Princess Bride” (which featured wrestling icon Andre The Giant), “When Harry Met Sally”, “Misery”, “A Few Good Men”, “The American President”, “Ghosts Of Mississippi” and “The Bucket List,” among several other films. Most recently he directed “Spinal Tap: The End Continues,” a sequel to the iconic first film. He was also a two-time Emmy-winning actor for his role in the legendary TV series “All In The Family.”
