Eric Idle, renowned for his work with Monty Python, shared a heartfelt message on social media about his last exchange with director Rob Reiner, which took place just hours before Reiner’s untimely passing.
The bodies of Reiner, aged 78, and his 68-year-old wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were discovered at their residence in Brentwood, Los Angeles, on Sunday, December 14.
Authorities reported that emergency services were alerted to the scene around 3:38 pm (PST). Initially, they confirmed the deaths of a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman but withheld further details about the cause of death.
In an official statement, a family representative expressed: “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.”
Following the tragic event, LAPD Captain Mike Bland indicated the incident was being treated as an ‘apparent homicide’. Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton from the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that their robbery homicide division was in charge of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials have spoken to a family member regarding the situation. However, they have stated that no arrests have been made, and they are not currently pursuing any suspects.
In response to the news, Eric Idle posted on social media, recounting his conversation with Rob the previous night that lasted ‘for over an hour’.
He shared: “Rob Reiner was a lovely man. I spoke to him last night for over an hour. I always enjoyed his company. I met him at his Dad’s in 1975.
“He was telling me about filming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future. This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful.”
According to Deadline, Idle and Reiner shared a friendship spanning more than five decades, and the director of When Harry Met Sally was well-acquainted with the entire Python troupe.
Numerous individuals on social media offered their condolences to Idle, expressing sorrow for his loss, while also paying tribute to the couple.
One comment read: “There are tears in my eyes. This whole weekend has felt like a gut punch, and then you barely have a moment to catch your breath before the next one comes. What an absolutely horrific and senseless way to die. I am so sorry for your loss, Eric, and for all of us…”
Another commented: “I hate that we only hear so much good about our favorite people after they are gone. I envy that you got to experience some time with him and can share those moments with the rest of us.”
A third user added: “Nobody deserves to die like this. And friends are rare.
“I’m sorry for your loss. And I will be forever grateful for his work – it brought so much joy.”