Rob Reiner made significant changes to the ending of When Harry Met Sally after he met the woman who became his wife.
The renowned Hollywood director and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were discovered dead at their residence in Brentwood, Los Angeles, on Sunday (December 14).
Authorities responded to a call for medical assistance at approximately 3:38 pm local time and found 78-year-old Reiner and 68-year-old Michele deceased.
The LAPD Robbery Homicide Division is now handling the investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
A source close to the couple informed NBC News that the pair allegedly succumbed to stab wounds.
Police have confirmed that no arrests have been made, and there is currently no suspect or person of interest.
This tragedy occurred as the couple, who married in 1989, notably met while Reiner was directing the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally.
Their meeting had such an impact that Reiner decided to change the ending for Harry Burns and Sally Albright, portrayed by Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, to a heartwarming happy conclusion.
In an earlier interview with CNN this year, Reiner revealed: “The original ending of the film that we had was that Harry and Sally didn’t get together.”
He continued: “I had been married for 10 years, I had been single for 10 years and I couldn’t figure out how I was ever going to be with anybody, and that gave birth to When Harry Met Sally.”
Reiner was referring to his previous marriage to the late Penny Marshall, which began in 1971 and ended in divorce ten years later.
“I hadn’t met anybody, and so it was going to be the two of them seeing each other after years, talking, and then walking away from each other,” he added.
Fans of the film will recall the emotional scene where Harry dashes to a New Year’s Eve party to declare his love for Sally.
“I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible,” he says.
Reiner chose to pursue this alternate ending after meeting his own “Sally” — Michele — during the film’s production.
He explained: “I met my wife, Michele, who I’ve been married to now 35 years.
“I met her while we were making the film, and I changed the ending.”
This romantic narrative resurfaced as a family member confirmed the couple’s passing in a statement.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” a family spokesperson said, as reported by the BBC.
“We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton noted in a press conference that a search warrant is being prepared for a comprehensive crime scene investigation at the Reiner residence.
Additionally, LAPD Captain Mike Bland stated that the incident is being treated as an “apparent homicide.”
The LA coroner’s office will determine the official cause of death.