Michele & Rob Reiner, RIP. Photo: LBJ Library, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has posthumously honored legendary filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, photographer and producer Michele Singer Reiner, for their era-defining work in the fight for marriage equality.
The couple was celebrated as “superheroes” at the HRC Los Angeles Dinner this past weekend, held at the Fairmont Century Plaza.
The tribute comes just over three months after a tragedy that sent shockwaves through both Hollywood and the political world.
The Reiners were recognized for co-founding the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER). Following the passage of Proposition 8 in 2008, they strategically organized the legal challenge that ultimately led the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down the ban.
HRC President Kelley Robinson noted that the couple “showed us what real allyship is,” emphasizing that their commitment to LGBTQ+ rights remained unwavering until their final days.
The gala’s celebratory tone was balanced by the somber reality of the couple’s passing. On December 14, 2025, Rob (78) and Michele (70) were found dead in their Brentwood home. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, both died from multiple sharp force injuries. The deaths were ruled homicides, occurring within minutes of the attack.
The bodies were discovered by their daughter, Romy, after the couple failed to respond following a holiday party the previous night.
The investigation quickly centered on the couple’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, who was arrested the same evening near the USC campus.
Nick Reiner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances (multiple murders) and the use of a deadly weapon (a knife).
On February 23, 2026, Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty to all charges.He is currently being held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.The District Attorney’s office has not yet announced whether they will seek the death penalty.
