Monty Python star and friend of Rob Reiner, Eric Idle, has taken to social media to reveal their final conversation the night before the director's passing.
Reiner, 78, and his 68-year-old wife, Michele Singer Reiner, who was an actress and photographer, were found deceased in their Brentwood home in Los Angeles on Sunday (December 14).
According to the authorities, police and firefighters were called to the home at around 3.38pm (PST). They only initially reported the passing of a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman, and did not provide any details regarding the circumstances of their deaths.
A family spokesperson said 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."
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Following the discovery of Rob and Michele's bodies, LAPD Captain Mike Bland said they were investigating an 'apparent homicide', with Los Angeles Police Department deputy chief Alan Hamilton adding that the LAPD’s robbery homicide division was currently handling the case.
Police have interviewed a family member; however, authorities said that no one had been arrested, and they weren't 'looking for anyone as a suspect or in any other manner at this time'.
Hamilton also said that the LA coroner's office would determine a cause of death.
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This morning, Idle took to social media following the shocking news, where he revealed he and Rob had a conversation the night before 'for over an hour'.
He wrote on X: “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, Eric and Rob had been friends for 50 years, and that the When Harry Met Sally director was friendly with all the Python troupe.
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The outlet further reported that Rob and Michele were also executive producing a Fawlty Towers reboot with Idle's fellow Python alum, John Cleese, before their passing.
Tributes for the This is Spinal Tap director and Mixed Nuts actress have been flooding social media, with California governor, Gavin Newsom, releasing a statement expressing his 'heartbreak' over their deaths, calling Rob a 'big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love'.
Meanwhile, other celebrities offered their condolences, with actor John Cusack calling the director a 'great man' and comedian Ben Stiller saying it was a 'huge loss'.
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He added: "Spinal Tap is one of the best comedies ever made - and the list goes on. He was a kind, caring person who was really, really funny."
Reiner's daughter, Tracy, has also since spoken out following the passing of her father, which she said has left her in 'shock'.
Topics: Celebrity, News, US News, Rob Reiner
Gerrard Kaonga