Former First Lady Michelle Obama revealed she and her husband Barack were scheduled to meet Rob and Michele Reiner on the same night the couple was found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home. She described the pair as “some of the most decent, courageous people you ever want to know” during an emotional appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.
The former first lady told host Jimmy Kimmel that she and former President Barack Obama had known the couple for many years and were expecting to see them Sunday night before receiving the devastating news. Rob Reiner, the 78-year-old director known for films like “The Princess Bride” and “When Harry Met Sally,” and his wife Michele, who was 68, were discovered around 3:40 p.m. Sunday in their Los Angeles residence.
Before becoming one of Hollywood’s most celebrated directors, Rob Reiner first achieved fame as an actor on the groundbreaking Norman Lear sitcom “All in the Family.” From 1971 to 1978, Reiner played Michael Stivic, the liberal son-in-law of the conservative Archie Bunker, portrayed by Carroll O’Connor. The character was affectionately nicknamed “Meathead” by Archie, and Reiner’s portrayal of the idealistic, socially conscious foil to Bunker’s bigotry became iconic in American television history. The role earned Reiner two Emmy Awards and made him a household name during the show’s eight-season run. Reiner’s success on the series launched his career in Hollywood and paved the way for his transition to directing.
Nick Reiner, 32, was charged Tuesday, December 16, 2025, with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances in connection with the deaths of his parents. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges at a press conference, stating they include a “special circumstance” of multiple murders and a “special allegation” that Reiner used a dangerous and deadly weapon—a knife. The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.
Nick was arrested Sunday night in the Exposition Park area near the University of Southern California campus and taken into custody without incident. He is being held without bail after his bail was initially set at $4 million but later revoked. Authorities allege he fatally stabbed his parents in the “early morning hours of December 14” before fleeing.
On Wednesday, December 17, Nick Reiner made his first court appearance but did not enter a plea. His arraignment was continued until January 7, 2026. His defense attorney, Alan Jackson—who has represented high-profile clients including Karen Read, Kevin Spacey, and Harvey Weinstein—told reporters there are “very complex and serious issues” associated with the case and urged the public not to “rush to judgment.”
Law enforcement sources told ABC News that Nick had been living on his parents’ property but was not at home when the bodies were discovered. On Saturday night, Rob and Nick got into an argument at Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party, where Nick was seen acting strangely, sources told ABC News.
The couple’s 28-year-old daughter, Romy Reiner, discovered the bodies and reportedly told police a dangerous family member should be a suspect.
Michelle Obama’s appearance on the late-night show came amid widespread backlash over President Donald Trump’s controversial post about Rob Reiner’s death. Trump posted on Truth Social claiming Reiner, a harsh critic of the president, had died due to the anger he caused others through his affliction with what Trump called Trump Derangement Syndrome, sometimes referred to as TDS.
The former first lady appeared to address Trump’s comments directly during her interview. She said the Reiners were not deranged or crazed, but rather passionate people. In a time when there is not a lot of courage going on, she explained, they were the kind of people who were ready to put their actions behind what they cared about.
“They cared about their family and they cared about this country and they cared about fairness and equity. And that is the truth. I do know them,” Michelle Obama told the audience.
Trump’s post received harsh backlash from figures across the political spectrum. Kimmel himself called the president’s post hateful and vile, saying when he first saw it, he thought it was fake. Even for Trump, Kimmel noted, that seemed like too much, though he added that nothing is ever too much for him.
The president’s remarks stood in stark contrast to the tributes pouring in from Hollywood and political circles. Barack Obama released a statement on Monday praising the couple’s legacy and describing Rob’s achievements in film and television as having given audiences some of their most cherished stories on screen. The former president wrote that beneath all the stories Rob produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.
Rob Reiner had been a vocal critic of Trump throughout the president’s political career, frequently speaking out against his policies and actions. The acclaimed director’s body of work included numerous beloved films that became cultural touchstones, cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most respected filmmakers.
Michelle Obama’s decision to speak publicly about her relationship with the Reiners and defend their character highlighted the deep personal connection between the two couples. Her comments provided a humanizing counterpoint to the political controversy that erupted following Trump’s social media post, emphasizing the personal loss felt by those who knew the couple well.
