Eric Idle Recalls Final Phone Call With Rob Reiner Hours Before Director and Wife Were Found Dead at Home
Monty Python star Eric Idle has shared a heartfelt account of what he says was his final phone conversation with filmmaker Rob Reiner, speaking publicly just after news broke that Reiner and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home.
The deaths are being investigated as a homicide, and the couple’s son, Nick Reiner (32), has been arrested on murder charges, according to police and multiple reports.
What Eric Idle Said About Their Last Call
In a message shared on social media, Idle said he spoke with Reiner “for over an hour” the night before the filmmaker was found dead.
Idle wrote that he and Reiner talked about:
- Reiner’s recent work and filming experiences, including shooting at Stonehenge
- Reiner’s “thoughts for the future”
- Their long friendship, which Idle said began when they first met at Carl Reiner’s home in 1975
Idle described Reiner as “clever, talented and very thoughtful,” adding that the news was “so awful” and that he would miss his friend.
What Authorities Say Happened in Brentwood
Investigators have confirmed the couple was found dead on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at their home in Brentwood, a neighborhood on the Westside of Los Angeles. Police said they responded at roughly 3:40 p.m. local time.
Arrest of Nick Reiner
Police announced that Nick Reiner was arrested and booked on murder charges. CBS News reported that authorities said he was being held without bail, after online jail records initially showed $4 million bail.
Key Timeline (As Reported)
- Saturday night, Dec. 13: Multiple reports describe a brief but loud argument between Rob Reiner and Nick Reiner at a party.
- Sunday afternoon, Dec. 14: Police respond to the Brentwood home and the couple is found deceased.
- Sunday night, Dec. 14: Nick Reiner is located and arrested later that evening.
- Monday, Dec. 15: Eric Idle posts about speaking with Reiner for over an hour the night before.
Rob Reiner’s Legacy in Film and Television
Reiner was widely recognized as one of Hollywood’s most versatile directors, with credits spanning comedy, drama, and courtroom thrillers. Highlights frequently associated with his career include:
- This Is Spinal Tap
- Stand by Me
- The Princess Bride
- When Harry Met Sally…
- Misery
- A Few Good Men
He also rose to early fame as Mike “Meathead” Stivic on the landmark TV sitcom All in the Family, before moving behind the camera and building a long directing career.
Projects and Collaborations Mentioned After His Death
Reports connected to Idle’s remarks noted that Reiner had remained creatively active, including conversations tied to current or upcoming work. One account highlighted discussion around Spinal Tap-related filming during Reiner’s final hours.
The Bored Daddy report also stated that Idle, Reiner, and John Cleese had been connected through plans involving a Fawlty Towers reboot, with Reiner and his wife described as producers.
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 fiming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future. This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and…
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) December 15, 2025
Public Reaction: Grief, Shock, and Tributes
Following news of the deaths, tributes and condolences circulated widely. The Bored Daddy report referenced reactions from figures who worked with Reiner, describing a wave of shock across Hollywood.
In a family statement reported by major outlets, the Reiners’ family asked for privacy as they grieve what they called a sudden loss.
