“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” the statement read. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Beyond his contributions to film and television, Reiner was deeply involved in politics. According to the Los Angeles Times, he was viewed as a significant political figure rather than a typical celebrity activist, often engaging directly with policy and advocacy rather than limiting his involvement to fundraising appearances. His work focused heavily on issues such as early childhood education and marriage equality.
Reiner co-founded the American Foundation for Equal Rights, an organization that played a central role in challenging Proposition 8, the 2008 California ballot initiative that banned same-sex marriage. The legal battle ultimately contributed to the broader movement that led to marriage equality nationwide.
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Democratic strategist Ace Smith—who worked with figures including former Vice President Kamala Harris, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Hillary Clinton—described Reiner as someone who approached politics with unusual seriousness and depth.
“Here’s this unique human being who really did make the leap between entertainment and politics,” Smith said. “He really spent the time to understand policy in its true depth and made a significant impact in California.”
Reiner’s political views often put him at odds with President Donald Trump. Over the years, he spoke openly and critically about Trump’s leadership and qualifications. During an appearance at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2017, Reiner told Variety that he believed Trump was “mentally unfit” to serve as president.
“Donald Trump is the single most unqualified human being to ever assume the presidency of the United States,” Reiner said at the time. “He is mentally unfit. Not only does he not understand how government works, he has no interest in trying to find out how it works.”
In 2023, Reiner and Michele produced a documentary titled God and Country, which examined the rise of Christian nationalism in the United States. While promoting the film, Reiner spoke to The Guardian and criticized Trump’s association with religious rhetoric, questioning the sincerity of his faith.
“I think he can probably spell the word ‘bible’,” Reiner said. “I don’t think he’s ever read it and I don’t think he has any idea what’s in it.”
