Prominent Democrats such as former presidential contender Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have expressed their sympathies for the loss of activist and filmmaker Rob Reiner.

The 78-year-old Reiner, recognized for his advocacy of liberal causes and support for Democratic candidates, was discovered deceased alongside his wife, Michele Singer, 68, at their $13.5 million mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles, on Sunday evening.

The news of Reiner’s passing prompted a wave of sorrow from influential liberal politicians. This follows several months after Reiner’s emotional response at a Los Angeles watch party, where he voiced concerns over former President Joe Biden’s debate performance against Trump, fearing it could jeopardize the nation’s democratic future.

Governor Newsom led the tributes on Sunday night, stating, “Jen and I are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.”

He praised Reiner as a “big-hearted genius” responsible for beloved classics like “The Princess Bride” and “A Few Good Men.”

‘His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others – and encouraging us to dream bigger.’

Newsom praised his ongoing advocacy for ‘children and civil rights’, highlighting some of the causes he was most passionate about.  

‘From taking on Big Tobacco, fighting for marriage equality to serving as a powerful voice in early education, he made California a better place through his good works.’

He said Reiner ‘will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity.’

Rob Reiner, 78, who was known for taking on liberal causes and supporting Democratic candidates, was found dead alongside his wife, Michele Singer, 68, inside their Los Angeles home Sunday night. He is pictured here with Michael Bloomberg and Al Gore in 2007

Reiner has become politically active in recent years as an ardent supporter for Democratic candidates and an outspoken supporter of liberal causes. He is pictured with then-Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in 2008

Pelosi, meanwhile, said the ‘news of a deadly assault on Rob and Michele Reiner is devastating.

‘It’s hard to think of anyone more remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavor they pursued,’ she said, calling the talented director ‘creative, funny and beloved.

‘And in all of their endeavors, Michele was his indispensable partner, intellectual resource and a loving wife.’ 

‘Personally, Rob cared deeply about people and demonstrated that in his civic activities,’ Pelosi said, calling him a ‘champion for the First Amendment ant the creative rights of artists.

‘And professionally, he was an iconic figure in film who made us laugh, cry and think with the movies he created.’ 

She finished her remarks by saying she, her husband ‘and our entire family mourn the loss of our very dear friends and are praying for their loved ones during an unimaginable time of grief.’ 

Authorities are investigating their deaths as homicides, noting that the couple were found suffering from apparent knife wounds.

‘It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,’ a family spokesperson said in a statement. ‘We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.’ 

Authorities are investigating Reiner and Singer’s deaths as homicides

Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shared their condolences for the renowned director on social media Sunday night

Reiner had become politically active in recent years as an ardent supporter of Democratic candidates and an outspoken advocate of liberal causes.

He was also a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, even announcing in 2021 that he was working on a 10 to 13-episode television project covering Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

But Reiner was also known to criticize Democrats.

He once reportedly yelled at vice president Kamala Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff, during a watch party for President Biden’s June 2024 election debate.

According to Original Sin, the book by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson documenting the 2024 election, the actor-director erupted over Biden’s disastrous performance during a star-studded party in Los Angeles.

He reportedly shouted, ‘We’re in serious trouble!’ and warned that the country could ‘lose our democracy,’ in an angry outburst seemingly directed toward Emhoff.

This did little to stem the influx of support he and his family received from Democrats late on Sunday. 

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Reiner’s ‘contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice.

Reiner is pictured with actress Christine Lahti and her daughter, Emma, then age 9, protesting the war in Iraq in 2003

‘An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others,’ she posted on X, adding that she knew Reiner personally and ‘have tremendous respect for him.

‘Among his numerous contributions, Rob helped create First 5 California, a landmark initiative funded by a tobacco tax to support early childhood development programs,’ Bass noted. 

‘He and Michele fought for early childhood development and marriage equality, working to overturn Proposition 8. They were truly champions for LGBTQ+ rights.’

Bass went on to thank ‘all of the first responders who were called to this tragic event,’ and said she was ‘holding all who loved Rob and Michele in my heart.’ 

Former Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, meanwhile, said ‘the characters, dialogue and visuals [Reiner] brought to life in film and television are woven throughout our culture.

‘Rob loved our country, cared deeply about the future of our nation and fought for America’s democracy,’ she wrote, calling Reiner and Singer ‘dear friends, and Doug and I are devastated to learn of their passing.

‘Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this tragic time.’ 

Even former President Barack Obama shared his thoughts on Reiner’s untimely death, saying his ‘achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen.

‘But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people – and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action,’ the former president wrote. 

‘Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose,’ he continued. ‘They will be remembered for their values they championed and the countless people they inspired.

‘We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them,’ Obama concluded.