Entertainment
Hollywood director Rob Reiner, wife Michele found dead in LA home
Hollywood director Rob Reiner, wife Michele found dead in LA home
Legendary Hollywood film-maker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele have been found dead in their Los Angeles home.
Authorities are investigating the incident as an apparent homicide after police and firefighters were called to the couple’s house on Sunday afternoon in an upmarket neighbourhood of LA.
Reiner is known for directing classic films including The Princess Bride, This is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” a family spokesperson said in a statement to US media.
“We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Police said a 78-year-old man and 68-year-old woman were pronounced dead at the home, but officers did not immediately identify the couple or the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Police also said no-one had been arrested, but that no suspect or person of interest was currently being sought.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department told the BBC they received a call at about 15:38 local time (23:38 GMT) for medical aid to a home in Brentwood, a neighbourhood that is home to many celebrities.
Robbery homicide detectives from the LA police department also responded to the home and have opened a homicide investigation.
In a news conference on Sunday night, police did not offer any details about the deaths or what they found when they responded. Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said both bodies were still inside the house, more than six hours after police and firefighters had been called.
READ ALSO:
Police also did not give details about any injuries the pair sustained, nor if any weapon was found or used. Hamilton said a cause of death would be determined by the LA coroner’s office.
‘Big-hearted genius’
California Governor Gavin Newsom released a statement that confirmed the death of Reiner and his wife.
Newsom said he was “heartbroken” by the deaths and called Reiner a “big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love”.
Former US President Barack Obama said he and wife Michelle were also heartbroken by the couple’s deaths.
“Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen,” he said. “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.
“Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.”
Rob Reiner, the son of comedy great Carl Reiner, started his career in the 1960s and made it big playing Meathead in groundbreaking TV sitcom All in The Family in the 1970s, which scored him two Emmy Awards.
He achieved futher success with cult mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap in 1984, which he directed as well as playing on-screen director Marty DiBergi.
READ ALSO:
- Detained NAF aircraft, 11 soldiers not released yet – Foreign Minister
- Setback for Adeleke second term bid, Accord Party faction names Bamigbola 2026 gov candidateÂ
- Political Ambition, Prophecy and Public Morality: Questions Raised Over Adelabu–Ayodele Controversy
That began a run of classic Hollywood movies directed by Reiner, including Stand By Me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally (1989), Misery (1990) and A Few Good Men (1992), the latter of which scored him an Academy Award nomination for best picture.
He reunited with Spinal Tap for long-awaited sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which was released this September.
Reiner also co-founded the successful Castle Rock Entertainment production company.
He was married to Laverne & Shirley actress Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981 and is the adoptive father to Marshall’s daughter, actress Tracy Reiner.
He married Michele Reiner, an actress, photographer and producer, in 1989. The couple have three children together.
Michele owned the Reiner Light photography agency and production house.
LA mayor Karen Bass called the incident a “devastating loss for our city and country”, and paid tribute to the couple’s charity work for childhood development and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
“Rob 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,” she said.
Hollywood director Rob Reiner, wife Michele found dead in LA home
Source: BBC
Entertainment
Portable Says Parents Paid ₦30,000 Bail, Preventing Month in Jail
Portable Says Parents Paid ₦30,000 Bail, Preventing Month in Jail
Nigerian singer Portable, real name Habeeb Okikiola, has revealed that his parents paid just ₦30,000 for his bail, which prevented him from spending a full month in prison. The street-hop star shared the revelation while reflecting on his legal battles and the crucial role his family played in securing his temporary release.
The disclosure comes amid Portable’s ongoing legal challenges. He was recently denied bail by a Federal High Court in Ogun State following charges of assault and resisting arrest linked to an incident at his bar in Iyana Ilogbo, Ogun State on New Year’s Day. The hearing was adjourned to January 19, 2026, after a police officer expected to testify did not appear in court.
READ ALSO:
- NSA Nuhu Ribadu Refutes Viral Claims About Mother’s Death
- Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing
- ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027
While in custody, Portable welcomed news of a newborn in his family, with fans sharing videos of his reaction online. The singer’s legal history includes multiple arrests and court appearances, often related to assault allegations, obstruction of law enforcement, and public disturbances, keeping him in the public eye beyond his music career.
Portable’s statement about the ₦30,000 bail highlights the challenges faced by artists navigating fame and legal scrutiny in Nigeria. Supporters continue to call for due process and fair treatment, while critics argue that the singer must be held accountable for his actions.
Portable Says Parents Paid ₦30,000 Bail, Preventing Month in Jail
Entertainment
Eucharia Anunobi Petitions Police, Sues Pastor Over Leaked Allegations
Eucharia Anunobi Petitions Police, Sues Pastor Over Leaked Allegations
Veteran Nollywood actress and evangelist Eucharia Anunobi has petitioned the Nigerian Police Force and initiated legal action against a pastor following the circulation of leaked allegations that she described as false, defamatory and damaging to her reputation.
The controversy erupted after an audio recording allegedly linked to a cleric went viral on social media, making claims about an alleged relationship with the actress. Anunobi has categorically denied the allegations, insisting they are fabrications aimed at tarnishing her image and undermining her Christian ministry.
READ ALSO:
- Sultanate Council Calls for Nationwide Moon Sighting to Begin Sha’aban 1447 AH
- After Years on the Run, NDLEA Captures Suspect Behind Killing of Three Officers
- Arsenal Held 1-1 by Nottingham Forest but Keep Premier League Lead
In her petition to the police, the actress called for a full investigation into the origin and spread of the recording, stressing that the claims have exposed her to public ridicule, emotional distress and security concerns. She also confirmed that her legal team has filed a suit, asking the court to compel the pastor to prove the allegations or face the full weight of the law.
Reacting publicly, Anunobi stated that she has lived a celibate life for several years and warned that any threat to her life, family or property should be taken seriously by authorities. She maintained that the matter goes beyond social media controversy and has now become a criminal and civil issue.
The development has reignited debate over defamation, cyberbullying and accountability, especially involving religious leaders and public figures. In recent months, similar cases involving leaked recordings and allegations against clerics have drawn police attention, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of laws against false accusations and online abuse.
As investigations continue, legal observers say the outcome could set an important precedent on how viral allegations and digital evidence are handled in Nigerian courts.
Eucharia Anunobi Petitions Police, Sues Pastor Over Leaked Allegations
Entertainment
Nollywood Mourns as Nigerian Artist Dies in Movie Set Explosion
Nollywood Mourns as Nigerian Artist Dies in Movie Set Explosion
Tragedy has struck Nigeria’s film industry following the death of a Nigerian artist and special effects expert, James Akaie, who reportedly died after an explosion on a movie set in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The incident occurred during a filming session when an unexpected blast erupted in an area where special effects materials were being prepared. Akaie, who sustained severe injuries in the explosion, was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his wounds.
Two other crew members who were present at the scene reportedly suffered varying degrees of burn injuries and are currently receiving treatment. They are said to be in stable condition.
READ ALSO:
- US Lobbyist Deal: APC Says Critics of Tinubu Govt Don’t Understand Modern Governance
- Father Blames Lagos Health Centre After Twin Infants Die Following Immunisation
- Farooq Kperogi: Celebrating ASUU-FG’s historic reset with caveats
The death of the respected Nollywood special effects artist has thrown the industry into mourning, with colleagues and filmmakers taking to social media to pay tribute to his creativity and technical expertise. Akaie was known for his work on several productions that relied heavily on pyrotechnics and visual effects.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion, amid concerns that safety protocols on film sets may not have been adequately followed. The incident has renewed calls from industry stakeholders for stricter enforcement of on-set safety standards, especially during scenes involving explosives, gas cylinders, and special effects equipment.
The tragedy adds to a growing list of recent incidents highlighting occupational hazards within Nigeria’s creative sector, as practitioners continue to push for improved regulation, training and insurance coverage for cast and crew.
Nollywood Mourns as Nigerian Artist Dies in Movie Set Explosion
-
Sports2 days agoBreaking News: Senegal Crowned Champions of 2025 AFCON After Dramatic Final
-
Entertainment3 days agoEucharia Anunobi Petitions Police, Sues Pastor Over Leaked Allegations
-
metro3 days agoAfter Years on the Run, NDLEA Captures Suspect Behind Killing of Three Officers
-
metro3 days agoSuspected Hoodlums Kill Former Osun NURTW Boss as Police Launch Investigation
-
metro3 days agoSultanate Council Calls for Nationwide Moon Sighting to Begin Sha’aban 1447 AH
-
Education2 days agoApply Now: PTDF 2026 Scholarships for Nigerian Postgraduate Students Abroad
-
Sports2 days agoAFCON 2025: Referee Daniel Laryea Breaks Silence on Morocco vs Nigeria Controversy
-
metro1 day agoMSSN Warns Sanwo-Olu Against Reigniting Hijab Crisis in Lagos Schools

