Rob Reiner’s career and grisly death as star and wife ‘had throats slit’ – all you need to know – The Mirror
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Rob Reiner was best known for being an actor and director and was involved in creating some huge Hollywood films such as When Harry met Sally… and The Princess Bride
Rob was found dead at his home(Image: Getty Images)
What you need to know about Rob Reiner’s successful career and he and his wife’s tragic death
Rob Reiner has risen to fame over the decades for his acting and directing work. He has worked on some of the biggest Hollywood films such as his 1984 directorial debut in This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me (1986) and When Harry Me Sally… (1986).
Rob Reiner’s father, Carl, was one of the biggest stars in US TV in his prime and Mel Brooks, Sid Caesar and Norman Lear were all regular guests in the Reiner house. When he was asked about his ‘nepo baby’ status by the Guardian in 2018, Rob said he’d had lots of conversations with fellow actor Michael Douglas – son of movie legend Kirk Douglas – about their shared experience.
Rob Reiner’s son Nick is now in police custody following the deaths of the director and wife Michele, law enforcement sources said on Monday. Nick Reiner, 32, has not been arrested, but is in the custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the source said according to TMZ.
Rob and Michele were found in their Los Angeles home by their daughter, Romy. Calls first came into the Los Angeles Fire Department at about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14.
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Rob started his career in Hollywood as an actor playing Mike ‘Meathead’ Stivic in hit sitcom All in the Family between 1971 and 1979. His other acting credits include parts in 1993 rom-com Sleepless in Seattle, The First Wives Club in 1996, 1998 thriller Primary Colors and 2013 movie The Wolf of Wall Street.
Rob and Michele first crossed paths on the set of the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally. Rob said their blossoming romance at the time even inspired the film’s heartwarming ending.
Reiner told CNN in 2024 that Harry and Sally were originally going to part ways. “It was going to be the two of them seeing each other after years, talking and then walking away from each other,” Rob said.
READ THE FULL STORY: Rob Reiner’s son in custody after grim murders of parents
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TV star Gail Porter has opened up about the relationship between her and her daughter Honey, and explained why she is used to not seeing her on Christmas Day
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Gail doesn’t spend Christmas Day with her daughter Honey(Image: Getty Images)
Gail Porter has revealed the real reason she never spends Christmas Day with her daughter Honey and says “that’s how it should be”. The 54-year-old Scottish TV and radio star shares Honey, who was born in 2002, with her Toploader guitarist Dan Hipgrave, and worried her fans recently when she said she had “nothing planned” for the festive holiday.
In a new interview, the former Top of The Pops and Big Breakfast star attempted to allay her fans’ fears by explaining she “wasn’t complaining” about being without her daughter, she was just “having a bad day”. “My Instagram post was a bit clumsily worded but I was just having a rant. I did need a hug, but don’t we all sometimes?,” she added.
READ MORE: Stacey Solomon says her under-£20 hand warmers are her ‘best discovery of 2025’
Gail, who has become an ardent campaigner for various mental health and homelessness causes, opened up about the dynamic between herself, her ex-husband Dan and daughter Honey, and said she and her daughter were nothing like each other.
She described Honey as “brilliant and funny but sensible”, and said she had her “head screwed on”. When it comes to dynamic between her, Honey and Dan, Gail said she had grown used to her daughter spending Christmas with her dad’s side of the family, telling Mail Online: “Her dad Dan has a big family. His wife has a big family. They all – grandparents, everyone – want to see Honey on Christmas Day and that’s how it should be.”
Gail, who suffers from alopecia, married the Toploader musician in August 2001 after getting together with him following the breakdown of her relationship with The Prodigy frontman Keith Flint, who took his own life in 2019.
Gail and Dan separated in mid 2004, around two years after Holly’s birth. After going through a number of difficult periods in the years since – which included financial difficulties, mental health struggles and homelessness – Gail told the Mirror recently she felt “very lucky” to be where she is today.
“I’m 100% happy,” she said. “I’ve got my cat. My daughter’s doing brilliantly — she’s 22 now, finished uni and is working. I’m working, too, mostly charity stuff, and often for free, but I still worry about the next paid job. After being sectioned and homeless, I feel very lucky. I have great friends.”
In April 2011, Gail was sectioned under a 28-day order at a psychiatric unit in London, and after a short period sofa-surfing in 2014, then found herself sleeping rough in Hampstead Heath. Even so, Edinburgh-born Gail said she doesn’t want or need sympathy, and is proud of where she is today.
“I hate it when people say, ‘Poor Gail,’ or ‘Gail, you’re so brave.’ I’m not brave. I wake up, put one foot in front of the other, and here I am. That’s all anyone can do.”
Soul legend Carl Carlton has died. His family confirmed the music icon died aged 72. He was best known for his hit tracks She’s a Bad Mama Jama and Everlasting Love.
His son shared the sad news on social media. Carlton Hudgens II took to Facebook on Sunday to share a sad statement. ‘He wrote: “RIP Dad, Legend Carl Carlton, singer of She’s a Bad Mama Jama.”
He also shared a picture of the late funk and R&B singer. He continued: “Long hard fight in life and you will be missed.”
His death comes six years after he suffered a stroke. The Detroit-born soul legend went on to suffer ongoing health complications.
Carl Carlton has died aged 72 ( Redferns)
His fans paid their respects with messages on social media. Taking to Twitter/X one user shared a video of the star singing and simply wrote: “RIP Carl Carlton,” alongside a number of emojis.
Another also shared his tune and said: “This song is one of the most funkiest songs ever written and recorded… RIP Carl Carlton. She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)”
Others took to Instagram to share similar messages. Commenting on his video, one user wrote: “Rest in peace,” with a white dove emoji. “I absolutely love this song.”
And funk group Confunkshun released a tribute on Facebook. They wrote: “With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of the legendary Carl Carlton.
“His voice, talent, and contributions to soul and R&B music will forever be a part of our lives and the soundtrack of so many memories. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world. Rest in power, Carl. Your legacy lives on.”
Carl Carlton circa 1970 ( Michael Ochs Archives)
The singer initially performed as ‘Little’ Carl Carlton and signed to Lando Records. He later joined Back Beat Records. He dropped his nickname in the early 1970s following the success of his song I Can Feel It in the Billboard Soul Singles chart.
But it was his hit She’s a Bad Mama Jama that saw his biggest success. He earned a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and has surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify.
Other tunes he released included I Think of How I Love He and “I Love True Love. He also gained success with the likes of So What and Don’t You Need a Boy Like Me.
His last released record, God Is Good, was released in 2010.
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Rachael Carpani shared a post detailing her health struggles before her sudden death, which her parents described as a ‘long battle with a chronic illness’
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Rachael Carpani shared a number of posts detailing medical issues in recent years (Image: rachcarpani/Instagram)
Rachael Carpani’s family have announced the beloved actress has passed away after battling ill health for a long while. Rachael, known for her roles in Aussie soap Home and Away as well as TV show McLeod’s Daughters, passed away last week aged just 45, it was announced today. She shared a tragic social media post detailing her struggles before her sudden death on December 7.
She died after “a long battle with a chronic illness”, according to her heartbroken parents, who released a statement saying she slipped away “unexpectedly but peacefully” earlier this month. Tributes have flooded in since this morning’s statement.
No further details have been given as her grieving family asked for privacy, but the star had always been open about her health set-backs. Back in 2021, she was rushed to hospital after experiencing acute abdominal pain. The issues caused to even days in an intensive care unit before she was taken in for surgery.
“I was admitted to emergency with acute abdominal pain just over a week ago and spent a few days in the ICU,” she wrote weeks later. “Was then moved to the surgical ward,” she added before telling fans: “listen to what your body is trying to tell you”.
She said the pain had existed for some time before the situation severely worsened. Rachael added: “Basically it was a case of me not listening to my body and the pain [I tend to work through pain!] and allowing myself to get quite ill.”
In an Instagram post from last year, the actress shared images of herself taking part in a photoshoot following more surgery for an undisclosed issue. Alongside the collection she explained: “My first time back in front of a camera for a photoshoot two days ago. No hospital gown, no awesome surgery socks ….[have to admit I miss the comfort].”
Two years ago, she underwent surgery on her eyes after having a phakic intraocular lense replacement. Again keeping fans updated, she wrote on social media: “After a life with horrific short-sightedness, wearing glasses from the age of 5, I bit the bullet and got ‘eyeball’ surgery.”
Her parents confirmed her sudden passing in a heartbreaking social media statement today. It read: “It is with great sadness that Tony and Gael Carpani announce that their beautiful daughter, beloved Australian actress Rachael Carpani, unexpectedly but peacefully passed away after a long battle with chronic illness.”
The star had a recurring role on Home and Away, playing Claudia Salini, but was perhaps better known for appearing in the acclaimed drama series McLeod’s Daughters from 2001 until 2009, playing Jodi Fountain. She also appeared in NCIS: Los Angeles. Rachael also appeared in a number of films, including The Very Excellent Mr Dundee and Hating Alison Ashley.
Her co-star, Bridie Carter, paid tribute on social media with a lengthy statement. Carter wrote: “In love and respect, for our beautiful Rach, in prayer and with the deepest sorrow and profound sympathy for the Carpani family. Rest In Peace our beautiful girl….the “baby” of our [ McLeod’s Daughters] family. We love you, we cherish you.”
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Carted added: “This is the wrong order of things. We are better people for having the privilege of sharing time with you. We know Rach will not only be missed immeasurably by her family, by us, but she is loved and will be missed by you all, around the world. We love you Carpani.
“We miss you Rach. May your blessed spirit, so vivid, so full of life, laughter, joy, generosity, unique talent, energy, fervour, intelligence, resilience, courage and great humour, and a gentle humility, may you rest in peace.”
Rob Reiner’s youngest son, Nick is in custody following the brutal murders of his parents after the pair were found dead at their home in Los Angeles yesterday
Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
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Rob Reiner’s son Nick in custody after gruesome murder of parents(Image: Getty Images)
Rob Reiner’s son Nick is in custody after his parents were murdered. Nick, 32, was taken into custody by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at around 5:46am PST on Monday. He is being held on $4million bail in connection with the murder of his parents, records obtained by the Mirror have revealed.
He was arrested on Sunday at 21:15 local time and booked the following morning. Nick, who is said to live in the Los Angeles area, is very rarely seen in public after opening up about his battles with addiction in 2016. He previously opened up about going to rehab and how his addictions led him to homelessness. “I was homeless in Maine. I was homeless in New Jersey. I was homeless in Texas. I spent nights on the street. I spent weeks on the street. It was not fun,” he told People magazine in an interview in 2016.
The murder of Rob and his wife, Michele, has sent shockwaves across the globe after they allegedly had their throats slit by a relative following an argument. The agency description of Nick’s arrest states “Gang Activity.”
It’s claimed that Romy, Rob and Michele’s daughter found their bodies inside their home in Brentwood. Romy had told law enforcement that a relative “should be a suspect” because they were “dangerous”.
The Los Angeles Fire Department were called to the home to provide medical aid at 3:30pm local time on Sunday and discovered a man, 78, and a woman, 68, were already dead upon arrival. Police confirmed that both victims had suffered from lacerations “consistent with a knife [attack].”
A spokesperson for the Reiner family said: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Rob’s eldest daughter, Tracy Reiner, who was adopted by the star during his first marriage to Penny Marshall, said she was in “shock.” Speaking to NBC, she said: “I came from the greatest family ever. I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
She told how she had seen her father the day before for a family gathering. “I came from the greatest family ever,” she said. “I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.” A senior officer told the Mirror that investigators intended to speak with all relevant family members and associates as part of a routine procedure in a case of this nature.
“We’re going to try to speak to every family member that we can to get to the facts of this investigation,” the officer said, adding that detectives were set to re-enter the sprawling six-bedroomed property to conduct a detailed forensic examination.He noted that the house had been left in the same condition as when officers first arrived, after police determined there was no ongoing threat.
Police had already questioned a relative of Rob over the alleged murder. During a press conference late on Sunday evening, police said they were seeking to obtain a search warrant for a home and were “not looking for anyone as a suspect or in any other manner,” before adding that they would continue with their investigations.
Alan Hamilton, deputy police chief of Los Angeles, confirmed that the force would continue to interview several members of the family. There were no signs of forced entry on the $13.5 million mansion.
In a statement shared on X, formerly known as Twitter on Sunday, the police department said: “LAPD officers responded to a death investigation in the 200 block of S. Chadbourne Ave. Inside the residence, officers discovered 2 decedents. The identity of the decedents has not yet been confirmed.
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“Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) responded to the residence, which has been identified as the home of Rob Reiner. At this time, no further details are available as this is an ongoing RHD investigation, into an apparent homicide.”
The TV presenter has shared an update on his life after splitting from his wife after seven years of marriage and a rather awkward moment on Loose Women went viral
Ellie Fry Assistant Head of Features (Audience)
From family rows to looming separations, the past year has proved a turbulent journey for Jeff Brazier and his sons. When Jade Goody heartbreakingly passed away from cervical cancer at just 27, her former partner Jeff faced the agonising task of telling their two boys – five-year-old Bobby and four-year-old Freddy at the time.
Since that crushing moment, he’s shouldered the responsibility of being both mother and father to his children, thrust into solo parenting with an overwhelming determination to preserve their mum’s legacy. In the final days before Jade’s passing, the former pair poignantly penned a story for their sons explaining how she would transform into a star in the heavens that they could always glimpse.
“She didn’t want to tell them, but she knew she had to do it because she wanted them to know the truth. The thought of that always reduces me to tears. Our poor boys, poor Jade,” Jeff said. Sixteen years later, the tight-knit family unit that Jeff has battled so fiercely to safeguard seems to be crumbling.
The television personality parted ways with spouse Kate Dwyer for the second time, earlier this year. Sources suggest that PR expert Kate, 35, departed their family home two months ago, with Jeff announcing on social media that their relationship had reached its end. In November, Jeff, 46, wrote: “‘I’m so full of love and gratitude for Kate. For all we achieved, for how much we grew, for everything we endured. We separated in the summer and kept it private for as long as we could to give us some time to adjust. We both deserve complete happiness and we’re upset that we ultimately couldn’t be that for one another and It felt time to let it go.” Ahead of announcing the split, he appeared on GMB without his wedding ring, whilst Kate reportedly also removed hers following a trip to Las Vegas for the Grand Prix. The pair had previously separated in 2022 before getting back together seven months down the line.
Kate has reportedly returned to her Hackney flat, according to The Sun. A source said: “It’s been an incredibly stressful year for all of them. It’s been one thing after another. The pressure they’re under has exposed the weaknesses in their marriage and it’s become too much. Kate has told friends she’s had enough. She left three weeks ago and is now living in an apartment in London.”
Discussing his fresh living arrangements, Jeff explained he’d finally chosen to branch out and prioritise his own needs. “After three years in the commuter belt to make things easy for everyone else, it was when I ultimately became a storage facility that I realised it was time to suit myself and open fields make me happy,” he penned.
It comes after Jeff left Loose Women viewers open-mouthed after appearing to take a swipe at show host, Ruth Langsford.
In a very awkward exchange, Jeff went viral after taking time during the live TV show to criticise Ruth for ‘eating into his screen time’ as he presented the competition segment on the ITV show.
Just moments after telling Ruth she looked gorgeous in her outfit, Jeff told the mum-of-one she was ‘taking up his time’ on air after she replied, briefly, to his compliment. Ruth looked stunned after Jeff’s retort, but simply said: “Whatever” before adding: “Your wish is my command.”
Insiders have since claimed while Ruth did not want to make a complaint about the comment, Jeff was given a talking to about the on-screen incident.
A Loose Women source told The Sun: “Jeff’s cross words came out of nowhere and really took Ruth aback. He was spoken to by bosses who understand he’s dealing with a lot of stress at the moment, but warned there’s no excuse for taking it out on Ruth.”
On Sunday, Jeff shared a behind the scenes set of photos following his trip to the Caribbean Island of Saint Kitts for ITV, writing: “Just had the perfect week in St Kitts thanks to @stkittstourism Celebrating the sunshine and time to reflect on life & work while spending time with the team filming for one of our big @itvwin January competitions.”
Earlier this year, Jeff had initiated court proceedings to prevent Freddy, who is set to become a father soon, from visiting his maternal grandmother, Jackiey Budden, in a bid to ‘keep him safe’ – though this has since been abandoned.
The acrimonious dispute erupted into the public arena when Jackiey delivered a scathing interview attacking Jeff, even asserting that she’s the “closest thing” the boys have “to a mum”. In a crushing blow, Freddy echoed these sentiments, stating in an interview that he ‘doesn’t want to see’ his dad and branding him as image-obsessed with no regard for ‘his own sons’. “I don’t want to see him, and I won’t see him next week on Father’s Day either,” he declared in June.
“But that’s because I feel like I’m being hung out. I don’t really deserve it.” Freddy also seemed to aim a dig at Kate when he reeled off a list of things that irritate him – including ‘step parents’. The bond between Freddy and his elder brother Bobby has also taken a battering.
Freddy confessed that he and Bobby are no longer tight – a far cry from the heartwarming moments during Strictly when Freddy and Jeff were spotted enthusiastically supporting Bobby from the audience. He revealed they are “all barely speaking,” despite having once been thick as thieves.
Following the youngest sibling’s explosive interview, Bobby finally spoke out about his brother’s conduct. Speaking to The Sun in July, he said: “Freddy’s very sensitive and wants to please. And when he grows up a little bit that will serve him well. There are things I don’t like about him and there are things about me he doesn’t like. Freddy will be OK, I don’t know if he looks up to me, but I look up to him in many ways, but he’s a good boy.”
The Strictly sensation also allegedly pulled away from his father Jeff as the family drama escalated, relocating to his own pad in Soho. He’s reportedly thrown himself into spiritual pursuits whilst trying to work through the troubled dynamic with his dad. A source close to the family revealed: “Bobby’s always had a spiritual side, but this is intentional. It’s clear he’s trying to leave all the fighting and noise behind. Freddy’s rebellion is loud – drugs, public slanging matches, and legal battles about his nana – while Bobby’s is quiet. But actually it’s just as defiant. He’s turning his back on the life his dad created for them in Essex and following his own path.”
Dr Jane Halsall, a chartered counselling psychologist, spoke to the Mirror about how grief is central to the family feud. She said: “Grief is very individual and I think that is really clear in the family system with the Braziers. Each person has tried to find their own identity but clearly struggled over the years – one struggling with addiction, one child embracing religion – it is that search for meaning and identity.
“When Jade died, the loss will have created a profound disruption to the emotional structure of the family, removing a key figure whose role had anchored the children. In stepping in to fill the gap, Jeff appears to have prioritised protecting the children and managing the practical and emotional demands of single parenting, which may have limited his ability to process his own grief.”
The expert went on: “Trying to control the dynamics, I believe has worked against Jeff. This is not his fault as he has taken on a huge responsibility but I believe that his unprocessed grief will have been the driving force. Often people try to control areas of their life as a defence to avoid sitting with their feelings. With two young children and a wife, it would make sense that they became his focus. However, as the boys have grown up and become more independent, he has less control and I wonder if that has triggered a sense of emotional dysregulation.
“With family systems theory, such role shifts can create strain over time, particularly when each family member is grieving differently and communication becomes shaped by overprotection rather than openness. The uniqueness of individual grief responses, combined with the significant developmental impact of losing a parent at a young age, can create long-standing emotional patterns that influence adult relationships.”
And Jeff wasn’t the only one caught up in the fallout, with Bobby allegedly pulling away from his stepmother as well. Last year, Kate admitted she ‘felt like a failure’ in her marriage to Jeff before coming to terms with the fact that every couple faces challenges.
She opened up about matrimony after a follower sought guidance on salvaging their own relationship. The publicist responded: “I think we are all guilty of portraying only the good bits on social media.
“Anyone who says marriage and raising kids is easy is lying in my opinion. I felt like such a failure until I realised everyone has their struggles. I would never share the details of our relationship, but the one thing I am grateful for is that my husband is just as willing to put the work into himself and the relationship as I am. You can’t ask for anything more than that.” Delving deeper into what caused the marital breakdown, Dr Halsall went on: “It is possible that Jeff has remained in a functional, caregiving mode for years, leaving little space for his own emotional integration, which in turn may have affected the couple’s intimacy, communication, and capacity to reconnect.
“Hence why the marriage has struggled. Therefore, it is really important to be able to communicate and sit with how you feel, otherwise, it can result in what we call complicated grief, which disrupts your daily functioning and emotional recovery.”
A turning point finally emerged in the Brazier family rift when Jeff’s lads set aside their differences to rally behind their father during his West End debut in 101 Dalmatians: The Musical towards the end of July. Beaming dad Jeff shared an adorable photo of the threesome and penned: “So lovely to have both the lads come along to watch me in @101dalmatiansuk. I love how much it made them laugh and it was really special that they were both there to support me. Thanks for coming @freddybrazier_ @bobbybrazier.”
Freddy appeared to signal that their rift had been resolved, responding: “What a show, loved every minute of it! Most of all I loved watching you just play and have fun. I love you Dad.” Just days following their public reconciliation, the troubled young man opened up about the devastating truth behind his bond with his grandmother Jackiey, and what created distance between him and his father.
“I’ve been smoking since I was 12,” he revealed. “I’ve been to rehab, I’ve been sectioned, I’ve had manic episodes, I’ve been in cells. There’s been a real journey and it’s been a tough one.” The 21 year old also seemed to disclose that he had heartbreakingly ‘tried to end it all’ by ‘crashing his car’ during a ‘manic episode’.
He further alleged that his grandmother Jackiey was responsible for getting him “hooked” on drugs. “My nan was definitely the person who not only introduced me to weed but got me hooked,” Freddy revealed.
Speaking about his bond with father Jeff and explaining why he spent considerable time with his grandmother, Freddy poignantly shared: “I feel like if I didn’t prioritise the relationship with my mum’s mum Jackiey… I was scared that if I wasn’t [around her], she’d kill herself. And I had that in my head for so long to the point where I pushed my dad away and I was at my nan’s for months, go on mad ones..
“I’ve been smoking from the age of 12 and it’s time to stop,” he openly admitted. “It was a bad coping mechanism that turned into an addiction – something I relied on and something that made me feel sane and somewhat OK.”
Freddy revealed his desire to get “clean” in order to repair his bonds with Jeff and Jackiey. He stated: “I want to be happy and be in a healthy relationship and have a healthy relationship with my Nana and my father.” Freddy’s courageous confession about his battles offers hope for healing between the two lads and Jeff. With a baby on the horizon and his dad apparently navigating a tough separation, they’ll probably require each other’s support more than ever.
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Never one to dodge the challenges of raising children whilst grieving, Jeff reflected last year: “I think when the boys lost their mum I really doubled down on putting all of my time, effort, attention, focus on my children. I needed to be there, helping them to navigate whatever the future was going to look like for them given their loss. And I’m still playing that role.”
