UPDATE: The absence of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner from this year’s New York Times Magazine’s “Lives They Lived” tribute has ignited fierce debate and speculation. The couple, beloved figures in Hollywood, passed away on December 14, 2025, just days after the tribute was finalized, leading many to question whether their omission was intentional due to the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The New York Times has faced backlash for not including the Reiners in their annual remembrance alongside other notable celebrities like Diane Keaton and Jane Goodall. Many fans and industry insiders were shocked by their exclusion, given the couple’s significant impact on film and culture.
Sources close to the situation revealed that the tribute was already approved and locked for publication on December 11, 2025, three days before the Reiners’ tragic deaths. Danielle Rhoades Ha, Senior Vice President of Communications at the Times, confirmed this timeline to Deadline, clarifying that the omission was due to timing rather than malice.
Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead at their Brentwood home, reportedly suffering multiple knife wounds. Their daughter, Romy Reiner, discovered their bodies, and the circumstances surrounding their deaths have been deeply unsettling. Hours later, their son, Nick Reiner, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He remains in custody without bail and is set for a hearing on January 7, 2026.
The shocking details of this case have left many questioning the implications for the Reiner family and the entertainment industry at large. Nick Reiner, who has openly battled drug addiction, now faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted. The emotional toll on the family and the wider community is palpable, as tributes pour in for the Reiners.
As the story develops, fans and followers are left wondering what further revelations may emerge regarding this tragic situation. The controversy surrounding the New York Times tribute adds another layer to the already painful narrative of loss and grief.
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The Reiners’ legacy in Hollywood is undeniable, and their absence from the tribute has resonated with many, highlighting the impact of their work and the sadness of their untimely departure.
