Rob Reiner – the legendary director of Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally, and The Princess Bride – has died at 78

Hollywood Legend Rob Reiner has sadly passed away at the age of 78.

The director and his 68-year-old wife, Michele Reiner, were found deceased in their Los Angeles home on December 14. A family spokesperson provided a statement to US media, reading, "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."

Son of comedian and actor Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner began his career in theater and comedy in the '60s, but shot to stardom playing Meathead in the '70s sitcom All in the Family. The star acted in such movies as The Wolf of Wall Street, Sleepless in Seattle, and The First Wives Club, as well as many TV shows like New Girl and, most recently, season 4 of The Bear. However, Reiner was also a writer and director, best known for helming some of the most beloved movies of the past 40 years.

Reiner's directing credits include The Princess Bride, This is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally, and the 1992 courtroom thriller A Few Good Men, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. The filmmaker also brought some of the most beloved Stephen King adaptations to the screen, including Stand By Me, Misery, and, as a producer, The Shawshank Redemption. Reiner's most recent film was the long-awaited sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which was released this September.

In light of the devastating news, many industry figures have taken to social media to share their respects for Reiner. "Rob was my true hero. A true visionary titan and a lovely, lovely person," said filmmaker Paul Feig on Twitter. Actor Josh Gad wrote on Instagram, "He was one of the greatest directors of our time. He was a friend. He was simply a beautiful person."

The Fantastic Four: First Steps star Paul Walter Hauser posted, "Grieving the loss of my favorite director of all-time. A Few Good Men is THE reason I became an actor, and Rob’s filmography behind the camera is THE reason I wanted to direct and still do."

Authorities are investigating the incident as an apparent homicide. However, no one has been arrested, and no further details have been released at this time.