Rob Reiner, son of a comedy giant who became one in turn, dies at 78

"Rob Reiner, the son of a comedy giant who became one himself as one of the preeminent filmmakers of his generation with movies such as "The Princess Bride," "When Harry Met Sally ..." and "This Is Spinal Tap," has died. He was 78. Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, were found dead Sunday at their home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. A law enforcement official briefed on the investigation confirmed their identities but could not publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity."

"Reiner grew up thinking his father, Carl Reiner, didn't understand him or find him funny. But the younger Reiner would in many ways follow in his father's footsteps, working both in front and behind the camera, in comedies that stretched from broad sketch work to accomplished dramedies. "My father thought, 'Oh, my God, this poor kid is worried about being in the shadow of a famous father,'" Reiner said, recalling the temptation to change his name to "60 Minutes" in October. "And he says, 'What do you want to change your name to?' And I said, 'Carl.' I just wanted to be like him.""

Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, were found dead Sunday at their Brentwood home in Los Angeles, and authorities are investigating an apparent homicide. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical aid request shortly after 3:30 p.m., and the Los Angeles Police Department identified the incident as an apparent homicide. Reiner was 78. Reiner grew up the son of Carl Reiner and pursued a career in comedy and filmmaking, working both in front of and behind the camera. He gained prominence on All in the Family and directed celebrated films including This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, and When Harry Met Sally.

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