LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 23: Rob Reiner (R) and his son Nick Reiner attend a baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on August 23, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
The Los Angeles Dodgers have had many notable fans in their franchise history, particularly among Hollywood celebrities.
Actors Rob Lowe and Jason Bateman, musicians Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar and many other famous figures demonstrated their support for the team and attended games during the Dodgers’ back-to-back World Series championship seasons. And on Monday, the team responded to some tragic news concerning one of their notable celebrity supporters.
“The Dodgers express our deep sorrow and share our condolences over the passing on longtime fan Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele,” the team posted on X, formerly Twitter.
The Dodgers’ message came shortly after news surfaced that Reiner and his wife were found dead in their home in Brentwood, a Los Angeles neighborhood.
“A family member discovered the couple, according to a law enforcement source with direct knowledge of the situation,” CNN reported. “The LAPD said it responded to a death investigation at Reiner’s home around 3:40 p.m. local time Sunday, where they found two people dead.”
ForbesDodgers’ Star Sends 5-Word Message On Tarik Skubal Trade ReportsBy Peter ChawagaDirector, Actor Rob Reiner Describes Affinity for Dodgers
As the story has developed, it has come to light that the two were stabbed to death and that authorities have arrested their son, Nick Reiner, in connection to the crime. Nick Reiner spoke to People in 2016 about his struggles with drug addiction.
In 2014, Rob Reiner — who directed “This Is Spinal Tap,” “When Harry Met Sally…” and several other successful Hollywood films — told MLB.com that he became a Dodgers fan when his family moved to the Los Angeles area when he was a teenager.
“It’s like life in that we’re alone, yet we’re still part of a team,” Reiner said of the parallels between the sport of baseball and life, during that interview. “In other sports, you rely, always, on your teammates to help you in whatever it is you do. In baseball, yes, you rely on your teammates, but there are moments when you are alone and no one can help you. That’s very much like life, too.”
ForbesFormer Dodgers Organization Outfielder, MLB Record Holder, Ends Career After 7 YearsBy Peter ChawagaRob Reiner’s Son Covered the Dodgers
Another one of the Reiners’ children, Jake, received a message of support from Dodgers media outlet Dodgers Tailgate.
“The entire Dodgers Tailgate family sends our heartfelt condolences and support to Jake Reiner, a former member of our social team, and his family during this incredibly difficult time,” Dodgers Tailgate posted on X. “We are thinking of you, Jake.”
As movie fans, members of Hollywood studios and the Dodgers mourn the loss of one of baseball’s most enthusiastic and accomplished fans, more news surrounding his tragic death is sure to come.