Michelle and Barack Obama were supposed to see Rob Reiner and Michele Singer the day they were killed, the former First Lady revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live Monday night.
Reiner was a longtime activist, supporter of progressive causes, and booster of the Democratic Party, and as Obama noted, she and her husband had known the Reiners for “many, many years.” She added, “We were supposed to be seeing them that night, last night. And we got the news. Let me just say this, unlike some people, Rob and Michele Reiner are some of the most decent, courageous people you ever want to know.” (That seemed to be a not-so-subtle nod to President Donald Trump, who mocked Reiner after hearing the news.)
The Reiners were killed at their home on Sunday, Dec. 14. Their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was arrested later that night and eventually booked for murder. He remains in custody without bail, and a court hearing is expected to happen today.
Along with all his peers, friends, and admirers in the entertainment world, Reiner was also mourned by many in politics, especially those on the left. Though best known for his comedy, Reiner’s work often had a sharp political edge, especially his two career-defining films with Aaron Sorkin, A Few Good Men and The American President.
“What they have always been are passionate people in a time when there’s not a lot of courage going on,” Obama said on Kimmel. “They were the kind of people who were ready to put their actions behind what they cared about. And they cared about their family, and they cared about this country, and they cared about fairness and equity.”
In his own statement, Barack Obama said that all of Reiner’s stories were imbued with “a deep belief in the goodness of people — and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.” He added, “Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired.”
Other tributes were also shared by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Bill and Hillary Clinton.
