Rob Reiner spoke to Eric Idle for over an hour on the night he died

Rob Reiner spoke about his thoughts for the future in one of his final conversations, his friend Eric Idle has revealed.

The bodies of the director and his wife, the photographer Michele Singer Reiner, were found at their Los Angeles home with stab wounds overnight.

Writing on X, Monty Python star Idle wrote: “Rob Reiner was a lovely man. I spoke to him last night for over an hour. I always enjoyed his company. I met him at his Dad’s in 1975.

“He was telling me about filming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future. This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful.”

Beyond Hollywood, the couple were known for their politics, with both being vocal supporters of the Democratic Party.

Former US president Barack Obama was among those paying tribute, writing on X: “Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele.

“Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen.

“But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people – and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.

“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.

“We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.”

Reiner, son of the comic actor Carl Reiner, rose to prominence on the small screen, winning two Primetime Emmy Awards for his depiction of Mike “Meathead” Stivic in the CBS sitcom All In The Family.

But he was perhaps best known for his work as a director, including the iconic 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, and films like The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, and A Few Good Men.

Reiner’s friend Josh Gad, known as the voice of Olaf in Disney’s Frozen franchise, called him “one of the greatest directors of our time”.

He wrote on Facebook: “He was a friend. He was simply a beautiful person. Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were two of the most kind and caring souls you could ever imagine.

“He cared so much for those who had no voices. This loss is devastating. I cannot express how much this hurts. Love you Rob and Michelle. Thank you for all you gave us.”

Actor James Woods, a staunch Donald Trump supporter, spoke of his “love and respect” for his contemporary.

He wrote: “Rob and I remained good friends ever since we made Ghosts Of Mississippi. The studio didn’t think I was old enough to do the part, but Rob fought for me.

“Political differences never stood in the way of our love and respect for each other. I am devastated by this terrible event.”

Ben Stiller said Reiner was “one of my favourite directors” and called his death a “huge loss”.

He wrote: “He made some of the most formative movies for my generation.

“He came out from behind a huge comedic shadow of the great Carl Reiner and being a tv actor to being a great director who made an incredible run of movies.

“Spinal Tap is one of the best comedies ever made – and the list goes on. He was a kind caring person who was really really funny.”

“I didn’t know him well but was always a fan and I feel a real sadness for those who did, and his family.”

Actor Paul Walter Hauser wrote: “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.”

On X, actor Elijah Wood posted simply: “Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle. So much love to their kids and family.”