Why Rob Reiner Wasn’t Included in the New York Times “Lives They Lived” Section for 2025: A Look at Honorees Diane Keaton, Angie Stone, and David Lynch
EXCLUSIVE: As the year draws to a close, tributes are being compiled for those who passed in 2025, with readers of the New York Times encountering remembrances of notable figures such as Diane Keaton, David Lynch, and Angie Stone. However, two prominent names are conspicuously missing from the NYT Magazine‘s "The Lives They Lived" section: Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner.
The Hollywood community remains in mourning following the December 14 murder of the Reiner couple. As tributes from prominent figures in film and politics have poured in over the past two weeks, their absence from this year’s list has raised eyebrows.
“Is it because they were violently killed?” inquired a business executive early on Sunday morning, reflecting the general sentiment among industry insiders. Another questioned whether a Christmas Day op-ed by Martin Scorsese, which honored his friendship with Reiner, might serve as a substitute for a traditional tribute.
However, the explanation appears to lie in the timeline. Danielle Rhoades Ha from the New York Times clarified, “The Lives They Lived is a New York Times Magazine feature. Although the print publication date is December 16, the content was finalized and sent for publication on December 11—three days before Rob Reiner’s death.”
With the exception of breaking news, most of the NYT content is prepared in advance, meaning that a majority of the Sunday edition’s articles are typically online three to four days before publication, including "The Lives They Lived."
Rob and Michele Reiner were discovered deceased at their Brentwood home by their daughter Romy and a family friend. Law enforcement reported that they suffered multiple stab wounds, leading to the quick arrest of their youngest son, Nick. Scheduled for a comprehensive hearing on January 7, Nick, who has publicly battled drug addiction, faces two counts of first-degree murder. According to the LA County District Attorney’s Office, if convicted, he may face life in prison without parole or the possibility of the death penalty.
Over the past two weeks, the NYT has published nearly 50 articles regarding the Reiners’ deaths, their legacy, and the public response. Detailed coverage has also been provided regarding Nick Reiner’s arrest and subsequent charges.
The final Saturday Night Live episode of 2025 included a tribute to Rob Reiner, who hosted the show’s third episode in 1975. Further tributes are expected at upcoming awards events, including the Golden Globes and the 2026 Oscars on March 15.
Public figures across the political spectrum, including John Cusack, James Woods, Barack and Michelle Obama, Billy Crystal, and others, have expressed their condolences and celebrated the Reiners’ contributions to film and television. In stark contrast, former President Donald Trump took the opportunity to criticize Reiner, labeling him “deranged” and “bad for America” in remarks made shortly after the tragic news broke.
