Rob Reiner (top left) with his ‘All in the Family’ castmates.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 CBS Photo Archive, Getty Images<\/span><\/p> Show business was part of Reiner\u2019s life from birth. His parents, father Carl, was an award winning actor and screenwriter, while his mother Estelle was a successful actress in her own right. Rob quickly followed in their footsteps, leading many to dub the Reiners America\u2019s leading family of comedy.<\/p>\n Reiner\u2019s breakout role came on the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family<\/a><\/em>, where he played Michael Stivic, Archie Bunker’s liberal son-in-law, given the nickname \u201cMeathead.\u201d Reiner\u2019s portrayal of the character earned him universal acclaim, as well as two Emmy Awards. The series ran for nine seasons from 1971-\u201978.<\/p>\n Andy Schwartz, Getty Images<\/span><\/p> In the \u201880s, Reiner branched out as a filmmaker, starting with his directorial debut, This Is Spinal Tap<\/a><\/em>. The mockumentary teamed Reiner with fellow comedic heavyweights Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer. A satirical look at the rock and heavy metal world, Spinal Tap became an iconic part of cinematic history. It was eventually enshrined in the Library of Congress, and in 2025 Reiner and his cohorts reprised their roles for a long-awaited sequel: Spinal Tap II: The End Continues<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n Reiner\u2019s success continued throughout the \u201880s with such classic films as Stand By Me<\/em> (1986), The Princess Bride<\/em> (1987) and When Harry Met Sally<\/em> (1989). In the \u201890s, he found success with dramas such as Misery<\/em> (1990) and A Few Good Men<\/em> (1992), the latter of which was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. His further popular films included The American President<\/em> (1995), Rumor Has It<\/em> (2005) and The Bucket List<\/em> (2007).<\/p>\n In a 1994 interview with 60 Minutes<\/em>, Reiner explained why he always strived to make his films \u201cas personal as possible.\u201d \u201cI didn\u2019t come through the film schools,\u201d he noted. \u201cI\u2019m an actor, and I approach it from, can I inhabit the insides of this character? Can I be this person? And if I can, then I know how to tell the story of what that person is going through.\u201d<\/p>\n Even as his cinematic output started to slow, Reiner made occasional appearances in TV and film. He had supporting roles in\u00a0Sleepless in Seattle<\/em> (1993), Bullets Over Broadway<\/em> (1994), The First Wives Club<\/em> (1996) and The Wolf of Wall Street<\/em> (2013). He appeared on 10 episodes of\u00a0the TV sitcom New Girl<\/em> (2012\u20132018) and made a memorable cameo on 30 Rock<\/em> in 2010.<\/p>\n Outside of entertainment, Reiner was an outspoken progressive activist. He was a passionate supporter of LGBT rights, and a vocal critic of Donald Trump.<\/p>\n A look at those we’ve lost.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Ultimate Classic Rock Staff<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRob Reiner Rose to Stardom With ‘All in the Family’<\/h3>\n
Rob Reiner’s Legacy in Film<\/h3>\n
In Memoriam: 2025 Deaths<\/h2>\n