Rob Reiner facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rob Reiner
Reiner in 2016
Born	Robert Reiner (1947-03-06) March 6, 1947 (age 78) New York City, U.S.
Alma mater	University of California, Los Angeles
Occupation	Director, producer, writer, actor
Years active	1966–present
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Penny Marshall ​ ​ (m. 1971; div. 1981)​ Michele Singer ​ (m. 1989)​
Children	4, including Tracy Reiner
Parent(s)	Carl Reiner Estelle Reiner
Relatives	Lucas Reiner (brother) Annie Reiner (sister)

Rob Reiner (born March 6, 1947) is a famous American film director, producer, writer, and actor. He is known for both his acting roles and for directing many popular movies.

As an actor, Rob Reiner first became well-known for playing Michael "Meathead" Stivic on the TV show All in the Family from 1971 to 1979. This role won him two Emmy Awards. He also acted in films like Sleepless in Seattle (1993) and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).

Reiner started directing films with the comedy This Is Spinal Tap (1984). He then directed many successful movies, including the adventure film The Princess Bride (1987), the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally... (1989), and the drama A Few Good Men (1992). A Few Good Men was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

Rob Reiner's Early Life

Rob Reiner was born in the Bronx, New York, on March 6, 1947. His parents were Estelle Reiner, an actress, and Carl Reiner, a famous comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director.

When he was a child, Rob lived in New Rochelle, New York. He later studied at the UCLA Film School.

Rob Reiner's Career in Entertainment

In the early 1960s, Rob Reiner worked as a trainee at the Bucks County Playhouse. In the late 1960s, he had small acting roles in several TV shows. These included Batman and The Andy Griffith Show. He also appeared in some films, including a few directed by his father.

Reiner began his career as a writer for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in 1968. He worked with Steve Martin, and they were the youngest writers on the show.

Becoming a TV Star

Two years later, Reiner became very famous for playing Michael Stivic. This character was Archie Bunker's son-in-law on the 1970s TV show All in the Family. The show was very popular, being the most-watched TV program in the United States for five years.

His character's nickname, "Meathead," became strongly linked to him. Even after he left the show and became a director, people still called him that. Rob Reiner once said, "I could win the Nobel Prize and they'd write 'Meathead wins the Nobel Prize'." He won two Emmy Awards for his acting on the show.

Directing Hit Movies

Starting in the 1980s, Reiner became known for directing many successful Hollywood films. These movies covered different types of stories. Some of his early popular films include:

• This Is Spinal Tap (1984): A funny movie that looks like a documentary about a rock band.
• Stand by Me (1986): A story about growing up and friendship.
• The Princess Bride (1987): A fantasy adventure film.

Reiner went on to direct other successful films with his own company, Castle Rock Entertainment. These include:

• When Harry Met Sally... (1989): A romantic comedy often called one of the best of its kind.
• Misery (1990): A suspenseful thriller.
• A Few Good Men (1992): A drama about a military courtroom, which was his most successful movie financially.

Other films he directed include the political romance The American President (1995) and the uplifting comedy The Bucket List (2007).

Continuing to Act

Rob Reiner has also continued to act in supporting roles in many films and TV shows. Some of these include Sleepless in Seattle (1993), The First Wives Club (1996), and New Girl (2012–2018). He has also made fun of himself by appearing as himself in shows like 30 Rock (2010).

In 2023, Reiner opened a special TV show called Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic. He gave a tribute to Dick Van Dyke and had a conversation with him.

Rob Reiner's Political Views

Rob Reiner has spent a lot of time working for liberal causes.

He helped start the American Foundation for Equal Rights. This group challenged a law in California that had banned same-sex marriage.

In 1998, Reiner led a campaign for "Prop 10" in California. This law created "First 5 California," a program that helps young children develop. It was paid for by a tax on tobacco products. Reiner was the first chairman of First 5 California from 1999 to 2006.

He is also involved in environmental issues. He helped make Ahmanson Ranch into a state park and wildlife refuge. This stopped it from being used for commercial buildings.

Reiner has supported Democratic presidential candidates. He campaigned for Al Gore in 2000 and for Hillary Clinton in 2008 and 2016. He also supported Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

Reiner is on the advisory board of the Committee to Investigate Russia. This group was started to look into how Russia might have affected the 2016 US elections.

Rob Reiner's Personal Life

Rob Reiner married actress and director Penny Marshall in 1971. He adopted her daughter, actress Tracy Reiner. Rob and Penny divorced in 1981.

Reiner later met photographer Michele Singer while directing When Harry Met Sally.... They got married in 1989 and have three children: Jake, Nick, and Romy.

In 1997, Reiner and Singer started the "I Am Your Child Foundation." In 2004, they founded "Parents' Action for Children." These groups aim to help parents understand how important a child's early years are. They also work to improve public policies that support children and families.

Rob Reiner has said that his childhood home was not very religious, but he did have a bar mitzvah. He identifies as having no religious affiliation and as an atheist. However, he has also said he is interested in the ideas of Buddhism.

Filmography

Film

As actor

Television

TV writer

TV movies

As actor

Awards and Nominations

Television

Film

Images for kids

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  Reiner (with Sally Struthers, Carroll O'Connor and Jean Stapleton), as Michael Stivic on All in the Family, 1976

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  Rob Reiner speaking at a Howard Dean rally on October 29, 2003

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  Reiner at the LBJ Presidential Library in 2016