Rob Reiner facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rob Reiner
Reiner in 2016
Born	Robert Norman Reiner (1947-03-06)March 6, 1947 New York City, U.S.
Died	c. December 14, 2025(2025-12-14) (aged 78) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Cause of death	Died unexpectedly
Alma mater	University of California, Los Angeles
Occupation	Director producer writer actor
Years active	1966–2025
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Penny Marshall ​ ​ (m. 1971; div. 1981)​ Michele Singer ​ ​ (m. 1989; died 2025)​
Children	4, including Tracy
Parent(s)	Carl Reiner Estelle Reiner
Relatives	Lucas Reiner (brother) Annie Reiner (sister)

Robert Norman Reiner (born March 6, 1947) was a talented American film director, producer, writer, and actor. He was also known for his work as a political activist.

Many people first knew him as Mike "Meathead" Stivic on the popular TV show All in the Family from 1971 to 1979. For this role, he won two Emmy Awards. He also acted in movies like Sleepless in Seattle (1993) and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).

Later, Rob Reiner became a very successful director. He directed famous films such as This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Stand by Me (1986), and The Princess Bride (1987). Other well-loved movies he directed include When Harry Met Sally... (1989), Misery (1990), and A Few Good Men (1992). His work earned him several nominations for prestigious awards.

Who Was Rob Reiner?

His Early Life and Family

Robert Norman Reiner was born in the Bronx, New York City, on March 6, 1947. His parents were Estelle and Carl Reiner, both well-known in entertainment. As a child, he lived in New Rochelle, New York. He later studied at the UCLA Film School, where he learned about making movies.

A Career in Entertainment

Acting Roles

Rob Reiner started his career in the early 1960s. He had small roles in many TV shows. These included Batman, The Andy Griffith Show, and The Beverly Hillbillies. He also wrote for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour with Steve Martin.

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

In 1971, he became famous for playing Michael Stivic on All in the Family. His character was known as "Meathead" by his TV father-in-law. This show was very popular, being the most-watched TV program for five years. Rob Reiner won two Emmy Awards for his acting on the show. He later returned to TV acting with a role on New Girl.

Directing Success

In the 1980s, Rob Reiner began directing movies. He became known for making films that people loved. His first movie as a director was This Is Spinal Tap (1984), a funny movie about a rock band.

Rob Reiner in 1970

He then directed the adventure film Stand by Me (1986). This was a story about growing up and friendship. Another classic he directed was the fantasy adventure The Princess Bride (1987). These movies are still enjoyed by many today.

Through his company, Castle Rock Entertainment, he directed more successful films. These include the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally... (1989). He also directed the exciting thriller Misery (1990). For her role in Misery, Kathy Bates won an Academy Award. His movie A Few Good Men (1992) was a big hit and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

Other films he directed include The American President (1995) and The Bucket List (2007). His final film, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, was released in 2025. He also continued to act in many films and TV shows throughout his career.

His Work for Good Causes

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

Rob Reiner was also very active in supporting important causes. He believed in liberal ideas and worked to make society better.

He helped start the American Foundation for Equal Rights. This group worked to support equal rights for all people, including advocating for marriage equality.

In 1998, he led a campaign for California Proposition 10. This initiative created First 5 California, a program to help young children develop. It was funded by a tax on tobacco products. He served as the first chairman of this organization. He was a strong advocate for children's health and early education. His strong views sometimes led to him being parodied. He also supported efforts to protect the environment. For example, he helped save the Ahmanson Ranch as a state park.

Reiner at the LBJ Presidential Library in 2016

Rob Reiner was a member of the Democratic Party. He campaigned for several presidential candidates, including Al Gore, Howard Dean, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden. He often shared his strong opinions on political leaders and important issues. He was also involved in groups that looked into important national security matters.

Personal Life and Beliefs

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

In 1989, he married photographer Michele Singer. They had three children together: Jake, Nick, and Romy.

In 1997, Rob and Michele Reiner started the I Am Your Child Foundation. In 2004, they created Parents' Action for Children. These groups aimed to teach parents about the importance of a child's early years. They also worked to improve public policies for children.

Rob Reiner identified as having no religious affiliation. He said he was sympathetic to the ideas of Buddhism.

A Sad Farewell

On December 14, 2025, Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, sadly passed away at their home in Los Angeles. Rob was 78 years old. His family shared a statement expressing their deep sadness about this sudden loss and asked for privacy.

Tributes and reaction

Many people shared their sadness and paid tribute to Rob Reiner. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called his death a "devastating loss." California Governor Gavin Newsom praised Reiner's "boundless empathy" and his work for children's and civil rights.

Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle said they were "heartbroken." They noted Reiner's "deep belief in the goodness of people." Former Vice President Kamala Harris described the couple as "dear friends."

In the entertainment world, Screen Actors Guild president Sean Astin honored Reiner as a very important figure in film and television. Director Ben Stiller called it "a huge loss." Monty Python star Eric Idle described Reiner as "a lovely man."

Rob Reiner's Creative Works

Films He Directed

Reiner at the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con, promoting Spinal Tap II

Films Where He Acted

Television Work

TV Writer

TV Movies

TV Actor

Awards and Recognitions

Television Awards

Film Awards

Directed Academy Award performances
Under Reiner's direction, these actors have received Academy Award wins and nominations for their performances in their respective roles.

See also

In Spanish: Rob Reiner para niños