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 also known for his work as an activist, supporting important social causes.

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 earned him two Emmy Awards. He also acted in movies like Sleepless in Seattle (1993) and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).

Reiner started directing movies with the comedy This Is Spinal Tap (1984). He directed many popular films, including the adventure The Princess Bride (1987), the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally... (1989), and the exciting thriller Misery (1990). His film A Few Good Men (1992) was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. He has received several nominations for his directing, including four Golden Globe Awards.

Early Life and Education

Rob Reiner was born in the Bronx, New York, on March 6, 1947. His parents were Estelle Reiner and Carl Reiner, who were also involved in entertainment. When he was a child, Rob lived in New Rochelle, New York. Interestingly, the fictional family in The Dick Van Dyke Show, a TV show created by his father, lived on a street very similar to Rob's childhood home.

Rob Reiner studied filmmaking at the UCLA Film School. This helped him learn the skills he would later use to make movies.

Career Highlights

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

In the 1960s, Rob Reiner began his career by acting in small roles on TV shows like Batman and The Andy Griffith Show. He also started writing for TV, including the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in 1968 and 1969. He even wrote with Steve Martin, who was also just starting out.

Two years later, Reiner became very famous for playing Michael Stivic on the TV show All in the Family. His character was the son-in-law of Archie Bunker, and they often had funny arguments because they had very different ideas. The show was extremely popular and was the most-watched TV program in the United States for five years. Archie Bunker often called Michael "Meathead" as a nickname, and this name became very well-known for Rob Reiner, even after he left the show. For his acting in All in the Family, Reiner won two Emmy Awards. He later returned to TV acting with a role on the show New Girl from 2012 to 2018.

Directing Films

Starting in the 1980s, Rob Reiner became a successful director, making many popular Hollywood movies. He directed different types of films, from comedies to dramas.

Some of his early and well-loved films include:

• This Is Spinal Tap (1984): A funny movie about a rock band, made to look like a real documentary.
• Stand by Me (1986): A story about a group of friends growing up and going on an adventure.
• The Princess Bride (1987): A fantasy adventure film that became a favorite for many.

Reiner also started his own film company called Castle Rock Entertainment. Through this company, he directed more successful movies:

• When Harry Met Sally... (1989): A romantic comedy that is considered one of the best of its kind.
• Misery (1990): A thrilling movie where an author is held captive by a super fan. The actress Kathy Bates won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in this film.
• A Few Good Men (1992): A military courtroom drama that was very popular and nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

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

Acting Roles

Besides directing, Rob Reiner has continued to act in many movies and TV shows. He often takes on supporting roles. Some of his acting appearances include:

• Throw Momma from the Train (1987)
• Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
• Bullets Over Broadway (1994)
• The First Wives Club (1996)
• The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

He has also acted in some of his own films, like playing Marty DeBirgi in This is Spinal Tap. In December 2023, he appeared on a CBS special to honor the legendary actor Dick Van Dyke.

Activism and Public Service

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

Rob Reiner has spent a lot of time working as an activist, supporting causes he believes in. He is a co-founder of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which worked to challenge a law in California that banned same-sex marriage.

In 1998, Reiner led a campaign to pass a law called Prop 10 in California. This law created a program called First 5 California, which helps young children and their families. It was funded by a tax on tobacco products. He was the first chairman of First 5 California from 1999 to 2006.

Reiner is also interested in environmental issues. He helped make sure that a large area of land in California, called Ahmanson Ranch, became a state park and wildlife refuge instead of being used for buildings.

He has also been involved in politics, supporting Democratic presidential candidates like Al Gore in 2000 and Hillary Clinton in 2008 and 2016. He also supported Joe Biden for president in 2020.

Reiner at the LBJ Presidential Library in 2016

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.

Later, Rob Reiner met photographer Michele Singer while he was directing the movie 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 organizations work to help parents understand how important a child's early years are and to support policies that benefit children.

Rob Reiner has shared that he does not follow an organized religion.

Filmography

Films Directed

Films as an Actor

Television Work

TV Writer

TV Movies

Television as an Actor

Awards and Nominations

Television Awards

Film Awards

See also

In Spanish: Rob Reiner para niños

• Directors with three films rated A+ by CinemaScore
• Rob Reiner's unrealized projects