Rob Reiner

Rob Reiner
source
Name	Rob Reiner
Caption	Reiner in 2011
Birth date	6 March 1947
Birth place	The Bronx, New York City, U.S.
Occupation	Director, producer, actor, writer, activist
Years active	1967–present
Spouse	Penny Marshall (1971–1981), Michele Singer (1989–present)
Father	Carl Reiner
Mother	Estelle Reiner

Rob Reiner. An acclaimed American filmmaker, actor, and political activist, Rob Reiner has left an indelible mark on Hollywood through a diverse career spanning over five decades. Initially gaining fame as Michael "Meathead" Stivic on the groundbreaking television series All in the Family, he successfully transitioned to directing, helming a string of iconic and critically celebrated films across multiple genres. His work, which includes classics like This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, and The Princess Bride, has earned him recognition from institutions like the Academy Awards and the Directors Guild of America.

Early life and education

Born in The Bronx, he is the son of legendary comedian and filmmaker Carl Reiner and singer Estelle Reiner. He was raised in New Rochelle, New York, and later Los Angeles, immersed in the entertainment industry from a young age. Reiner attended UCLA, where he studied theater and became involved with the campus comedy troupe. His early professional work included writing and performing on television shows like The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which helped launch his career in television.

Career

Reiner's breakthrough came with his role on Norman Lear's sitcom All in the Family, where his performance earned him two Emmy Awards. He co-founded the production company Castle Rock Entertainment with partners including Andrew Scheinman and Martin Shafer, which became a major force in 1990s cinema. His directorial debut, the mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, co-written with Christopher Guest, is considered a landmark in comedy. He followed this with a remarkable series of hits, including the coming-of-age drama Stand by Me, the fantasy adventure The Princess Bride, and the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally.... His dramatic work, such as the courtroom thriller A Few Good Men and the presidential romance The American President, further showcased his versatility, with A Few Good Men receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.

Filmography

His extensive filmography as a director highlights his range, from the psychological horror of Misery, which won an Oscar for Kathy Bates, to the political drama Ghosts of Mississippi. Later directorial efforts include the comedy The Bucket List, starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, and the biographical drama LBJ. As an actor, he has appeared in numerous films beyond his own, including roles in Bullets Over Broadway, The Wolf of Wall Street, and the series New Girl. His production credits through Castle Rock Entertainment also encompass major films like The Shawshank Redemption and Se7en.

Personal life

He was first married to actress and director Penny Marshall from 1971 until their divorce in 1981. In 1989, he married photographer Michele Singer, with whom he has three children. Reiner has been open about his past struggles with alcoholism and has been sober for many years. The family resides primarily in Los Angeles, and he maintains a long-standing friendship and professional relationship with writer Aaron Sorkin, having directed several of his screenplays.

Political activism

A lifelong Democrat, Reiner is a prominent liberal activist and fundraiser for progressive causes. He chaired the California Children and Families Commission, which oversaw the state's First 5 early childhood education program. He has been a vocal advocate for LGBT rights, gun control, and environmental policy, often using his platform to criticize figures like Donald Trump. Reiner has produced and appeared in numerous political documentaries, including The War Room and Shock and Awe, and co-founded the political action committee The American Foundation for Equal Rights to challenge Proposition 8.

Category:American film directors Category:American male actors Category:American political activists Category:1947 births Category:Living people