Rob Reiner, a comedy mainstay for six decades, has died. Reiner broke out as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family before transitioning into an acclaimed directing career. Reiner was 78; his wife, photographer and producer Michele Singer, has also died at 68. Further details are still unknown.
Reiner was born March 6, 1947, the son of comedy writer Carl Reiner and his wife, Estelle. Reiner began his acting career in the 1960s with small parts on series like Batman and That Girl. His big break came in 1970 when he was cast as Michael Stivic, the liberal son-in-law to loudmouth conservative Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor) on All in the Family; Bunker nicknamed the argumentative Michael “Meathead,” a nickname that stuck with Reiner for decades. The show became a massive hit, and Reiner stayed on board for eight of its nine seasons, penning three episodes himself and winning two Emmy Awards, before departing.
What Did Rob Reiner Direct?
Reiner’s next act came behind the camera. He directed the groundbreaking “mockumentary” comedy This Is Spinal Tap, detailing the disastrous American tour of a fading British metal band. Reiner also appeared in the film as Marty DiBiergi, the fictional documentary’s director. The film became a comedy classic, and Reiner soon rattled off a string of hit movies. In a span of six years, he directed five films that were huge successes with both critics and audiences: Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, Misery, and A Few Good Men. Subsequent directorial efforts include The American President, Ghosts of Mississippi, The Bucket List, LBJ, and Shock and Awe. Even as his directing career continued, Reiner remained a presence in front of the camera, appearing in films like Sleepless in Seattle, The First Wives Club, Primary Colors, and The Wolf of Wall Street. TV roles in recent years include Jess Day’s father on New Girl and business consultant Albert Schnur on The Bear.
Michele Singer was a photographer; her most famous portrait may be the photograph of Donald Trump in his 1987 memoir The Art of the Deal. She appeared in the 1994 Nora Ephron comedy Mixed Nuts, and served as a producer on several films, including the documentaries Albert Brooks: Defending My Life and God & Country. Both she and Reiner were politically active for progressive causes.
Reiner directed and starred in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues this year, in a return to his original directorial effort. Reiner and Singer are survived by their three children, and by Tracy Reiner, Reiner’s adopted daughter from his first marriage to Penny Marshall. May their memory be a blessing.
