Robert Reiner, born on March 6, 1947, is an accomplished American film director, producer, screenwriter, actor, and liberal activist. His career spans across various domains of the entertainment industry, from television to film, and also includes significant political activism. This article delves into Reiner's career highlights, personal life, and, notably, his weight loss journey.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in the Bronx, New York, to Estelle and Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner grew up in a Jewish family. His childhood home at 48 Bonnie Meadow Road in New Rochelle, New York, was the inspiration for the fictional Petrie family's home in "The Dick Van Dyke Show," created by his father. In the early 1960s, Reiner served as a trainee/apprentice at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania, and The Beverly Hillbillies, appearing in several films, including some by his father, such as "Where's Poppa?" (1970).
Rise to Fame with "All in the Family"
Reiner's breakthrough came in 1972 when he played Michael Stivic, Archie Bunker's liberal son-in-law, on Norman Lear's 1970s sitcom "All in the Family." Inspired by the British sitcom "Till Death Us Do Part," the show became the most-watched television program in the United States for five seasons (1971-1976). The character's nickname "Meathead," given by Archie, stuck with him even after he left the role. Reiner humorously noted, "I could win the Nobel Prize and they'd write 'Meathead wins the Nobel Prize.'" His performance earned him two Emmy Awards and five Golden Globe nominations.
Transition to Directing
Beginning in the 1980s, Reiner transitioned to directing, gaining recognition for several successful Hollywood films across different genres. His earlier films include the rock-band mockumentary "This Is Spinal Tap" (1984), the comedic fantasy film "The Princess Bride" (1987), and the coming-of-age tale "Stand by Me" (1986). With his own company, Castle Rock Entertainment, Reiner directed other critically and commercially successful films, including the romantic comedy "When Harry Met Sally…"
"This Is Spinal Tap" (1984): A Mockumentary Masterpiece
"This Is Spinal Tap" is a cult classic credited with turbocharging the mockumentary genre. The film, now 41 years old, has been hailed as the best comedy of all time by some publications. Reiner, who played faux-documentarian Marty DeBirgi, shared insights into the film's creation.
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The idea for the movie came from a rock ’n’ roll tour concept that Reiner and Harry Shearer developed. After receiving $60,000 from Marble Arch to write a screenplay, they found it challenging to convey the documentary style in screenplay form. Reiner contributed an additional $25,000, and the team created 20 minutes of backstage, interview, and concert footage. Despite initial rejection from Marble Arch, they persevered and eventually got the film made.
Reiner noted that audiences initially misunderstood the film, thinking it was a real documentary about a band no one had heard of. However, it gained popularity on videotape and DVD, eventually becoming a cult classic. The line “This one goes to 11” is now in the Oxford English Dictionary, signifying something in excess.
The dialogue in the film was largely improvised, with the cast, all accomplished musicians, playing their instruments and recording the music. Reiner highlighted that the music itself was decent heavy metal, with the humor stemming from the lyrics.
In a recent rerelease, Reiner appears as himself at the beginning, introducing the film, and as Marty DiBergi at the end, teasing "Spinal Tap II." The new movie features the band reuniting for one final show, with appearances from Paul McCartney and Elton John.
Continued Acting Roles
In addition to directing, Reiner has taken on supporting roles in films and television shows such as "Throw Momma from the Train" (1987), "Sleepless in Seattle" (1993), "Bullets Over Broadway" (1994), "The First Wives Club" (1996), "Primary Colors" (1998), "EDtv" (1999), "New Girl" (2012-2018), and "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013). He has also acted in his own films, including "The Story of Us" (1999), "Alex & Emma" (2001), and "Shock and Awe" (2017).
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Political Activism
Reiner's involvement in politics is extensive. In 1998, he chaired the campaign for Prop 10, the California Children and Families Initiative, which created First 5 California, an early childhood development program funded by a tax on tobacco products. He served as the chairman of First 5 California from 1999 to 2006. His anti-smoking advocacy led to a satirical portrayal of him in a "South Park" episode.
He faced criticism for campaigning for Prop 82 to fund state-run preschools while still chair of the First Five Commission, leading to his resignation in 2006. An audit later concluded that the commission did not violate state law.
Reiner is a member of the Social Responsibility Task Force and is active in environmental issues. He led the effort to establish California's Ahmanson Ranch as a state park and wildlife refuge. He was considered a potential candidate against California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006 but decided not to run.
He campaigned for Al Gore in the 2000 presidential election, Howard Dean in the 2004 Iowa caucuses, and endorsed Hillary Clinton for president in 2008 and 2016. Since the 2016 election, he has been a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In June 2021, Reiner announced a TV project covering the relationship between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
Personal Life
Rob Reiner married actress/director Penny Marshall in 1971 and adopted her daughter, actress Tracy Reiner. He met his second wife, photographer Michele Singer, while directing "When Harry Met Sally," leading to a change in the film's ending. They married in 1989.
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Rob Reiner's Weight Loss Journey
During interviews for "Alex & Emma," Reiner was noted to be remarkably fit. He revealed that he had been following the Zone Diet, a modified version of the Atkins Diet. This diet involves eliminating starchy carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, potatoes, and rice, and focusing on fruits, vegetables, and protein. Reiner emphasized that exercise and adherence to the diet are crucial for success. He noted he had maintained his weight for four to five months.
"Misery": Overcoming Challenges
Reiner faced challenges while directing the classic 1990 thriller "Misery." Initially, Warren Beatty was set to play the lead role of author Paul Sheldon, but he dropped out due to nervousness. James Caan was eventually cast, but he struggled with the opening scene, where Sheldon finishes his novel and lights a cigarette. Reiner recalled that Caan's fidgety movements made it difficult to capture the required serenity. Despite early doubts, Caan's physicality ultimately enhanced the character, portraying the frustration of being bed-bound. The film was a box office success, and Kathy Bates won an Oscar for her role as Annie Wilkes.