WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.919 Okay, let's unpack this. Imagine carving out 00:00:02.919 --> 00:00:05.299 a place in television history with a character 00:00:05.299 --> 00:00:07.780 so iconic, a nickname from that role would follow 00:00:07.780 --> 00:00:09.960 you, as you've jokingly said, even if you won 00:00:09.960 --> 00:00:12.560 a Nobel Prize. Yeah, the meathead thing. Exactly. 00:00:13.220 --> 00:00:15.599 Then imagine stepping behind the camera and becoming 00:00:15.599 --> 00:00:17.980 the visionary director responsible for some of 00:00:17.980 --> 00:00:20.460 the most beloved and critically acclaimed films 00:00:20.460 --> 00:00:23.350 in cinematic history. It's quite contrast. That's 00:00:23.350 --> 00:00:25.550 the extraordinary duality of the artist we're 00:00:25.550 --> 00:00:28.550 diving into today, Robert Reiner. What truly 00:00:28.550 --> 00:00:31.190 fascinates me about our subject is the apparent 00:00:31.190 --> 00:00:34.130 seamlessness. You know, how he's navigated these 00:00:34.130 --> 00:00:36.770 vastly different creative roles from a spanned 00:00:36.770 --> 00:00:39.329 out comedic actor to an award winning director, 00:00:40.130 --> 00:00:43.030 all while dedicating substantial energy to robust 00:00:43.030 --> 00:00:46.030 and often high profile activism. It's a lot to 00:00:46.030 --> 00:00:48.590 cover. It is. So we're going to trace the path 00:00:48.590 --> 00:00:52.070 of Rob Reiner. examining his profound contributions 00:00:52.070 --> 00:00:55.009 to entertainment and his unwavering commitment 00:00:55.009 --> 00:00:57.750 to social and political issues, to understand 00:00:57.750 --> 00:01:00.270 not just what he's done, but maybe get a sense 00:01:00.270 --> 00:01:02.929 of the deeper why behind his multifaceted impact. 00:01:03.409 --> 00:01:06.150 Absolutely. Today our mission is to explore the 00:01:06.150 --> 00:01:09.349 multifaceted career and life of Rob Reiner, an 00:01:09.349 --> 00:01:11.670 American film director, producer, screenwriter, 00:01:11.969 --> 00:01:15.430 actor, and, well, a prominent liberal activist. 00:01:15.629 --> 00:01:18.450 A true multi -hyphenate. Definitely. So we're 00:01:18.450 --> 00:01:21.370 diving into the sources we have, mostly that 00:01:21.370 --> 00:01:23.329 big Wikipedia overview, right? And we'll use 00:01:23.329 --> 00:01:27.310 that to really chart his journey, you know, from 00:01:27.310 --> 00:01:29.829 Meathead all the way to becoming this master 00:01:29.829 --> 00:01:32.069 storyteller and beyond. And we'll try to connect 00:01:32.069 --> 00:01:34.409 the dots. We're going to give you those aha moments. 00:01:34.700 --> 00:01:36.680 connecting the dots from his early days as a 00:01:36.680 --> 00:01:39.180 young writer, to the director who shaped cultural 00:01:39.180 --> 00:01:42.000 touchstones, and even his prominent role in public 00:01:42.000 --> 00:01:44.260 discourse. This isn't just like a recitation 00:01:44.260 --> 00:01:47.280 of facts. No. It's more of a shortcut to understanding 00:01:47.280 --> 00:01:50.540 his enduring legacy, maybe revealing some unexpected 00:01:50.540 --> 00:01:53.019 connections and insights along the way. Sounds 00:01:53.019 --> 00:01:55.500 good. Where do we start? So let's kick things 00:01:55.500 --> 00:01:57.739 off by looking at where it all began for Rob 00:01:57.739 --> 00:02:00.900 Reiner. Born Robert Reiner on March 6, 1947, 00:02:01.040 --> 00:02:03.200 in the Bronx, New York, he came into a Jewish 00:02:03.200 --> 00:02:06.340 family that was was, well, anything but ordinary. 00:02:06.500 --> 00:02:08.620 Right, the family background is key here. What 00:02:08.620 --> 00:02:11.340 immediately strikes you is the sheer creative 00:02:11.340 --> 00:02:13.719 pedigree. Growing up in a household with Carl 00:02:13.719 --> 00:02:16.939 Reiner, a legendary comedian and filmmaker, and 00:02:16.939 --> 00:02:19.500 his mother Estelle, also a figure in entertainment, 00:02:20.319 --> 00:02:22.300 must have been an incredible incubator of talent. 00:02:22.520 --> 00:02:25.199 I mean it's hard to overstate the kind of creative 00:02:25.199 --> 00:02:27.120 energy that must have been buzzing around him 00:02:27.120 --> 00:02:29.120 from day one. You'd have to think it influences 00:02:29.120 --> 00:02:31.900 every step. And he also had siblings Lucas and 00:02:31.900 --> 00:02:34.360 Annie Reiner part of this vibrant creatively 00:02:34.360 --> 00:02:36.960 charged environment. And you know that early 00:02:36.960 --> 00:02:39.360 environment isn't just a backdrop it raises an 00:02:39.360 --> 00:02:42.680 important question. How much of growing up in 00:02:42.680 --> 00:02:45.199 the shadow of such a creative force and even 00:02:45.199 --> 00:02:48.080 living in a functional TV address. How much did 00:02:48.080 --> 00:02:50.919 that shape his own artistic leanings and his 00:02:50.919 --> 00:02:53.740 future career path? Wait, a fictional TV address? 00:02:53.919 --> 00:02:56.259 Yeah, our sources actually detailed this charming 00:02:56.259 --> 00:02:59.240 anecdote about his childhood home at 48 Bonnie 00:02:59.240 --> 00:03:02.939 Meadow Road in New Rochelle, New York. This exact 00:03:02.939 --> 00:03:06.620 street... became the fictional address 148 Bonnie 00:03:06.620 --> 00:03:09.419 Metta Road for the Petrie family in the Dick 00:03:09.419 --> 00:03:12.240 Van Dyke show. No way. The show his dad created. 00:03:12.620 --> 00:03:16.680 The very one. It's a whimsical, almost meta detail 00:03:16.680 --> 00:03:19.979 that profoundly underscores how deeply entertainment 00:03:19.979 --> 00:03:22.300 was woven into the very fabric of his upbringing. 00:03:22.479 --> 00:03:25.060 That's incredible. A real life Easter egg. Totally. 00:03:25.520 --> 00:03:27.900 And even with that rich, informal background, 00:03:28.259 --> 00:03:31.080 he still pursued a formal educational foundation. 00:03:31.319 --> 00:03:34.900 He studied at the UCLA Film School, which signifies 00:03:34.900 --> 00:03:37.860 an early and deliberate commitment to filmmaking 00:03:37.860 --> 00:03:40.680 as a craft. So he wasn't just relying on the 00:03:40.680 --> 00:03:42.879 family name, he put in the work. Seems like it. 00:03:43.099 --> 00:03:45.199 That's a fantastic point about the Patri family 00:03:45.199 --> 00:03:47.939 address. What a unique childhood. With that kind 00:03:47.939 --> 00:03:50.699 of start, it's maybe no surprise he quickly moved 00:03:50.699 --> 00:03:53.900 into hands -on training. Right, practical experience. 00:03:54.139 --> 00:03:56.879 In the early 1960s, Rayner took his first tangible 00:03:56.879 --> 00:03:59.199 step into the industry as a train apprentice 00:03:59.199 --> 00:04:02.000 at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania. 00:04:02.180 --> 00:04:04.409 Uh -huh, getting his hands dirty. This wasn't 00:04:04.409 --> 00:04:06.810 just about studying theory. It was about learning 00:04:06.810 --> 00:04:08.849 the mechanics of production from the ground up. 00:04:08.969 --> 00:04:11.409 A really foundational experience, you'd think. 00:04:11.689 --> 00:04:14.030 Indeed. And those practical steps quickly led 00:04:14.030 --> 00:04:15.810 to on -screen appearances, though, you know, 00:04:15.909 --> 00:04:17.930 initially in smaller roles. Right before the 00:04:17.930 --> 00:04:19.889 big break. Exactly. Before All in the Family, 00:04:20.129 --> 00:04:22.149 Reiner paid his dues with numerous bit parts 00:04:22.149 --> 00:04:25.269 in popular 1960s television shows. You can spot 00:04:25.269 --> 00:04:28.870 him in Batman as a delivery boy. I think I remember 00:04:28.870 --> 00:04:31.149 that. In That Girl. Or even in The Andy Griffith 00:04:31.149 --> 00:04:32.930 Show, playing Joe, the printer's apprentice. 00:04:33.149 --> 00:04:36.569 Wow. Deep cuts. He also had multiple appearances 00:04:36.569 --> 00:04:39.709 in Gomer Pile, USMC, and the Beverly Hillbillies. 00:04:39.910 --> 00:04:42.490 And he even appeared in films, including some 00:04:42.490 --> 00:04:44.949 directed by his father, like playing Roger in 00:04:44.949 --> 00:04:48.250 Where's Papa back in 1970. So these weren't starring 00:04:48.250 --> 00:04:51.370 roles, but more like boot camp, learning the 00:04:51.370 --> 00:04:53.889 ropes from the inside. Pretty much. Observing 00:04:53.889 --> 00:04:55.750 seasoned professionals, understanding the rhythm 00:04:55.750 --> 00:04:58.819 of a set. Essential stuff. From those humble 00:04:58.819 --> 00:05:00.839 beginnings, it's clear Reiner wasn't content 00:05:00.839 --> 00:05:02.959 just being in front of the camera, though. You 00:05:02.959 --> 00:05:05.980 mention his writing and pivoting to writing alongside 00:05:05.980 --> 00:05:08.639 someone like Steve Martin. That hints at a deeper 00:05:08.639 --> 00:05:11.300 ambition, right? Absolutely. A desire to shape 00:05:11.300 --> 00:05:13.620 the stories. He made a significant transition 00:05:13.620 --> 00:05:15.560 by entering the world of writing for the Smothers 00:05:15.560 --> 00:05:19.480 Brothers Comedy Hour in 1968 and 1969. Yeah, 00:05:19.519 --> 00:05:21.519 and the source mentions he and Steve Martin were 00:05:21.519 --> 00:05:23.959 the two youngest writers on the show. Imagine 00:05:23.959 --> 00:05:26.860 that writer's room. Working on The Smothers Brothers, 00:05:27.259 --> 00:05:29.600 a show known for pushing comedic and political 00:05:29.600 --> 00:05:32.339 boundaries alongside another young genius like 00:05:32.339 --> 00:05:35.920 Martin, that must have honed his sharp, satirical 00:05:35.920 --> 00:05:38.379 edge. You'd think so. Understanding how comedy 00:05:38.379 --> 00:05:41.199 can tackle serious subjects, skills he'd definitely 00:05:41.199 --> 00:05:44.279 use later. Like in Spinal Tap or All in the Family. 00:05:44.740 --> 00:05:47.199 It's a testament to his early talent thriving 00:05:47.199 --> 00:05:49.860 in that high pressure environment. It truly is. 00:05:50.259 --> 00:05:53.279 And that foundation as both an actor and a... 00:05:53.909 --> 00:05:56.629 burgeoning writer, culminated in what would become 00:05:56.629 --> 00:05:59.069 his undeniable breakthrough role. Here it comes. 00:05:59.430 --> 00:06:01.649 Just two years after that writing stint, Reiner 00:06:01.649 --> 00:06:04.089 came to national prominence playing Michael Meathead 00:06:04.089 --> 00:06:07.149 Stivak on Norman Lear's groundbreaking CBS sitcom, 00:06:07.209 --> 00:06:10.810 All in the Family, which ran from 71 to 79. A 00:06:10.810 --> 00:06:13.129 role that wasn't just a job, it was a cultural 00:06:13.129 --> 00:06:15.209 phenomenon. Absolutely. All in the Family wasn't 00:06:15.209 --> 00:06:17.089 just popular, it was a national conversation 00:06:17.089 --> 00:06:19.709 starter inspired by the British sitcom, Till 00:06:19.709 --> 00:06:22.189 Death Us Do Part. It became the most watched 00:06:22.189 --> 00:06:24.790 television program in the United States for an 00:06:24.790 --> 00:06:27.930 incredible five consecutive seasons. Five seasons 00:06:27.930 --> 00:06:31.350 at number one, from 71 to 76. And the show was 00:06:31.350 --> 00:06:34.370 fearless, consistently pushing boundaries by 00:06:34.370 --> 00:06:37.569 tackling sensitive social issues, hit on racism, 00:06:37.829 --> 00:06:40.290 sexism, the huge generational divides of the 00:06:40.290 --> 00:06:42.490 era. It forced families to confront these topics, 00:06:42.550 --> 00:06:45.269 didn't it? Sparking discussions, arguments, maybe 00:06:45.269 --> 00:06:47.810 in living rooms across America. It was way more 00:06:47.810 --> 00:06:50.079 than just entertainment. Looking at the broader 00:06:50.079 --> 00:06:54.240 context, all in the family really served as a 00:06:54.240 --> 00:06:57.019 critical cultural mirror, reflecting and pushing 00:06:57.019 --> 00:06:59.540 the conversations of its time. And Reiner's role 00:06:59.540 --> 00:07:03.209 was key. Oh. Pivotal. As Michael Meathead Stivak, 00:07:03.430 --> 00:07:06.230 the liberal son -in -law, he embodied the evolving 00:07:06.230 --> 00:07:08.930 counterculture. He provided that direct intellectual 00:07:08.930 --> 00:07:11.529 counterpoint to Archie Bunker's cantankerous 00:07:11.529 --> 00:07:14.410 conservatism. That dynamic, the clashing ideologies, 00:07:14.509 --> 00:07:17.550 but also that exasperated affection between them. 00:07:17.649 --> 00:07:19.910 That was the engine, wasn't it? Totally. That's 00:07:19.910 --> 00:07:21.949 what drove the show's massive cultural impact 00:07:21.949 --> 00:07:24.050 and its ability to provoke meaningful dialogue. 00:07:24.689 --> 00:07:26.529 And speaking of the character, that nickname 00:07:26.529 --> 00:07:29.269 Meathead given by Archie, it became indelibly 00:07:29.269 --> 00:07:32.220 associated with Reiner. He famously quipped, 00:07:32.600 --> 00:07:34.459 I could win the Nobel Prize, and they'd write, 00:07:34.779 --> 00:07:37.779 Meathead wins the Nobel Prize. That perfectly 00:07:37.779 --> 00:07:40.060 illustrates the lasting mark of that role, doesn't 00:07:40.060 --> 00:07:42.480 it? Almost humorous how much it defined him early 00:07:42.480 --> 00:07:44.899 on. And it wasn't just public recognition. He 00:07:44.899 --> 00:07:48.189 also earned significant critical acclaim. Awards, 00:07:48.550 --> 00:07:51.970 too. Right, the Emmys. He won two Primetime Emmy 00:07:51.970 --> 00:07:54.569 Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a 00:07:54.569 --> 00:07:58.209 Comedy Series, first in 74 and again in 78. And 00:07:58.209 --> 00:08:00.829 nominated several other times. Exactly. Beyond 00:08:00.829 --> 00:08:03.449 those wins, he got three other Emmy nominations 00:08:03.449 --> 00:08:06.129 and an impressive five Golden Globe nominations 00:08:06.129 --> 00:08:08.589 in the Supporting Actor category, basically every 00:08:08.589 --> 00:08:12.110 year from 72 to 76. That consistent stream of 00:08:12.110 --> 00:08:14.730 accolades really cemented his place as a celebrated 00:08:14.730 --> 00:08:17.439 television actor, even before he fully transition 00:08:17.439 --> 00:08:19.839 to his directing triumphs. His career, of course, 00:08:19.939 --> 00:08:22.000 didn't stop there. After all in the family, he 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:24.420 continued to, well, engage in various creative 00:08:24.420 --> 00:08:26.300 endeavors, never limiting himself. All of his 00:08:26.300 --> 00:08:29.379 exploring. In October 71, he had a guest role 00:08:29.379 --> 00:08:31.620 on the Partridge family. Really? Okay. Then, 00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:34.179 showing that continued interest in shaping stories. 00:08:34.759 --> 00:08:38.720 In 1972, he even co -created a sitcom for ABC 00:08:38.720 --> 00:08:41.480 called The Super. The Super! I don't remember 00:08:41.480 --> 00:08:43.460 that one. See, it ran for 10 episodes. He created 00:08:43.460 --> 00:08:46.139 it with Phil Mishkin and Jerry Eisenberg. It 00:08:46.139 --> 00:08:49.659 depicted the life of a harried Italian -American 00:08:49.659 --> 00:08:51.600 superintendent. in New York City. And he wrote 00:08:51.600 --> 00:08:54.019 for it, too. He and Mishkin co -wrote the premiere. 00:08:54.440 --> 00:08:57.019 It just shows he was thinking beyond acting even 00:08:57.019 --> 00:08:59.399 then, flexing those creative muscles. He truly 00:08:59.399 --> 00:09:01.759 kept his hand in different aspects of the industry, 00:09:02.200 --> 00:09:05.059 constantly exploring. Later in his career, he 00:09:05.059 --> 00:09:07.600 returned to more regular TV acting with that 00:09:07.600 --> 00:09:10.399 recurring role on New Girl, playing Bob Day from 00:09:10.399 --> 00:09:13.179 2012 to 2018. Zooey Dishonel's dad, right? Yep. 00:09:13.470 --> 00:09:15.789 And demonstrating his wonderful sense of humor, 00:09:15.950 --> 00:09:18.169 playing with his own image, he made those self 00:09:18.169 --> 00:09:20.929 -parodying cameos. Oh, yeah. Appearing as himself 00:09:20.929 --> 00:09:23.990 in Dickie Roberts, former child star in 2003, 00:09:23.990 --> 00:09:27.250 and even as a fictional rep Rob Reiner in 30 00:09:27.250 --> 00:09:29.669 Rock back in 2010. That's great. He shows a real 00:09:29.669 --> 00:09:31.549 comfort with his celebrity, doesn't it? An ability 00:09:31.549 --> 00:09:33.909 to laugh at himself, which is kind of rare. Definitely 00:09:33.909 --> 00:09:36.850 admirable. Beyond television, our sources also 00:09:36.850 --> 00:09:40.750 show a consistent, if sometimes understated, 00:09:41.049 --> 00:09:43.250 presence in supporting film roles. throughout 00:09:43.250 --> 00:09:45.730 his career even while he was directing massive 00:09:45.730 --> 00:09:48.889 hits exactly he still made time for acting appearing 00:09:48.889 --> 00:09:51.110 in films like throw mama from the train which 00:09:51.110 --> 00:09:53.690 he also directed sort of billy crystal directed 00:09:53.690 --> 00:09:56.950 but rainer starred a bit confusing right but 00:09:56.950 --> 00:09:59.889 also sleepless in seattle as jay matthews bullets 00:09:59.889 --> 00:10:02.370 over broadway as sheldon flender the first wives 00:10:02.370 --> 00:10:06.220 club Dr. Morris Pacman. That's the one. He also 00:10:06.220 --> 00:10:08.440 did voice work for Everyone's Hero and took on 00:10:08.440 --> 00:10:11.779 a significant role as Max Belfort in Scorsese's 00:10:11.779 --> 00:10:14.820 The Wolf of Wall Street in 2013. Playing Leo 00:10:14.820 --> 00:10:18.500 DiCaprio's dad. These roles highlight his versatility, 00:10:18.879 --> 00:10:21.139 his enduring appeal as an actor. He could hold 00:10:21.139 --> 00:10:23.960 his own even in smaller parts. Absolutely. proving 00:10:23.960 --> 00:10:26.240 he still had the acting chops. And what's particularly 00:10:26.240 --> 00:10:28.419 interesting is how often he blurred the lines 00:10:28.419 --> 00:10:31.059 acting in his own directed films. Most notably, 00:10:31.340 --> 00:10:33.720 Marty DeBergey. Right, the faux documentarian 00:10:33.720 --> 00:10:36.419 in his directorial debut, This Is Spinal Tap. 00:10:36.860 --> 00:10:39.580 That wasn't just a cameo, it was a central performance 00:10:39.580 --> 00:10:41.639 that anchored the film's mockumentary style. 00:10:42.000 --> 00:10:44.799 Showcasing his comedic timing, his improv skills, 00:10:45.279 --> 00:10:47.399 right alongside his directing vision. And he 00:10:47.399 --> 00:10:49.419 popped up in other roles in his own movies, too. 00:10:49.610 --> 00:10:52.669 Stan in The Story of Us in 99, Vershafter in 00:10:52.669 --> 00:10:55.409 Alex and Emma in 2003. And the major supporting 00:10:55.409 --> 00:10:57.909 role is John Walcott in his journalism drama 00:10:57.909 --> 00:11:01.269 Shock and Awe in 2017. This willingness to step 00:11:01.269 --> 00:11:03.889 in front of his own camera, it speaks volumes 00:11:03.889 --> 00:11:06.789 about his confidence, maybe his hands -on approach. 00:11:07.049 --> 00:11:09.750 And bringing his acting career full circle, almost, 00:11:10.269 --> 00:11:12.590 Reiner most recently opened that primetime CBS 00:11:12.590 --> 00:11:16.539 special Dick Van Dyke. 98 years of magic in December 00:11:16.539 --> 00:11:19.019 2023. Oh, that's right. Offering a heartfelt 00:11:19.019 --> 00:11:21.220 tribute and actually having a conversation with 00:11:21.220 --> 00:11:23.879 Dick Van Dyke himself. It's a poignant reminder 00:11:23.879 --> 00:11:26.559 of his deep roots in TV history. And the connections 00:11:26.559 --> 00:11:28.799 he's maintained, his respect for the legends, 00:11:28.960 --> 00:11:31.740 a beautiful sense of continuity. Exactly. That's 00:11:31.740 --> 00:11:33.860 a great way to cap off his acting journey. But 00:11:33.860 --> 00:11:35.799 those roots, as you said, were critical. They 00:11:35.799 --> 00:11:38.559 laid the groundwork for a pivot that would redefine 00:11:38.559 --> 00:11:40.539 his whole career. The move behind the camera. 00:11:40.820 --> 00:11:44.059 Because while many knew him as Meathead. a whole 00:11:44.059 --> 00:11:46.259 new generation would come to know him as the 00:11:46.259 --> 00:11:49.399 visionary director. Let's talk about that incredible 00:11:49.399 --> 00:11:52.259 work. It's a huge shift. It really is. It's one 00:11:52.259 --> 00:11:54.799 thing to be a massively successful actor, but 00:11:54.799 --> 00:11:58.019 to then step behind the camera and become equally, 00:11:58.120 --> 00:12:01.220 maybe even more successful as a director? That's 00:12:01.220 --> 00:12:04.100 a bold move in Hollywood, often risky. And it 00:12:04.100 --> 00:12:06.580 paid off tremendously for him. He made this pivotal 00:12:06.580 --> 00:12:09.360 shift in the 1980s, a deliberate evolution of 00:12:09.360 --> 00:12:12.960 his creative identity. Finding a new voice, exploring 00:12:12.960 --> 00:12:15.480 different storytelling, it led to the string 00:12:15.480 --> 00:12:18.600 of hugely successful films across so many genres. 00:12:18.740 --> 00:12:20.720 And what's also notable in this transition is 00:12:20.720 --> 00:12:23.019 his development of key collaborative relationships. 00:12:23.059 --> 00:12:26.179 Like with his editor. Exactly. Our sources mentioned 00:12:26.179 --> 00:12:28.519 his frequent collaboration with film editor Robert 00:12:28.519 --> 00:12:31.679 Leighton. And interestingly, Leighton also worked 00:12:31.679 --> 00:12:33.539 with fellow director actor Christopher Gast. 00:12:33.679 --> 00:12:36.059 Ah, another mockumentary. connection. Right, 00:12:36.259 --> 00:12:38.480 it suggests this network of creative relationships 00:12:38.480 --> 00:12:41.259 and it highlights how vital those partnerships 00:12:41.259 --> 00:12:45.059 are in shaping a director's style. A strong editor 00:12:45.059 --> 00:12:47.759 like Leighton, even just cutting film, they're 00:12:47.759 --> 00:12:49.980 an extension of the director's vision. Refining 00:12:49.980 --> 00:12:53.179 pacing, rhythm, emotional impact shows Reiner 00:12:53.179 --> 00:12:55.679 trusted his collaborators. Absolutely, a true 00:12:55.679 --> 00:12:57.600 creative partnership that clearly served him 00:12:57.600 --> 00:13:00.679 well. And his directorial debut. Well, it was 00:13:00.679 --> 00:13:03.659 nothing short of iconic. Final Tap. This is Final 00:13:03.659 --> 00:13:07.179 Tap in 1984, the heavy metal mockumentary. It 00:13:07.179 --> 00:13:09.899 immediately showcased his comedic and observational 00:13:09.899 --> 00:13:12.779 genius, became a cult classic, not just for the 00:13:12.779 --> 00:13:15.879 wit and satire. But for basically. defining the 00:13:15.879 --> 00:13:18.700 mockumentary genre, inspiring so many filmmakers. 00:13:19.100 --> 00:13:21.320 Totally. And as we mentioned, he acted in it 00:13:21.320 --> 00:13:23.759 as Marty DeBerge, blending his talents right 00:13:23.759 --> 00:13:25.620 from the start. And crucially, he was a writer 00:13:25.620 --> 00:13:28.500 on it, too. It's a foundational piece, encapsulates 00:13:28.500 --> 00:13:30.919 his multi -hyphenate talent perfectly. And what's 00:13:30.919 --> 00:13:33.200 fascinating here is how these early directorial 00:13:33.200 --> 00:13:35.879 efforts, mockumentary, coming -of -age drama, 00:13:36.059 --> 00:13:39.220 fantasy, established his ability to craft narratives 00:13:39.220 --> 00:13:42.259 that just became embedded in pop culture. And 00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:45.450 got immense critical affection. It shows a director 00:13:45.450 --> 00:13:48.029 unafraid to tackle diverse storytelling challenges, 00:13:48.570 --> 00:13:50.970 each time bringing this unique blend of heart 00:13:50.970 --> 00:13:54.409 and humor. Like Stand By Me. Exactly. Stand By 00:13:54.409 --> 00:13:58.289 Me in 1986. That critically acclaimed coming 00:13:58.289 --> 00:14:00.889 -of -age drama, a beautiful period piece about 00:14:00.889 --> 00:14:03.730 friendship and loss. It resonated so deeply. 00:14:03.850 --> 00:14:05.970 It really did. Demonstrated his versatility. 00:14:06.210 --> 00:14:08.350 It captures that bittersweet essence of childhood. 00:14:08.769 --> 00:14:10.830 And it even earned an Independent Spirit Award 00:14:10.830 --> 00:14:13.029 nomination for Best Director. And then just a 00:14:13.029 --> 00:14:18.029 year later. Boom. The Princess Bride, 1987. This 00:14:18.029 --> 00:14:20.690 isn't just a beloved comedic fantasy film. It's 00:14:20.690 --> 00:14:23.169 an undisputed cult classic that kind of defies 00:14:23.169 --> 00:14:25.649 genre classification. Yeah. He directed and produced 00:14:25.649 --> 00:14:28.549 it. It has everything. Humor, romance, adventure, 00:14:28.809 --> 00:14:30.809 the meta storytelling. Which has given it this 00:14:30.809 --> 00:14:32.730 enduring popularity. It really stands the test 00:14:32.730 --> 00:14:34.429 of time. Generations of viewers love it. And 00:14:34.429 --> 00:14:36.629 it got accolades too, right? Oh, yeah. The Toronto 00:14:36.629 --> 00:14:38.690 International Film Festival People's Choice Award 00:14:38.690 --> 00:14:42.269 in 87. And the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation 00:14:42.269 --> 00:14:45.169 in 88. proving its innovative approach resonated 00:14:45.169 --> 00:14:47.610 widely. It's remarkable how quickly he built 00:14:47.610 --> 00:14:50.610 such a diverse and beloved filmography, each 00:14:50.610 --> 00:14:53.639 one a touchstone. And he didn't stop there. He 00:14:53.639 --> 00:14:55.720 took his ambitions further by founding his own 00:14:55.720 --> 00:14:58.720 company, Castle Rock Entertainment. Right. Which 00:14:58.720 --> 00:15:00.779 is where he directed a lot of his other big hits. 00:15:01.039 --> 00:15:04.679 Exactly. And the significance is huge. He wasn't 00:15:04.679 --> 00:15:07.860 just directing for hire. He was building an empire, 00:15:08.019 --> 00:15:10.779 a creative home where he could bring these stories 00:15:10.779 --> 00:15:13.840 to life. And maintain creative control. That 00:15:13.840 --> 00:15:16.340 entrepreneurial spirit combined with his artistic 00:15:16.340 --> 00:15:19.679 vision seems like a clear thread. Absolutely. 00:15:20.120 --> 00:15:23.029 And this blend... led to a string of mainstream 00:15:23.029 --> 00:15:25.789 hits that really solidified his place as a top 00:15:25.789 --> 00:15:29.230 director. Like When Harry Met Sally. 1989. A 00:15:29.230 --> 00:15:31.350 romantic comedy often ranked among the all -time 00:15:31.350 --> 00:15:34.389 best of its genre. The witty dialogue, the honest 00:15:34.389 --> 00:15:36.529 portrayal of relationship. And there's that personal 00:15:36.529 --> 00:15:38.690 detail, isn't there, about meeting his wife? 00:15:38.970 --> 00:15:41.710 Yeah, fascinating stuff from our sources. Rayner 00:15:41.710 --> 00:15:44.049 meeting his future wife Michelle Singer while 00:15:44.049 --> 00:15:47.070 directing this film actually influenced his decision 00:15:47.070 --> 00:15:49.269 to change the ending. To make it more optimistic. 00:15:49.519 --> 00:15:52.779 Exactly. A beautiful example of life -informing 00:15:52.779 --> 00:15:55.919 art. And the film itself earned him a Golden 00:15:55.919 --> 00:15:59.019 Globe nomination for Best Director, a BAFTA nom 00:15:59.019 --> 00:16:02.799 for Best Film, and he produced it too. Then came 00:16:02.799 --> 00:16:05.419 Misery in 1990. Talk about a change of pace. 00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:08.480 Totally. An intense psychological horror thriller 00:16:08.480 --> 00:16:11.720 showed his incredible range based on Stephen 00:16:11.720 --> 00:16:14.519 King. And he masterfully crafted that atmosphere 00:16:14.519 --> 00:16:17.620 of chilling suspense. He really did. And Kathy 00:16:17.620 --> 00:16:20.850 Bates's Academy Award win for best actress for 00:16:20.850 --> 00:16:23.250 her terrifying performance. Unforgettable. Is 00:16:23.250 --> 00:16:26.549 a powerful testament to Reiner's direction. His 00:16:26.549 --> 00:16:29.289 skill in eliciting such a powerful, Oscar -worthy 00:16:29.289 --> 00:16:31.110 performance. Did he get nominated for that one 00:16:31.110 --> 00:16:33.210 too? Golden Globe nomination for best director. 00:16:33.289 --> 00:16:35.169 And he produced it as well. Just shows his ability 00:16:35.169 --> 00:16:37.950 to excel in vastly different cinematic landscapes. 00:16:38.049 --> 00:16:40.330 And his commercial success just kept soaring 00:16:40.330 --> 00:16:43.850 with a few good men in 92. His biggest hit, right? 00:16:43.850 --> 00:16:46.169 Commercially, yes. The military courtroom drama, 00:16:46.450 --> 00:16:48.970 sharp script powerhouse performances, not just 00:16:48.809 --> 00:16:51.070 Just a box office smash, but a critical darling. 00:16:51.289 --> 00:16:54.289 Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Yep. And Reiner 00:16:54.289 --> 00:16:56.470 himself got Golden Globe and Directors Guild 00:16:56.470 --> 00:16:59.429 of America DGA nominations for Best Director. 00:16:59.750 --> 00:17:01.970 Plus, he produced it. It's etched into popular 00:17:01.970 --> 00:17:04.839 culture. You can't handle the truth. Showcases 00:17:04.839 --> 00:17:07.799 his mastery of dramatic tension, moral dilemmas. 00:17:07.880 --> 00:17:10.660 If you zoom out, these films collectively showcase 00:17:10.660 --> 00:17:13.700 his mastery across profoundly different emotional 00:17:13.700 --> 00:17:16.500 registers. Rom -com, thriller, courtroom drama. 00:17:16.619 --> 00:17:19.259 Right. He knew precisely how to build tension, 00:17:19.579 --> 00:17:22.380 evoke deep emotion, and draw out exceptional, 00:17:22.819 --> 00:17:25.559 often award -winning performances. It speaks 00:17:25.559 --> 00:17:27.819 to a profound understanding of narrative and 00:17:27.819 --> 00:17:30.359 character that just transcends genre. He really 00:17:30.359 --> 00:17:32.619 touched every genre with a distinct vision and 00:17:32.619 --> 00:17:34.440 his later directing work continued exploring 00:17:34.440 --> 00:17:37.299 diverse themes. More political romance, courtroom 00:17:37.299 --> 00:17:39.859 drama. The American president in 95, kind of 00:17:39.859 --> 00:17:42.019 like when Harry met Sally, but in the White House. 00:17:42.240 --> 00:17:45.079 witty dialogue, poignant relationships, earned 00:17:45.079 --> 00:17:47.140 him another Golden Globe nom for best director. 00:17:47.359 --> 00:17:50.039 And then Ghosts of Mississippi in 96, another 00:17:50.039 --> 00:17:52.960 powerful courtroom drama tackling race and justice, 00:17:53.480 --> 00:17:55.500 shows his continued commitment to significant 00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:58.200 themes. He produced both of those. And he also 00:17:58.200 --> 00:18:00.720 directed and produced The Bucket List later on 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:04.319 in 2007, the uplifting comedy. With Nicholson 00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:07.440 and Freeman. showing his continued range telling 00:18:07.440 --> 00:18:09.900 heartwarming stories. His later filmography includes 00:18:09.900 --> 00:18:12.579 others where he directed and produced two, like 00:18:12.579 --> 00:18:15.400 the story of us, Alex and Emma. Flipped in 2010, 00:18:15.500 --> 00:18:18.420 which he also co -wrote, and biographical dramas 00:18:18.420 --> 00:18:22.279 like LBJ in 2016, and the journalism drama Shock 00:18:22.279 --> 00:18:25.279 and Awe in 2017. Shock and Awe was a powerful 00:18:25.279 --> 00:18:27.519 critique of the media's role in the Iraq War, 00:18:27.640 --> 00:18:30.660 wasn't it? It was. And what's remarkable is that 00:18:30.660 --> 00:18:33.559 he's still actively creating. still looking to 00:18:33.559 --> 00:18:35.799 the future. That's a testament to his creative 00:18:35.799 --> 00:18:38.019 staying power, isn't it? To return to the very 00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:40.000 film that launched his directing career decades 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:42.640 later, still at the helm, still writing. I mean, 00:18:42.859 --> 00:18:44.940 Spinal Tap 2. Exactly. Our sources mentioned 00:18:44.940 --> 00:18:48.140 the upcoming project, Spinal Tap 2. The end continues, 00:18:48.359 --> 00:18:51.640 supposedly set for 2025. He's directing, producing 00:18:51.640 --> 00:18:54.339 and writing it, bringing his career full circle. 00:18:54.480 --> 00:18:56.480 It's incredible. Highlights that sustain passion 00:18:56.480 --> 00:18:58.460 for storytelling that's characterized his entire 00:18:58.460 --> 00:19:01.519 career. A desire to revisit and reimagine his 00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:04.390 own foundation. Yeah, let's move beyond the camera. 00:19:04.789 --> 00:19:07.730 Well, it's all connected, really. Into another 00:19:07.730 --> 00:19:10.490 incredibly significant aspect of Rob Reiner's 00:19:10.490 --> 00:19:13.930 public life. His activism and advocacy. A huge 00:19:13.930 --> 00:19:16.930 part of his identity. Absolutely. But here's 00:19:16.930 --> 00:19:19.599 a detail that truly stands out. It's one thing 00:19:19.599 --> 00:19:22.180 to be a celebrated artist, but it's another to 00:19:22.180 --> 00:19:24.940 devote such substantial time and energy to advocating 00:19:24.940 --> 00:19:28.380 for causes you deeply believe in, often facing 00:19:28.380 --> 00:19:31.000 public scrutiny in the process. And our sources 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:34.059 show a clear, unwavering commitment to liberal 00:19:34.059 --> 00:19:37.140 activism. It's a prominent, indelible part of 00:19:37.140 --> 00:19:39.380 his public identity. Alongside the entertainment 00:19:39.380 --> 00:19:42.160 career. Indeed. His commitment to social and 00:19:42.160 --> 00:19:44.700 political causes is extensive. and has often 00:19:44.700 --> 00:19:47.119 placed him right at the forefront of significant 00:19:47.119 --> 00:19:49.480 battles. Like with marriage equality. Exactly. 00:19:49.740 --> 00:19:51.740 A prime example is his role as a co -founder 00:19:51.740 --> 00:19:53.579 of the American Foundation for Equal Rights. 00:19:54.059 --> 00:19:55.880 That was the organization that initiated the 00:19:55.880 --> 00:19:57.640 court challenge against California Proposition 00:19:57.640 --> 00:19:59.799 8. Which banned same -sex marriage in the state. 00:20:00.180 --> 00:20:03.019 Right. This wasn't just symbolic. It was a critical, 00:20:03.319 --> 00:20:07.059 hard -fought legal battle for LGBTQ plus rights. 00:20:07.980 --> 00:20:10.400 His involvement really highlights his dedication 00:20:10.400 --> 00:20:13.200 to civil liberties in a very tangible way. He's 00:20:13.200 --> 00:20:15.640 also been a huge force in early childhood development, 00:20:15.859 --> 00:20:18.200 an area where his passion seems really evident. 00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:22.240 Very much so. In 1998, Reiner chaired the campaign 00:20:22.240 --> 00:20:25.200 to pass Proposition 10, the California Children 00:20:25.200 --> 00:20:27.970 and Families Initiative. And Prop 10 was significant 00:20:27.970 --> 00:20:30.410 because... It created First Five California, 00:20:30.890 --> 00:20:33.349 a program designed to offer crucial early childhood 00:20:33.349 --> 00:20:36.349 development services funded by a tax on tobacco 00:20:36.349 --> 00:20:39.029 products. Ah, the tobacco tax. And he was the 00:20:39.029 --> 00:20:41.950 first chairman. Yep, sir. From 1999 to 2006. 00:20:42.509 --> 00:20:44.529 Really shaping its direction in those formative 00:20:44.529 --> 00:20:47.549 years. But his work there wasn't without challenges, 00:20:47.789 --> 00:20:50.130 right? Controversy often follows high -profile 00:20:50.130 --> 00:20:52.849 activism. That's true. He faced criticism for 00:20:52.849 --> 00:20:55.180 campaigning for a separate ballot measure. Proposition 00:20:55.180 --> 00:20:58.019 82, that aimed to fund state -run preschools 00:20:58.019 --> 00:20:59.680 while he was still chairman of the first five 00:20:59.680 --> 00:21:02.519 commission. This led to his resignation on March 00:21:02.519 --> 00:21:05.539 29, 2006. It's important to note, however, and 00:21:05.539 --> 00:21:08.039 our sources confirm this. An audit was subsequently 00:21:08.039 --> 00:21:10.680 conducted. It concluded the state commission 00:21:10.680 --> 00:21:13.420 did not violate state law and had clear legal 00:21:13.420 --> 00:21:15.500 authority for its public advertising campaigns 00:21:15.500 --> 00:21:18.440 related to preschool. So the commission was cleared, 00:21:19.099 --> 00:21:22.099 but the measure itself? Prop 82 ultimately failed 00:21:22.099 --> 00:21:25.200 to win approval. got only about 39 % support. 00:21:26.240 --> 00:21:28.980 It demonstrates the complexities, the scrutiny 00:21:28.980 --> 00:21:32.160 that often accompany this kind of activism. Even 00:21:32.160 --> 00:21:34.200 well -intentioned efforts can face headwinds. 00:21:34.279 --> 00:21:37.160 It certainly does, and public figures often take 00:21:37.160 --> 00:21:39.839 the brunt. His activism even put him in the crosshairs 00:21:39.839 --> 00:21:42.279 of public satire. Oh, you mean South Park. Yeah. 00:21:42.720 --> 00:21:45.380 Our sources note his strong stance as an anti 00:21:45.380 --> 00:21:47.720 -smoking advocate led to his likeness being used 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:50.180 in that satirical role in the episode, Butt Out, 00:21:50.539 --> 00:21:54.000 back in 2003. Where he was depicted as morbidly 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:56.940 obese, hypocritical. Pretty harsh satire. Yeah. 00:21:57.119 --> 00:21:59.480 But it illustrates how his advocacy, while serious, 00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:01.619 sometimes drew that kind of humorous, albeit 00:22:01.619 --> 00:22:03.900 critical, public response, a sign of his profile, 00:22:03.900 --> 00:22:06.759 I guess. Beyond specific campaigns, he also contributes 00:22:06.759 --> 00:22:09.059 to broader discussions on social responsibility 00:22:09.059 --> 00:22:11.400 within entertainment itself. He's a member of 00:22:11.400 --> 00:22:13.980 the Social Responsibility Task Force. That's 00:22:13.980 --> 00:22:17.160 an organization advocating moderation where social 00:22:17.160 --> 00:22:20.140 issues like violence and tobacco use intersect 00:22:20.140 --> 00:22:22.339 with the entertainment industry. So trying to 00:22:22.339 --> 00:22:24.440 influence the ethical landscape from within. 00:22:24.650 --> 00:22:27.589 shows a deep conviction. And he also has a strong 00:22:27.589 --> 00:22:30.630 commitment to environmental causes, showcasing 00:22:30.630 --> 00:22:33.190 the breadth of his concerns. Right. The Amundsen 00:22:33.190 --> 00:22:36.509 Ranch thing. Exactly. Our sources detail his 00:22:36.509 --> 00:22:38.789 active involvement, his successful leadership 00:22:38.789 --> 00:22:41.430 in the effort to establish California's Amundsen 00:22:41.430 --> 00:22:44.710 Ranch as a state park and wildlife refuge. Preventing 00:22:44.710 --> 00:22:46.849 it from becoming a commercial real estate development. 00:22:47.069 --> 00:22:50.789 Yep. And in a classic Rob Reiner move, integrating 00:22:50.789 --> 00:22:53.599 activism with his creative work. He introduced 00:22:53.599 --> 00:22:56.519 Spinal Tap at the London Live Earth concert in 00:22:56.519 --> 00:23:00.059 July 2007. Using his artistic platform for an 00:23:00.059 --> 00:23:02.660 environmental message. Creative amplification. 00:23:02.940 --> 00:23:04.960 Which raises that question. How does someone 00:23:04.960 --> 00:23:07.720 balance such high -profile activism with a demanding 00:23:07.720 --> 00:23:10.640 Hollywood career? It highlights a profound conviction 00:23:10.640 --> 00:23:13.140 to use his platform for broader change, even 00:23:13.140 --> 00:23:16.180 facing scrutiny or satire. And his engagement 00:23:16.180 --> 00:23:18.779 extends deeply into the political arena, too. 00:23:18.779 --> 00:23:20.960 He's been equally vocal there. Definitely not 00:23:20.960 --> 00:23:23.119 one to sit on the sidelines. Our sources detail 00:23:23.119 --> 00:23:25.640 his extensive history campaigning for Democratic 00:23:25.640 --> 00:23:28.880 candidates, consistent, active involvement. He 00:23:28.880 --> 00:23:31.720 campaigned extensively for Al Gore in 2000 and 00:23:31.720 --> 00:23:35.240 for Howard Dean just before the 2004 Iowa caucuses, 00:23:35.240 --> 00:23:37.480 putting his celebrity behind his convictions. 00:23:37.579 --> 00:23:39.920 And his political endorsements continued. He 00:23:39.920 --> 00:23:42.279 endorsed Hillary Clinton for president in 2008 00:23:42.279 --> 00:23:45.970 and donated to her PAC in 2016. Yeah, in 2015, 00:23:46.450 --> 00:23:49.890 he donated $10 ,000 to Correct the Record, a 00:23:49.890 --> 00:23:53.230 pack supporting her 2016 campaign. Now it's crucial 00:23:53.230 --> 00:23:55.150 here, and we're just relaying the info from the 00:23:55.150 --> 00:23:58.190 source. Okay. Impartiality is key. Right. Since 00:23:58.190 --> 00:24:01.170 the 2016 election, the source states he has continued 00:24:01.170 --> 00:24:03.430 to campaign against Donald Trump, calling him 00:24:03.430 --> 00:24:06.809 racist, sexist, anti -gay and anti -Semitic. 00:24:06.849 --> 00:24:08.690 And there's a specific quote mentioned. Yes. 00:24:08.829 --> 00:24:10.710 Our sources quote him directly comparing Trump 00:24:10.710 --> 00:24:12.829 to Harvey Weinstein, saying Weinstein is a bad 00:24:12.829 --> 00:24:15.369 guy, but Trump is also an abuser. Again, we're 00:24:15.369 --> 00:24:17.109 reporting this impartially, as stated in the 00:24:17.109 --> 00:24:19.450 source material. Got it. So what this all tells 00:24:19.450 --> 00:24:22.430 us is he's not just a casual observer. He's actively 00:24:22.430 --> 00:24:25.150 engaging with complex issues, sometimes bringing 00:24:25.150 --> 00:24:27.809 together expertise to address what he sees as 00:24:27.809 --> 00:24:29.710 critical threats. Like with the committee to 00:24:29.710 --> 00:24:31.730 investigate Russia. Exactly. His involvement 00:24:31.730 --> 00:24:34.430 there. Serving on the advisory board. He and 00:24:34.430 --> 00:24:37.789 David Frum launched the site in September 2017. 00:24:38.130 --> 00:24:40.509 With Morgan Freeman featured in the launch video 00:24:40.509 --> 00:24:43.769 warning that we are at war and that Russia had 00:24:43.769 --> 00:24:45.930 attacked the U .S. It was a high level endeavor. 00:24:46.190 --> 00:24:48.140 The advisory board at long. included figures 00:24:48.140 --> 00:24:51.440 like James Clapper, Max Boot, Charles Sykes, 00:24:51.720 --> 00:24:55.019 Norman Ornstein. Serious names. And later it 00:24:55.019 --> 00:24:57.700 expanded to include Evelyn Farkas, Michael Hayden, 00:24:57.920 --> 00:25:01.299 Michael Morrell, Leon Panetta, Clint Watts, emphasizes 00:25:01.299 --> 00:25:03.660 the level of expertise involved. Addressing what 00:25:03.660 --> 00:25:06.099 they clearly viewed as very serious concerns. 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:08.200 And his political engagements continued into 00:25:08.200 --> 00:25:10.839 recent elections. He endorsed Joe Biden for president 00:25:10.839 --> 00:25:12.960 for the 2020 election. And he's working on a 00:25:12.960 --> 00:25:15.920 related project now. Seems so. In June 2021, 00:25:16.220 --> 00:25:18.059 Reiner announced he was working on a substantial 00:25:18.059 --> 00:25:21.819 10 to 13 episode TV project titled The Spy and 00:25:21.819 --> 00:25:24.259 the Asset covering the Putin -Trump relationship. 00:25:24.819 --> 00:25:26.940 Yeah, tracing their lives from childhood until 00:25:26.940 --> 00:25:29.240 they intersect. He's collaborating with writer 00:25:29.240 --> 00:25:32.539 Ward Perry on it. It exemplifies his continued 00:25:32.539 --> 00:25:35.299 commitment to using his creative platform for 00:25:35.299 --> 00:25:37.720 political and historical narratives. Trying to 00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:40.319 communicate complex geopolitical dynamics through 00:25:40.319 --> 00:25:43.259 storytelling. Right. Moving now to the man behind 00:25:43.259 --> 00:25:46.000 the roles and the activism. Let's explore some 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:49.079 personal insights, his philanthropic work. The 00:25:49.079 --> 00:25:51.900 personal side. In terms of family life, Reiner 00:25:51.900 --> 00:25:54.220 was first married to actress and director Penny 00:25:54.220 --> 00:25:57.940 Marshall in 1971. They divorced in 81. A Hollywood 00:25:57.940 --> 00:25:59.940 power couple for a time. During that marriage, 00:26:00.140 --> 00:26:02.359 she showed his commitment as a stepfather by 00:26:02.359 --> 00:26:04.799 adopting Marshall's daughter, Tracy Weiner, also 00:26:04.799 --> 00:26:07.079 an actress, known for a league of their own from 00:26:07.079 --> 00:26:09.579 Marshall's previous marriage. That act of adoption 00:26:09.579 --> 00:26:12.019 speaks volumes about his character, his commitment 00:26:12.019 --> 00:26:14.769 to family. And his second marriage. Which connects 00:26:14.769 --> 00:26:16.869 back to one of his biggest films. What's truly 00:26:16.869 --> 00:26:19.369 fascinating here is that intertwining of personal 00:26:19.369 --> 00:26:21.930 and professional life again. The fact that meeting 00:26:21.930 --> 00:26:24.890 his future wife literally reshaped the narrative 00:26:24.890 --> 00:26:28.990 of when Harry met Sally. It illustrates how interwoven 00:26:28.990 --> 00:26:31.150 these aspects are for him. He met his second 00:26:31.150 --> 00:26:34.349 wife, photographer Michelle Singer, while directing 00:26:34.349 --> 00:26:38.369 that film in 1989. And this meeting not only 00:26:38.369 --> 00:26:40.369 led to their marriage, but, as we mentioned, 00:26:40.930 --> 00:26:42.730 influenced his decision to change the ending. 00:26:42.910 --> 00:26:45.529 to be more optimistic, reflecting his own happiness. 00:26:45.769 --> 00:26:49.349 Exactly. A belief in enduring love. And they 00:26:49.349 --> 00:26:52.589 have three children. Jake born 91, Nick born 00:26:52.589 --> 00:26:56.980 93, and Romy born 97. solidifying a deep family 00:26:56.980 --> 00:26:59.119 life. That's such a beautiful connection between 00:26:59.119 --> 00:27:01.440 his life and art, and his personal commitment 00:27:01.440 --> 00:27:04.039 to family and children extends significantly 00:27:04.039 --> 00:27:06.819 into philanthropy. Right, the foundations. In 00:27:06.819 --> 00:27:09.960 1997, Reiner and Michelle Singer co -founded 00:27:09.960 --> 00:27:12.880 the I Am Your Child Foundation. Laying the groundwork. 00:27:12.990 --> 00:27:15.029 and their philanthropic work expanded further 00:27:15.029 --> 00:27:17.329 in 2004 when they founded Parents Action for 00:27:17.329 --> 00:27:19.430 Children. And this one had a dual purpose. Yeah, 00:27:19.630 --> 00:27:21.509 an incredibly important one. First, to raise 00:27:21.509 --> 00:27:23.410 awareness of the critical importance of a child's 00:27:23.410 --> 00:27:25.990 early years by producing and distributing celebrity 00:27:25.990 --> 00:27:28.329 -hosted educational videos for parents. Using 00:27:28.329 --> 00:27:31.170 his connections there. And second, to advance 00:27:31.170 --> 00:27:33.690 public policy through parental education and 00:27:33.690 --> 00:27:36.930 advocacy. It shows that consistent, profound 00:27:36.930 --> 00:27:40.009 focus on child welfare, echoing his work with 00:27:40.009 --> 00:27:42.390 First Five California. So it's clear this is 00:27:42.390 --> 00:27:44.650 a deeply personal mission, shared with his wife, 00:27:44.930 --> 00:27:47.230 empowering parents, advocating for the youngest 00:27:47.230 --> 00:27:49.690 members of society. Seems central to his non 00:27:49.690 --> 00:27:51.849 -entertainment work. Finally, in terms of his 00:27:51.849 --> 00:27:54.589 reflections on faith and identity, Reiner was 00:27:54.589 --> 00:27:57.269 raised in a Jewish family, though our sources 00:27:57.269 --> 00:27:59.789 say his childhood home wasn't observantly Jewish. 00:27:59.930 --> 00:28:02.369 But he did have a bar mitzvah. Right, marking 00:28:02.369 --> 00:28:04.789 that traditional rite of passage. Looking at 00:28:04.789 --> 00:28:06.730 the broader context, his journey through faith 00:28:06.730 --> 00:28:09.480 and identity. from that non -observant Jewish 00:28:09.480 --> 00:28:12.799 upbringing to identifying as an atheist sympathetic 00:28:12.799 --> 00:28:16.160 to Buddhism. It reflects a thoughtful, evolving, 00:28:16.160 --> 00:28:18.940 personal philosophy. A search for meaning, perhaps? 00:28:19.099 --> 00:28:21.559 Often underlies creative and activist pursuits. 00:28:21.880 --> 00:28:24.380 And his father, Carl Reiner, provided some context 00:28:24.380 --> 00:28:27.000 there, too, acknowledging he himself had become 00:28:27.000 --> 00:28:29.380 atheistic as the Holocaust progressed. Oh, wow. 00:28:29.619 --> 00:28:31.940 A poignant generational perspective on how events 00:28:31.940 --> 00:28:35.539 shape belief. And Rob Reiner personally identified 00:28:35.539 --> 00:28:38.539 as having no religious affiliation as atheistic 00:28:38.539 --> 00:28:41.460 on that Real Time with Bill Maher episode in 00:28:41.460 --> 00:28:44.380 2012. But he later clarified. Yeah, he later 00:28:44.380 --> 00:28:46.480 said that while he rejected organized religion, 00:28:46.960 --> 00:28:48.720 he was sympathetic to the ideas of Buddhism, 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:51.900 indicating a kind of spiritual but non -religious 00:28:51.900 --> 00:28:55.420 outlook, a quest for ethical living without dogma. 00:28:55.549 --> 00:28:57.369 Okay, let's bring it all together now and talk 00:28:57.369 --> 00:29:00.190 about Rob Reiner's incredible legacy, marked 00:29:00.190 --> 00:29:02.869 by a wealth of accolades, enduring influence. 00:29:03.210 --> 00:29:05.619 Summing it up. Before he was the acclaimed director, 00:29:05.799 --> 00:29:08.680 he was that undeniable force on television, collecting 00:29:08.680 --> 00:29:11.380 Emmys, Golden Globe nominations for a role that 00:29:11.380 --> 00:29:13.980 defined a generation. His TV triumphs as an actor 00:29:13.980 --> 00:29:16.559 are significant. Two primetime Emmys for supporting 00:29:16.559 --> 00:29:19.500 actor in 74 and 78 for Michael Meathead Stivik 00:29:19.500 --> 00:29:22.180 in All in the Family, plus three other Emmy noms 00:29:22.180 --> 00:29:25.640 and five Globe noms cemented his place as a celebrated 00:29:25.640 --> 00:29:28.640 TV actor, a household name. And his film accolades 00:29:28.640 --> 00:29:31.140 as director and producer are equally impressive. 00:29:31.319 --> 00:29:34.160 showcasing that remarkably consistent excellence. 00:29:34.480 --> 00:29:36.460 Pure and critical recognition behind the camera. 00:29:37.039 --> 00:29:39.259 Four Golden Globe nominations for Best Director, 00:29:39.640 --> 00:29:42.900 three DGA Award nominations. That steady stream 00:29:42.900 --> 00:29:45.759 across decades highlights his enduring talent, 00:29:46.400 --> 00:29:48.579 the high regard from his peers. And the films 00:29:48.579 --> 00:29:51.460 themselves garnered huge awards. The Princess 00:29:51.460 --> 00:29:53.960 Bride got the Toronto People's Choice, the Hugo 00:29:53.960 --> 00:29:56.960 Award. Recognizing its unique storytelling, lasting 00:29:56.960 --> 00:29:59.480 appeal. His direction of misery led directly 00:29:59.480 --> 00:30:02.180 to Kathy Bates's Oscar win for Best Actress, 00:30:02.539 --> 00:30:05.000 a clear testament to his skill with actors. And 00:30:05.000 --> 00:30:07.420 a few good men achieved that Academy Award nomination 00:30:07.420 --> 00:30:11.339 for Best Picture in 92, plus a PGA nom for Outstanding 00:30:11.339 --> 00:30:14.380 Producer, solidifying its place. So summarizing 00:30:14.380 --> 00:30:17.160 the aggregate impact, the sources show a remarkable 00:30:17.160 --> 00:30:19.680 pattern. His directed films collectively got, 00:30:19.680 --> 00:30:22.039 what was it, 11 Academy Award nominations. 11 00:30:22.039 --> 00:30:24.319 Oscar noms, yeah. Including that best picture 00:30:24.319 --> 00:30:27.940 nod for A Few Good Men, and 19 Golden Globe nominations. 00:30:28.119 --> 00:30:29.880 That's incredible. It's not just critical success, 00:30:29.980 --> 00:30:32.019 it's a testament to his ability to craft films 00:30:32.019 --> 00:30:34.720 that deeply resonate with audiences and the industry. 00:30:35.180 --> 00:30:37.519 Often shaping cultural conversations, setting 00:30:37.519 --> 00:30:40.559 new standards. I mean, when Harry Met Sally alone 00:30:40.559 --> 00:30:43.579 got an Oscar nom, Two Bafta Noms, five Globe 00:30:43.579 --> 00:30:46.460 Noms. And misery brought in that Oscar win and 00:30:46.460 --> 00:30:49.240 a Globe win for Kathy Bates's acting directly 00:30:49.240 --> 00:30:51.960 linked to his direction. It's a monumental record 00:30:51.960 --> 00:30:55.220 across such diverse work. Truly astonishing recognition 00:30:55.220 --> 00:30:58.119 for a single artist. But in a career this long 00:30:58.119 --> 00:31:00.359 and varied, there are bound to be projects that 00:31:00.359 --> 00:31:03.160 don't quite hit the mark. It's important to acknowledge 00:31:03.160 --> 00:31:05.779 those for balance. Right. Not everything is a 00:31:05.779 --> 00:31:08.259 home run. Our sources mention his Golden Raspberry 00:31:08.259 --> 00:31:10.740 Award nominations for Worst Picture and Worst 00:31:10.740 --> 00:31:13.519 Director for the 1994 film North. Which raises 00:31:13.519 --> 00:31:16.160 that important question. What can we learn from 00:31:16.160 --> 00:31:18.819 projects that don't hit? It's a reminder that 00:31:18.819 --> 00:31:21.019 even the most successful creatives have missteps. 00:31:21.299 --> 00:31:23.700 But resilience lies in continuing to innovate. 00:31:24.000 --> 00:31:26.500 Exactly. That a film like North is ultimately 00:31:26.500 --> 00:31:28.920 just a footnote in a career filled with so many 00:31:28.920 --> 00:31:31.779 celebrated works. It speaks to Reiner's ability 00:31:31.779 --> 00:31:34.359 to move past setbacks and keep producing impactful 00:31:34.359 --> 00:31:37.720 art, shows his long -term vision. Exactly. And 00:31:37.720 --> 00:31:39.720 his career has been celebrated with numerous 00:31:39.720 --> 00:31:42.240 Lifetime Achievement Awards, signifying the breadth 00:31:42.240 --> 00:31:44.420 and depth of his contributions. The Big Picture 00:31:44.420 --> 00:31:46.880 honors. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award 00:31:46.880 --> 00:31:49.019 from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 00:31:49.019 --> 00:31:52.480 in 2001, the American Cinema Editor's Golden 00:31:52.480 --> 00:31:55.440 Eddy Filmmaker of the Year Award in 2010, and 00:31:55.440 --> 00:31:57.839 the WorldFest Houston International Film Festival 00:31:57.839 --> 00:32:00.940 -Ramir Career Achievement Award in 2017. These 00:32:00.940 --> 00:32:03.809 honors celebrate the full scope. the indelible 00:32:03.809 --> 00:32:06.569 acting, the transformative directing, the tireless 00:32:06.569 --> 00:32:09.309 advocacy. When you look at the totality of his 00:32:09.309 --> 00:32:11.190 work, both in front of and behind the camera, 00:32:11.470 --> 00:32:14.529 and his unwavering commitment to, well, trying 00:32:14.529 --> 00:32:17.309 to make the world a better place, you see a legacy 00:32:17.309 --> 00:32:20.309 that's truly multi -dimensional and deeply impactful. 00:32:20.609 --> 00:32:23.309 Indeed. His career paints a picture of a singular 00:32:23.309 --> 00:32:25.829 talent who consistently uses his voice and vision 00:32:25.829 --> 00:32:28.589 to engage with the world, both creatively and 00:32:28.589 --> 00:32:31.470 socially. His impact extends far beyond the screen, 00:32:31.630 --> 00:32:33.400 cementing his place is one of Hollywood's most 00:32:33.400 --> 00:32:36.900 versatile and dedicated figures, a true multi 00:32:36.900 --> 00:32:40.019 -hyphenate. We've unpacked so much today, from 00:32:40.019 --> 00:32:43.240 the indelible meathead to the master storyteller 00:32:43.240 --> 00:32:46.000 behind beloved films like When Harry Met Sally 00:32:46.000 --> 00:32:49.140 and A Few Good Men, and the passionate advocate 00:32:49.140 --> 00:32:51.680 for everything from marriage equality to early 00:32:51.680 --> 00:32:53.740 childhood development. He really leveraged every 00:32:53.740 --> 00:32:56.599 platform available to him. Rob Reiner is a true 00:32:56.599 --> 00:32:59.559 multi -hyphenate whose impact extends far beyond 00:32:59.559 --> 00:33:03.019 the screen. Indeed. Looking at the broader context, 00:33:03.539 --> 00:33:05.859 his career is a powerful testament to the idea 00:33:05.859 --> 00:33:08.240 that one's creative talents can be channeled 00:33:08.240 --> 00:33:10.460 into diverse forms of expression and advocacy, 00:33:11.180 --> 00:33:13.920 each reinforcing a deeply held commitment to 00:33:13.920 --> 00:33:16.400 shaping culture and society for the better. As 00:33:16.400 --> 00:33:18.579 we wrap up, it leaves us with this thought for 00:33:18.579 --> 00:33:21.299 you, the listener. In an era where so many public 00:33:21.299 --> 00:33:24.319 figures are asked to stick to their lane, what 00:33:24.319 --> 00:33:27.299 does Rob Reiner's unwavering decades -long commitment 00:33:27.299 --> 00:33:29.980 to both art and activism tell us about the responsibility 00:33:29.980 --> 00:33:32.619 of a public platform, and maybe the potential 00:33:32.619 --> 00:33:35.000 for a single individual to influence so many 00:33:35.000 --> 00:33:37.240 different facets of our world? It's a compelling 00:33:37.240 --> 00:33:39.859 question to ponder as we reflect on his extraordinary 00:33:39.859 --> 00:33:40.200 journey.