Rob Reiner, ‘When Harry Met Sally…’ Director and Hollywood Icon, Dies at 78 with Wife
The celebrated filmmaker and actor, known for his comedic and dramatic touchstones in American cinema, passed away Sunday at his home in Brentwood, California.
Rob Reiner, a prolific writer, director, producer, actor, and political activist whose six-decade Hollywood career yielded some of the most enduring films in movie history, has died. He was 78 years old. His wife, Michele singer Reiner, also passed away at their home, according to a family spokesperson.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and rob Reiner,” the spokesperson said in a statement released Sunday. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Reiner’s legacy is multifaceted. He will be remembered as the director of the seminal 1980s romantic comedy “When harry Met Sally…,” as the actor who famously portrayed “Meathead” in the television classic “All in the Family,” and as a dedicated political activist championing early childhood programs and vocally opposing the policies of former President Trump.
Born Robert Reiner on March 6, 1947, in the Bronx, New York, he was the eldest child of comedian Carl reiner and singer Estelle reiner. Raised in a household steeped in artistic achievement – his father earned 11 Primetime emmy Awards and a Grammy, in addition to the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor – Reiner attended Beverly Hills High School and later studied film at UCLA. He began his career in hollywood as an actor and writer before transitioning to directing and producing.
His early writing credits in the 1960s included contributions to “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour,” and the TV movie “Where the Girls Are.” In the 1970s, Reiner honed his writing skills with episodes of “All in the Family,” the 1978 Primetime Emmy Awards telecast, and “The Tonight Show Starring johnny Carson.”
Reiner’s personal life also saw significant chapters. He married Penny Marshall, star of “Laverne & Shirley,” in 1971 and adopted her daughter, Tracy, from a previous marriage.The couple divorced in 1981. He later found love again on the set of “When Harry Met sally…,” marrying photographer Michele Singer in 1989, the same year the film was released.Together, they had three children: Jake, born in 1991; Nick, born in 1993; and Romy, born in 1997.
Reiner’s directorial breakthrough came with “This Is Spinal Tap” in 1984,a mockumentary that cemented his comedic sensibilities.He demonstrated his versatility with the 1986 adaptation of Stephen King’s novella “Stand by Me,” starring a young cast that included River Phoenix and Wil Wheaton.He followed with other hits like “The Princess Bride” (1987), “Misery” (1990), and “A Few good Men” (1992).
Reiner’s acting career also continued alongside his directing work. He received five Emmy nominations for his supporting actor work on “all in the Family,” winning in 1974 and 1978, and was nominated for two more in 2024 for the documentary “Albert Brooks: Defending My Life.”
A committed liberal,Reiner was also a vocal advocate for progressive causes in California politics,child welfare,and education. He actively campaigned for presidential candidates including Al Gore and Hillary Clinton, and supported President Biden’s reelection.He was a frequent and outspoken critic of former President Trump. He championed Proposition 10 in 1998, which dedicated tobacco tax revenue to early childhood programs, and served as chairman of the First 5 California Children and Families Commission.
While his tenure at First 5 was marked by controversy and accusations of impropriety regarding campaign funding, an audit ultimately found no legal violations. As then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger stated at the time, “Rob Reiner has always put California’s kids first.”
Rob Reiner’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary career that touched millions through laughter, tears, and a commitment to social change. His films will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
