"Literally every day of my life, somebody will say, 'Hey, Meathead!' No matter what I do with my life - I could win the Nobel Prize - it will say, 'Meathead wins Nobel.' It doesn't matter. I have Norman Lear to thank for that."

    About This Interview

    In his four-hour interview, Rob Reiner talks about growing up surrounded by the group of comedy legends that included his father, Carl, Sid Caesar, and Mel Brooks. He discusses his first forays into performing and lists some of his early television appearances. He discusses his work as a television writer, particularly his staff job on the last season of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, for which he was partnered with Steve Martin. Reiner speaks in great detail about his next significant career achievement, as a regular on the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family. He discusses working with the series ensemble, describes his character, "Mike 'Meathead' Stivic," and talks about the collaborative atmosphere on the set. Reiner then details his work as a director of feature films including such now-classic movies as This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess BrideWhen Harry Met Sally… and Misery. Reiner also talks about his role in the creation of Castle Rock Productions and his then-current work on children's development awareness, through Parents' Action for Children. Karen Herman conducted the interview on November 29, 2004 at Reiner's Castle Rock Productions offices in Beverly Hills, CA.

    All views expressed by interviewees are theirs alone and not necessarily those of the Television Academy.
    People Talking About ...
    Thumbnail of Rob Reiner

    Rob Reiner on his professional acting debut, and on his first directing jobs

    03:38
    Thumbnail of Rob Reiner

    Rob Reiner on "Mike's" nickname "Meathead" on All in the Family, which came from what Norman Lear's father used to call him

    00:47
    Thumbnail of Rob Reiner

    Rob Reiner on a typical work week on All in the Family

    03:38
    Thumbnail of Rob Reiner

    Rob Reiner on his final regular All in the Family episode "The Stivics Go West"

    03:25
    Thumbnail of Rob Reiner

    Rob Reiner on directing the feature film Stephen King's "Stand By Me"

    06:46
    Thumbnail of Rob Reiner

    Rob Reiner on working with show creator Norman Lear on All in the Family

    03:40
    Play Full Interview

    Chapter 1

    On his early life and influences; on famous people who used to visit his father Carl Reiner at home when he was a little boy; on witnessing his father Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks doing their "2000 Year Old Man" routine when he was a kid

    07:16

    On his memories of Sid Caesar from when he was a child, and on a 1994 reunion of Your Show of Shows writers; on his mother, Estelle Reiner and on his family's sense of humor while he was growing up; on interest in reading, sports, television and movies when he was growing up

    11:00

    On the burden of being the son of Carl Reiner, and on how he dealt with it; on how Carl and Estelle Reiner dealt with his wanting to get into show business, and on working with Albert Brooks early on; on his visiting the set of his father Carl Reiner's series The Dick Van Dyke Show, and on how the show reflected his own family life

    10:11

    Chapter 2

    On the way marriage was portrayed on The Dick Van Dyke Show; on his professional acting debut, and on his first directing jobs; on his television acting debut on Hey Landlord! created by Garry Marshall

    05:40

    On appearing on various series, including That Girl, Gomer Pyle, and The Mothers-In-Law from which he was fired after a fight with Desi Arnaz; on guest-starring on Batman, and on playing a number of hippies; on leaving UCLA, and on getting his first acting jobs

    05:08

    On writing for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour featuring Tom and Dick Smothers; on being partnered with Steve Martin on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and on the writer's room of that show; on censorship issues surrounding The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour mostly handled by Tom Smothers

    10:05

    On the regulars on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, as well as the musical guests; on writing for The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour; on the end of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and on writing plays

    07:57

    Chapter 3

    On writing the special Romp!!! and on his writing partner Phil Mishkin; on appearing on the Andy Griffith series Headmaster, from which he got cast on All in the Family; on auditioning with wife Penny Marshall for All in the Family, and on Sally Struthers being cast as "Gloria Stivic"

    05:03

    On working with show creators Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin on All in the Family ; on how he felt All in the Family would be received by the public; on his All in the Family character "Mike 'Meathead' Stivic"

    16:04

    On "Mike Stivic's" relationship with "Gloria Stivic" played by Sally Struthers on All in the Family; on working with Carroll O'Connor as "Archie Bunker" on All in the Family ; on Carroll O'Connor and Norman Lear's relationship on All in the Family

    07:31

    Chapter 4

    On making "Archie Bunker" more acceptable to audiences, and on his relationship with "Mike Stivic"; on working with Jean Stapleton as "Edith Bunker" on All in the Family ; on working with Sally Struthers as "Gloria Stivic" on All in the Family

    08:45

    On the birth of "Mike" and "Gloria's" son "Joey Stivic" on All in the Family; on issues some of the cast had with their contracts on All in the Family; on working with Mike Evans as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family and Isabel Sanford as "Louise Jefferson"

    03:54

    On various guest stars on All in the Family including Beatrice Arthur, Vincent Gardenia, and Betty Garrett; on a typical work week on All in the Family

    11:16

    On the biggest laughs from the studio audience on All in the Family and on censorship issues with the show; on the writing process of All in the Family

    06:37

    Chapter 5

    On the writing process of All in the Family; on winning Emmy Awards for All in the Family; on writing various episodes of All in the Family

    12:48

    On his final All in the Family episode "The Stivics Go West"; on the legacy of All in the Family; on writing the series The Super and various other projects

    08:07

    On working on various projects, and on working with Penny Marshall, who he was married to; on hosting an early episode of Lorne Michaels' Saturday Night Live

    07:33

    Chapter 6

    On working with his father, Carl Reiner, on Good Heavens; on creating and starring on the short-lived 1978 sitcom Free Country; on directing Likely Stories and The T.V. Show

    08:11

    On making the transition from television to feature films with "This is Spinal Tap"; on directing the feature film Stephen King's "Stand By Me"

    11:13

    On directing the feature film "Misery" starring Kathy Bates; on directing the feature film "When Harry Met Sally" starring Billy Crystal; on directing the feature film "A Few Good Men" written by Aaron Sorkin

    10:02

    Chapter 7

    On directing the feature film North; on deciding on what projects he wants to direct; on his directing style and working with his editor

    05:37

    On various people he worked with in his career including Christopher Guest, River Phoenix, Mandy Patinkin and Mike Nichols; on his various production partners; on various people he worked with in his career including Lauren Bacall, Michael J. Fox, James Woods, and Ellen DeGeneres

    13:52

    On his production company, Castle Rock; on his production company Castle Rock's producing Seinfeld

    08:33

    Chapter 8

    On the talents of Jerry Seinfeld and the success of Seinfeld produced by Castle Rock; on the then-current status of Castle Rock; on guest-starring on The Larry Sanders Show and appearing in various feature films

    06:00

    On his charity "I Am Your Child"; on career achievements and regrets

    04:05

    On advice to aspiring actors, writers, and directors; on his family; on how he'd like to be remembered

    03:25

    All in the Family

    Rob Reiner on appearing on the Andy Griffith series Headmaster, from which he got cast on All in the Family

    02:20

    Rob Reiner on auditioning with wife Penny Marshall for All in the Family, and on Sally Struthers being cast as "Gloria Stivic"

    01:22

    Rob Reiner on working with show creator Norman Lear on All in the Family

    03:40

    Rob Reiner on working with Bud Yorkin on All in the Family, and on writing episodes of the series

    05:48

    Rob Reiner on how he felt All in the Family would be received by the public

    01:25

    Rob Reiner on his All in the Family character "Mike 'Meathead' Stivic" and on being directed by John Rich

    04:24

    Rob Reiner on "Mike's" nickname "Meathead" on All in the Family, which came from what Norman Lear's father used to call him

    00:47

    Rob Reiner on "Mike Stivic's" relationship with "Gloria Stivic" played by Sally Struthers on All in the Family

    01:47

    Rob Reiner on working with Carroll O'Connor as "Archie Bunker" on All in the Family

    03:21

    Rob Reiner on Carroll O'Connor and Norman Lear's relationship on All in the Family

    02:23

    Rob Reiner on making "Archie Bunker" more acceptable to audiences, and on his relationship with "Mike Stivic"

    04:36

    Rob Reiner on working with Jean Stapleton as "Edith Bunker" on All in the Family

    02:10

    Rob Reiner on working with Sally Struthers as "Gloria Stivic" on All in the Family

    01:59

    Rob Reiner on the birth of "Mike" and "Gloria's" son "Joey Stivic" on All in the Family

    00:47

    Rob Reiner on issues some of the cast had with their contracts on All in the Family

    01:35

    Rob Reiner on working with Mike Evans as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family and Isabel Sanford as "Louise Jefferson"

    01:32

    Rob Reiner on various guest stars on All in the Family including Beatrice Arthur, Vincent Gardenia, and Betty Garrett

    03:59

    Rob Reiner on a typical work week on All in the Family

    03:38

    Rob Reiner on the set and cameras of All in the Family and

    03:39

    Rob Reiner on the biggest laughs from the studio audience on All in the Family and on censorship issues with the show

    02:52

    Rob Reiner on the writing process of All in the Family

    03:45

    Rob Reiner on the writing process of All in the Family

    06:04

    Rob Reiner on winning Emmy Awards for All in the Family

    01:08

    Rob Reiner on writing various episodes of All in the Family

    05:36

    Rob Reiner on his final All in the Family episode "The Stivics Go West"

    03:25

    Rob Reiner on the legacy of All in the Family

    01:40

    Batman

    Rob Reiner on guest-starring on Batman, and on playing a number of hippies

    01:34

    Dick Van Dyke Show, The

    Rob Reiner on his visiting the sets of his father Carl Reiner's series The Dick Van Dyke Show, and interacting with stars Jerry Paris and Mary Tyler Moore

    03:24

    Rob Reiner on how The Dick Van Dyke Show reflected his own family life

    01:22

    Rob Reiner on the way marriage was portrayed on The Dick Van Dyke Show

    00:56

    Emmy Awards, The (Primetime and Daytime)

    Rob Reiner on winning Emmys for All in the Family

    01:08

    Free Country

    Rob Reiner on creating and starring on the short-lived 1978 sitcom Free Country

    02:54

    Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, The

    Rob Reiner on writing for The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour

    02:03

    Good Heavens

    Rob Reiner on working with his father, Carl Reiner, on Good Heavens

    00:46

    Happy Days

    Rob Reiner on contributing writing to the pilot for Happy Days

    01:32

    Headmaster

    Rob Reiner on appearing on the Andy Griffith series Headmaster, from which he got cast on All in the Family

    02:20

    Hey Landlord!

    Rob Reiner on his television acting debut on Hey Landlord! created by Garry Marshall

    01:06

    Larry Sanders Show, The

    Rob Reiner on guest-starring on The Larry Sanders Show

    00:50

    Mothers-In-Law, The

    Rob Reiner on appearing on various series, including That Girl, Gomer Pyle, and The Mothers-In-Law from which he was fired after a fight with Desi Arnaz

    01:55

    Romp!!!

    Rob Reiner on writing the special Romp!!! and on his writing partner Phil Mishkin

    01:21

    Saturday Night Live

    Rob Reiner on hosting an early episode of Lorne Michaels' Saturday Night Live

    03:51

    Seinfeld

    Rob Reiner on his production company Castle Rock's producing Seinfeld

    02:37

    Rob Reiner on the talents of Jerry Seinfeld and the success of Seinfeld produced by Castle Rock

    02:40

    Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, The

    Rob Reiner on writing for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour featuring Tom and Dick Smothers

    05:39

    Rob Reiner on being partnered with Steve Martin on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and on the writer's room of that show

    01:19

    Rob Reiner on censorship issues surrounding The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour mostly handled by Tom Smothers

    03:07

    Rob Reiner on the regulars on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, as well as the musical guests

    02:04

    Rob Reiner on the cancellation of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, and what he learned from his time on the show

    01:37

    Super, The

    Rob Reiner on writing the series The Super

    00:46

    T.V. Show, The

    Rob Reiner on directing The T.V. Show, which spawned Spinal Tap

    02:42

    That Girl

    Rob Reiner on appearing on various series, including That Girl, Gomer Pyle, and The Mothers-In-Law from which he was fired after a fight with Desi Arnaz

    01:55

    Your Show of Shows

    Rob Reiner on his memories of Sid Caesar from when he was a child, and on a 1994 reunion of Your Show of Shows writers

    03:59

    Advice

    Rob Reiner on advice to aspiring actors

    00:47

    Rob Reiner on advice to aspiring comedy writers and directors

    01:16

    Censorship / Standards & Practices

    Rob Reiner on the biggest laughs from the studio audience on All in the Family and on censorship issues with the show

    02:52

    Characters & Catchphrases

    Rob Reiner on "Mike's" nickname "Meathead" on All in the Family, which came from what Norman Lear's father used to call him

    00:47

    Emmy Awards

    Rob Reiner on winning Emmys for All in the Family

    01:08

    Pop Culture

    Rob Reiner on "Mike's" nickname "Meathead" on All in the Family, which came from what Norman Lear's father used to call him

    00:47

    Studio and Network Management

    Rob Reiner on his production company, Castle Rock

    05:56

    Television Industry

    Rob Reiner on the biggest laughs from the studio audience on All in the Family and on censorship issues with the show

    02:52

    Rob Reiner on his production company, Castle Rock

    05:56

    Rob Reiner on the then-current status of Castle Rock

    00:45

    Rob Reiner on advice to aspiring actors

    00:47

    Rob Reiner on advice to aspiring comedy writers and directors

    01:16

    Actor

    Rob Reiner on advice to aspiring actors

    00:47

    Directors

    Rob Reiner on deciding on what projects he wants to direct

    01:29

    Rob Reiner on his directing style

    02:06

    Rob Reiner on working with editors as a director

    01:00

    Rob Reiner on advice to aspiring comedy writers and directors

    01:16

    Performers

    Rob Reiner on advice to aspiring actors

    00:47

    Writers

    Rob Reiner on advice to aspiring comedy writers and directors

    01:16

    Comedy Series

    Rob Reiner on his visiting the sets of his father Carl Reiner's series The Dick Van Dyke Show

    04:46

    Rob Reiner on the way marriage was portrayed on The Dick Van Dyke Show

    00:56

    Rob Reiner on his television acting debut on Hey Landlord! created by Garry Marshall

    01:06

    Rob Reiner on appearing on various series, including That Girl, Gomer Pyle, and The Mothers-In-Law from which he was fired after a fight with Desi Arnaz

    01:55

    Rob Reiner on playing "Mike Stivic" on All in the Family

    27:17

    Rob Reiner on playing "Mike Stivic" on All in the Family

    30:32

    Rob Reiner on starring on All in the Family

    17:53

    Rob Reiner on working with his father, Carl Reiner, on Good Heavens

    00:46

    Rob Reiner on creating and starring on the short-lived 1978 sitcom Free Country

    02:54

    Rob Reiner on directing Likely Stories

    01:49

    Rob Reiner on his production company Castle Rock's producing Seinfeld

    05:56

    Rob Reiner on the talents of Jerry Seinfeld and the success of Seinfeld produced by Castle Rock

    02:40

    Rob Reiner on guest-starring on The Larry Sanders Show

    00:50

    Cop/Detective/Mystery Series

    Rob Reiner on guest-starring on Batman, and on playing a number of hippies

    01:34

    Drama Series

    Rob Reiner on appearing on the Andy Griffith series Headmaster, from which he got cast on All in the Family

    02:20

    Music Shows & Variety Shows/Specials

    Rob Reiner on writing for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour featuring Tom and Dick Smothers

    15:49

    Rob Reiner on writing for The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour

    02:03

    Rob Reiner on writing Romp!!!

    01:21

    Rob Reiner on guest hosting Saturday Night Live

    03:51

    Rob Reiner on directing The T.V. Show, which spawned Spinal Tap

    02:42

    Jennifer Aniston

    Rob Reiner on directing Jennifer Aniston in Rumor Has It

    00:34

    Desi Arnaz

    Rob Reiner on appearing on various series, including That Girl, Gomer Pyle, and The Mothers-In-Law from which he was fired after a fight with Desi Arnaz

    01:55

    Beatrice Arthur

    Rob Reiner on various guest stars on All in the Family including Beatrice Arthur, Vincent Gardenia, and Betty Garrett

    03:59

    Lauren Bacall

    Rob Reiner on directing Lauren Bacall in "Misery"

    00:26

    Mel Brooks

    Rob Reiner on witnessing his father Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks doing their 2000 Year Old Man routine when he was a kid

    03:12

    Albert Brooks

    Rob Reiner on how Carl and Estelle Reiner dealt with his wanting to get into show business, and on working with Albert Brooks early on

    02:14

    Sid Caesar

    Rob Reiner on his memories of Sid Caesar from when he was a child, and on a 1994 reunion of Your Show of Shows writers

    03:59

    Glen Campbell

    Rob Reiner on writing for The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour

    02:03

    Billy Crystal

    Rob Reiner on directing the feature film "When Harry Met Sally" starring Billy Crystal

    02:58

    Joan Cusack

    Rob Reiner on directing John Cusack

    01:20

    Mike Evans

    Rob Reiner on working with Mike Evans as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family and Isabel Sanford as "Louise Jefferson"

    01:32

    Michael J. Fox

    Rob Reiner on directing Michael J. Fox in "The American President"

    00:47

    Vincent Gardenia

    Rob Reiner on various guest stars on All in the Family including Beatrice Arthur, Vincent Gardenia, and Betty Garrett

    03:59

    Betty Garrett

    Rob Reiner on various guest stars on All in the Family including Beatrice Arthur, Vincent Gardenia, and Betty Garrett

    03:59

    Andy Griffith

    Rob Reiner on appearing on the Andy Griffith series Headmaster, from which he got cast on All in the Family

    02:20

    Christopher Guest

    Rob Reiner on Christopher Guest

    01:00

    Stephen King

    Rob Reiner on directing the feature film Stephen King's "Stand By Me"

    06:46

    Norman Lear

    Rob Reiner on working with show creator Norman Lear on All in the Family

    03:40

    Rob Reiner on Carroll O'Connor and Norman Lear's relationship on All in the Family

    02:23

    Garry Marshall

    Rob Reiner on his television acting debut on Hey Landlord! created by Garry Marshall

    01:06

    Penny Marshall

    Rob Reiner on auditioning with then-wife Penny Marshall for All in the Family, and on Sally Struthers being cast as "Gloria Stivic"

    01:22

    Rob Reiner on working with then-wife Penny Marshall

    03:42

    Steve Martin

    Rob Reiner on being partnered with Steve Martin on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and on the writer's room of that show

    01:19

    Lorne Michaels

    Rob Reiner on hosting an early episode of Lorne Michaels' Saturday Night Live

    03:51

    Mary Tyler Moore

    Rob Reiner on his visiting the sets of his father Carl Reiner's series The Dick Van Dyke Show, and interacting with stars Jerry Paris and Mary Tyler Moore

    03:24

    Mike Nichols

    Rob Reiner on Mike Nichols

    00:35

    Carroll O'Connor

    Rob Reiner on working with Carroll O'Connor as "Archie Bunker" on All in the Family

    03:21

    Rob Reiner on Carroll O'Connor and Norman Lear's relationship on All in the Family

    02:23

    Jerry Paris

    Rob Reiner on his visiting the sets of his father Carl Reiner's series The Dick Van Dyke Show, and interacting with stars Jerry Paris and Mary Tyler Moore

    03:24

    Mandy Patinkin

    Rob Reiner on directing Mandy Patinkin in "The Princess Bride"

    00:39

    Michelle Pfeiffer

    Rob Reiner on directing Michelle Pfeiffer in "The Story of Us"

    00:22

    Estelle Reiner

    Rob Reiner on his mother, Estelle Reiner and on his family's sense of humor while he was growing up

    03:35

    Rob Reiner on how Carl and Estelle Reiner dealt with his wanting to get into show business, and on working with Albert Brooks early on

    02:14

    Carl Reiner

    Rob Reiner on famous people who used to visit his father Carl Reiner at home when he was a little boy

    01:15

    Rob Reiner on witnessing his father Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks doing their 2000 Year Old Man routine when he was a kid

    03:12

    Rob Reiner on the burden of being the son of Carl Reiner, and on how he dealt with it

    03:11

    Rob Reiner on how Carl and Estelle Reiner dealt with his wanting to get into show business, and on working with Albert Brooks early on

    02:14

    Rob Reiner on how Carl and Estelle Reiner dealt with his wanting to get into show business, and on working with Albert Brooks early on

    02:14

    Rob Reiner on the burden of being the son of Carl Reiner, and on how he dealt with it

    03:11

    Rob Reiner on working with his father, Carl Reiner, on Good Heavens

    00:46

    Isabel Sanford

    Rob Reiner on working with Mike Evans as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family and Isabel Sanford as "Louise Jefferson"

    01:32

    Jerry Seinfeld

    Rob Reiner on the talents of Jerry Seinfeld and the success of Seinfeld produced by Castle Rock

    02:40

    Dick Smothers

    Rob Reiner on writing for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour featuring Tom and Dick Smothers

    05:39

    Tom Smothers

    Rob Reiner on writing for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour featuring Tom and Dick Smothers

    05:39

    Rob Reiner on censorship issues surrounding The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour mostly handled by Tom Smothers

    03:07

    Aaron Sorkin

    Rob Reiner on the feature film "A Few Good Men"

    02:06

    Jean Stapleton

    Rob Reiner on working with Jean Stapleton as "Edith Bunker" on All in the Family

    02:10

    Sally Struthers

    Rob Reiner on auditioning with wife Penny Marshall for All in the Family, and on Sally Struthers being cast as "Gloria Stivic"

    01:22

    Rob Reiner on "Mike Stivic's" relationship with "Gloria Stivic" played by Sally Struthers on All in the Family

    01:47

    Rob Reiner on working with Sally Struthers as "Gloria Stivic" on All in the Family

    01:59

    Wil Wheaton

    Rob Reiner on directing River Phoenix, Wil Wheaton and Kieffer Sutherland in Stand By Me

    02:05

    Bruce Willis

    Rob Reiner on directing Bruce Willis in "North"

    00:37

    James Woods

    Rob Reiner on directing James Woods in "A Few Good Men"

    00:47

    Bud Yorkin

    Rob Reiner on working with Bud Yorkin on All in the Family, and on writing episodes of the series

    05:48

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