Rob Reiner

Actor / Director

View Full Interview

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents

02:26

Tab

About

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 Bride, When 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.

"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."

People Talking About ...

Highlights

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

03:38

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 a typical work week on All in the Family

03:38

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

03:25

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

06:46

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

03:40

Full Interview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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"

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shows

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

Topics

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

Professions

Actor

View Profession

Rob Reiner on what his All in the Family co-star Carroll O'Connor taught him about acting, in terms of the importance of quality material

02:55

Rob Reiner on what his All in the Family co-star Carroll O'Connor taught him about acting, in terms of the importance of quality material

02:55

Rob Reiner on advice to aspiring actors

00:47

Directors

View Profession

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

View Profession

Rob Reiner on advice to aspiring actors

00:47

Writers

View Profession

Rob Reiner on advice to aspiring comedy writers and directors

01:16

Genres

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

People

Aaron Sorkin

View Person Page

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

02:06

Albert Brooks

View Person Page

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

Andy Griffith

View Interview Page

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

02:20

Beatrice Arthur

View Interview Page

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

03:59

Betty Garrett

View Interview Page

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

03:59

Billy Crystal

View Interview Page

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

02:58

Bruce Willis

View Person Page

Rob Reiner on directing Bruce Willis in "North"

00:37

Bud Yorkin

View Interview Page

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

05:48

Carl Reiner

View Interview Page

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

Carroll O'Connor

View Interview Page

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

Christopher Guest

View Person Page

Rob Reiner on Christopher Guest

01:00

Desi Arnaz

View Person Page

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

Dick Smothers

View Interview Page

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

05:39

Estelle Reiner

View Person Page

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

Garry Marshall

View Interview Page

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

01:06

Glen Campbell

View Person Page

Rob Reiner on writing for The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour

02:03

Isabel Sanford

View Interview Page

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

01:32

James Woods

View Person Page

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

00:47

Jean Stapleton

View Interview Page

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

02:10

Jennifer Aniston

View Person Page

Rob Reiner on directing Jennifer Aniston in Rumor Has It

00:34

Jerry Paris

View Person Page

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

Jerry Seinfeld

View Person Page

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

02:40

Joan Cusack

View Person Page

Rob Reiner on directing John Cusack

01:20

Lauren Bacall

View Person Page

Rob Reiner on directing Lauren Bacall in "Misery"

00:26

Lorne Michaels

View Person Page

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

03:51

Mandy Patinkin

View Person Page

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

00:39

Mary Tyler Moore

View Interview Page

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

Mel Brooks

View Person Page

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

Michael J. Fox

View Interview Page

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

00:47

Michelle Pfeiffer

View Person Page

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

00:22

Mike Evans

View Person Page

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

01:32

Mike Nichols

View Person Page

Rob Reiner on Mike Nichols

00:35

Norman Lear

View Interview Page

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

Penny Marshall

View Interview Page

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

Sally Struthers

View Person Page

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

Sid Caesar

View Interview Page

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

Stephen King

View Person Page

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

06:46

Steve Martin

View Person Page

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

Tom Smothers

View Interview Page

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

Vincent Gardenia

View Person Page

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

03:59

Wil Wheaton

View Person Page

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

02:05