A Polarizing Figure.
In my mind, Rob Reiner was a pompous ass, a delusional progressive socialist democrat, and a corrupt political activist who diverted millions of dollars in taxpayer funds to his progressive causes.
Reiner was also a talented filmmaker who brought pleasure to millions with his movies, including A Few Good Men, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, The American President, The Princess Bride, This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, and The Bucket List.
Typecast!
Foreshadowing real life, Reiner starred as Mike “Meathead” Stivic, Archie Bunker’s uber-liberal son-in-law on the hit 1970s sitcom “All in the Family, for which he won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Typical Progressive Hollywood Democrat on Israel
He was also a prominent Jew, the son of the late comedian Carl Reiner, who supported several Jewish causes, had spoken out against anti-Semitism, and had defended Israel’s right to exist and to protect itself, especially in the context of terrorism and attacks on civilians. Like the majority of progressive democrats in Hollywood, Reiner had repeatedly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as dangerous for Israeli democracy, particularly over efforts to weaken judicial independence and concentrate executive power. However, he was crystal clear about Hamas. As far back as 2014, he expressed the opinion that one cannot negotiate with an extreme group like Hamas and that “the way to do it is to eliminate it”. He linked the group’s charter, which calls for the destruction of Israel, as a reason for this stance.
Reiner, 78, and his wife, 68, did not deserve to die. Not this brutal way, and not by the hand of their son.
According to published reports, it is alleged that the couple was stabbed to death in their $13.5 million Brentwood, California, mansion, allegedly by their son, Nick Reiner, 32, who was at times a drug addict, homeless, and thought to be mentally ill. It is believed that the 911 call was made by Romy Reiner, the couple’s daughter. Nick has been booked on a felony murder charge with a $4 million bail.
Bottom Line
Despite the controversies that surrounded him, Rob Reiner’s impact on film and television was undeniable, marked by his outspoken political views, progressive activism, and sharp critiques. He brought laughter, tears, and thought-provoking stories to millions, leaving behind a legacy of cinematic classics and Emmy-winning performances.
His tragic and violent death, along with that of his wife, is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life, and it casts a shadow over the accomplishments of a man who, for decades, entertained audiences around the world.
In remembering Rob Reiner, we honor the art he created and choose to forgive and forget his political bullshit.
We are so screwed.
— Steve
