The Brian Lehrer Show Rob Reiner's Legacy and Your Tributes
Dec 17, 2025
Richard Rushfield, chief columnist at The Ankler, dives into the lasting impact of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, who recently passed away. Rushfield highlights Reiner's unique blend of warmth and humor in storytelling, recalling iconic films from The Princess Bride to Spinal Tap. He reflects on Reiner's activism, particularly in education funding, and encourages listeners to connect personal experiences with broader issues of mental health. The conversation is filled with tributes and memorable clips, showcasing Reiner's immense legacy.
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Humanity As His Signature
- Rob Reiner brought a warm, humane presence to every role he played and project he touched.
- That humanity connected across acting, directing, writing, and activism to make his work widely relatable.
A Line That Travels Generations
- A caller recalled her dad sending her to school with the line "have fun storming the castle" from The Princess Bride.
- The line now accompanies her child starting school, showing the film's multigenerational reach.
Meathead And The Working-Class Connection
- A caller remembered Reiner as "Meathead," the voice of reason on All in the Family, and praised his role in Spinal Tap and other films.
- She also reflected on working with people facing mental illness and addiction and found the family's tragedy heartbreaking.