Bulwark Takes LIVE: Remembering The Best of Rob Reiner (w/ David Weigel & Richard Rushfield)
Dec 16, 2025
Join Bill Kristol, a political analyst with a wealth of anecdotes, Richard Rushfield, a Hollywood columnist exploring Reiner's career, and David Weigel, a film enthusiast bringing cultural insights as they celebrate Rob Reiner's legacy. They share personal connections to his films and discuss his reputation as a kind figure in Hollywood. The panel reflects on Reiner's evolution from TV actor to a director of iconic films like The Princess Bride and A Few Good Men, and his significant political activism, capturing the warmth and hope that characterize his work.
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All In The Family Defined Reiner's Early Fame
- Richard and others recall Reiner's acting breakthrough on All in the Family and its cultural reach in the 1970s.
- They highlight his humanity in the role and a moving farewell scene with Archie Bunker as emotionally resonant.
Reiner Often Played A Version Of Himself
- David Weigel and others remember Reiner often played versions of himself in cameos and later roles.
- They cite Spinal Tap's Marty DiBergi as a pitch-perfect, amiable parody that endeared him to music-world figures.
Spinal Tap's Enduring Realism
- Sonny and Richard argue Spinal Tap still feels fresh and lived-in decades later.
- They credit its realism as the origin point for many modern mockumentary and single-camera comedy conventions.