A Tribute to Rob Reiner: A Comedy Legend and a True Friend
A Heartfelt Remembrance of a Remarkable Man
I wasn't Rob Reiner's closest confidant, but our paths intertwined during three distinct periods of our lives, and it's these moments that inspire me to share his story.
The Early Years and a Unique Upbringing
Our journey began in the early 1970s when I was part of a satirical comedy group, the Credibility Gap, in Los Angeles. Rob, a friend of one of our members, would often attend our shows. It was during these performances that I first encountered Rob, known then for his role in the iconic sitcom "All in the Family." But it was his laugh that truly captivated me. It was hearty, infectious, and genuine, never seeking attention but rather encouraging and warm.
Soon after, I became emotionally entangled with a member of Rob's family, which gave me a glimpse into his world. Rob's father, Carl Reiner, was a comedy legend, having created the legendary sitcom "The Dick Van Dyke Show." During dinners at their home, I often shared the table with the likes of Mel Brooks, who worked with Carl on "The 2000 Year Old Man." Rob's comedic genes were undeniable, and he grew up immersed in a comedy masterclass. Instead of resentment, he embraced, learned from, and thrived in this environment.
The Birth of Spinal Tap
Rob hired me to co-write and produce a sketch comedy pilot for ABC, titled "The TV Show." It was a hilarious parody of American television, mocking everything from dramas to ads, even including a charity telethon. The highlight was a late-night music show sketch where the original Spinal Tap made its debut.
In Rob's Hollywood office, we (Rob, myself, and comedy writers Chris Guest and Tom Leopold) brainstormed, laughed, and collaborated. Despite being the titular boss, Rob was an enthusiastic partner, unlike other comedy giants who started as stand-ups. He respected and encouraged others' humor, creating a collaborative environment.
A Parody Telethon and a Memorable Performance
In addition to executive producing "The TV Show," Rob delivered a standout performance in the pilot. The premise was a parody telethon, a common format at the time, where Rob played George Jessel, a contemporary of Al Jolson, the white singer in blackface from the 1920s. Rob's character, Georgie, was a mix of sanctimoniousness and silliness, a master of ceremonies who raised money to "fight death." The sketch ended with us lying on the floor, kicking our legs in the air, enveloped in hot oil instead of rock 'n' roll smoke.
The Journey to Spinal Tap
Rob secured a deal with a studio for a Spinal Tap script, and we (Rob, Chris, Michael McKean, and I) gathered in a Beverly Hills hotel room to write. The laughter was nonstop, but we soon realized the script would confuse studio executives. So, we decided to create a 20-minute demo, featuring songs and jokes that later became famous. Rob's connections helped get "Spinal Tap" out of the cinematic womb, as high-level executives were bewildered by our work.
Rob's Directorial Choices and the Magic of Collaboration
When deciding on the band for "This is Spinal Tap," there was a moment where we considered if Rob should be part of the ensemble. He declined, as he didn't play an instrument, and there was a hint of sadness in his voice. If he had been in the band, someone else would have directed the film, and we might not have had the parade of successful movies that followed.
Writing with Rob was always a joy. The decision to make "When Harry Met Sally" totally improvised was based on our shared belief that the film had to look like a real documentary, which turned out to be key to its success.
Reconnecting and Capturing the Magic Again
After a period of drift, we reconnected when I won a lawsuit against Universal and Studio Canal, gaining the intellectual property rights to "Spinal Tap." Rob was reviving the film division of his company, Castle Rock Entertainment, and raised funds for a sequel. We met in a Santa Monica house by the beach, laughing and improvising, just like old times. Rob's method of writing funny notions on cards, placing them on a corkboard, and then crafting a story was a unique and effective process.
The Sequel and a New Chapter
To my delight, Rob decided to shoot the sequel in my adopted hometown, New Orleans. He had already made two movies there, and the city's tax breaks were likely a factor. This time, we didn't sit in on audition sessions, but Rob's choices were perfect.
Remembering Rob: A True Gentleman
In the wake of Rob's passing, I keep returning to one word to describe him: "mensch." It's a Yiddish term for a true gentleman, honest, sincere, reliable, and trustworthy. Despite our relationship often being business-oriented, I always left our meetings feeling that Rob was a "mensch." He is deeply missed.
Harry Shearer, actor, author, and musician, is best known as Derek Smalls of Spinal Tap and the voice of various Simpsons characters, including Ned Flanders. His stage musical "Here Comes J Edgar!" premieres in London in July.
