Rob Reiner was America’s favorite son in law

Rob Reiner was America’s most loved son in law

Reiner (with Sally Struthers, Carroll O’ Connor and Jean Stapleton) as Michael Stivic on All in the Family, 1976. [Featured image by CBS Television/Wikimedia Commons]

When Rob Reiner played the role of Michael Stivic, most Americans related to him. On the sitcom, All in the Family (1971-1979), Michael’s relationship with Archie Bunker, his father-in-law, was often contentious but also had plenty of humorous moments. Michael and Archie simply had completely opposite personalities. Archie was ultra conservative while Michael was a liberal. Even though they often had arguments, Archie and Michael loved each other.

When I was a child, I watched All in the Family with my mom and dad. I could relate to the show because I also grew up in a working-class family. Like Gloria, I was also an only child. My dad was often stubborn like Archie. My grandmother never got along with her son in law, my dad.

Just like my family, many families also tuned in to watch All in the Family because the characters of Michael and Archie definitely resonated well with them. Reiner’s performance, as Michael, was so natural that he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor. All in the Family became the most watched television sitcom for nine consecutive seasons. Archie Bunker, Michael’s father-in-law, is one of the greatest TV characters of all time.

Archie’s favorite nickname for Michael was Meathead. In real life, Reiner was not a Meathead but highly intelligent. He was so smart that he went several steps above being an actor transforming himself into a renowned director. Reiner directed the timeless romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally (1989) among many other critically acclaimed movies.

Misery (1990) is my favorite film, which was directed by Rob Reiner. Since I am a Stephen King fan, I loved Misery. The movie Misery was just as good as the book. Reiner directed this film to perfection, for it did not contain long or unnecessary parts. I have watched Misery many times, and I always find it interesting.

For her portrayal of Annie Wilkes, Kathy Bates won the Oscar for Best Actress. Kathy’s acting was done to perfection, and Reiner definitely brought out the best in her as well as all the other actors in Misery, which all gave wonderful performances.

In addition to directing such great films, Reiner was also a successful businessman. He was one of the cofounders of Castle Rock Entertainment, an independent film and production company. Reiner was altruistic and gave back to society. He championed such causes as early childhood education, LGBTQ rights and the environment - - just to name a few examples.

On Son in Law Day, we honor Rob Reiner who will always be remembered as America’s most liked son in law. Reiner’s Hollywood legacy goes beyond his success. Reiner was humble and never let Hollywood success go to his head. In real life, he had all the characteristics of a good son in law. Any father-in-law would treat Reiner like a real son.