Carl Reiner
Early Life and Education
Carl Reiner was born on March 20, 1922, in The Bronx, New York City, to Jewish immigrants from Austria and Romania. His father, Irving Reiner, was a watchmaker, and his mother, Bessie (née Mathias) Reiner, was a homemaker. Reiner grew up in a working-class neighborhood and attended P.S. 16 and Evander Childs High School.
Reiner's interest in performing began in high school when he took drama classes and participated in school plays. After graduating, he attended the Dramatic Workshop of The New School in New York City, where he studied under the renowned German director Erwin Piscator.
Career
Early Career
Reiner began his career in entertainment as a radio actor, performing on several popular radio programs in the 1940s, including "The Bickersons" and "The Henry Morgan Show". He also performed in Broadway musicals, such as "Call Me Mister" and "Inside U.S.A.".
In 1950, Reiner was cast in the variety show Your Show of Shows, where he worked alongside comedians Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca. The show was a critical and commercial success, and it established Reiner as a talented comedic actor and writer.
The Dick Van Dyke Show
Reiner achieved widespread recognition for creating, producing, and acting in The Dick Van Dyke Show, which aired from 1961 to 1966. The show, which starred Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore, was one of the most popular television programs of its time and won 15 Emmy Awards.
Reiner's character, Alan Brady, was a temperamental television star, and the show was based on Reiner's experiences as a television writer. The Dick Van Dyke Show is considered a classic of American television and has been praised for its writing, acting, and depiction of work and family life.
Later Career and Legacy
After The Dick Van Dyke Show ended, Reiner continued to work in television and film. He directed several successful films, including "The Jerk" (1979), starring Steve Martin, and "All of Me" (1984), starring Martin and Lily Tomlin. Reiner also acted in films, such as "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming" (1966) and "Ocean's Eleven" (2001).
Reiner was a prolific writer, authoring several books, including memoirs, novels, and books on comedy. He was known for his wit, creativity, and contributions to American comedy. Reiner received several awards for his work, including nine Emmy Awards and a Grammy Award.
Carl Reiner passed away on June 29, 2020, at the age of 98. His legacy continues to influence comedians and entertain audiences today.
Personal Life
Reiner was married to singer Estelle Lebost from 1943 until her death in 2008. The couple had three children: actor and director Rob Reiner, author Annie Reiner, and artist Lucas Reiner. Reiner was known for his liberal political views and was active in several charitable organizations.