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Rob Reiner pays tribute to dad Carl Reiner, dead at 98: 'He was my guiding light'
Carl Reiner, the iconic entertainer whose Hollywood career spanned seven decades, is being remembered after his death Monday at age 98.
Reiner did it all in showbiz — writer, producer, director, actor, Grammy winner for spoken comedy album — and authored several books, including 2017’s Too Busy to Die. The Dick Van Dyke Show creator, who won nine Emmys during his career, continued to work, tweet and remain politically active — recently making a statement in Black Lives Matter T-shirts with his 2000 Year Old Man comedy partner and pal Mel Brooks — until the end of his life.
Reiner assistant Judy Nagy told Variety he died of natural causes Monday night at his home in Beverly Hills. TMZ reports that he was surrounded by family. The Too Busy to Die author was survived by children director Rob Reiner, author and playwright Annie Reiner and artist Lucas Reiner. His wife, Estelle, died in 2008.
Rob called his father “my guiding light” in a tribute on Twitter.
Last night my dad passed away. As I write this my heart is hurting. He was my guiding light.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) June 30, 2020
Reiner, who was part of Sid Caesar’s legendary team, had hundreds of credits, including 1970s and 1980s faves Oh God!, The Jerk and All of Me. But he continued to act into his 90s, including roles in the Ocean’s Eleven films as well as in Hot in Cleveland and Two and a Half Men. He also did a lot of voice work, from Carl Reineroceros in Toy Story 4 to Family Guy.
Social media is filled with tributes to the comedy genius, including from his best friend and collaborator Mel Brooks, who called Reiner “a giant, unmatched in his contributions to entertainment.” He added, “I loved him.”
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) June 30, 2020
Dick Van Dyke said Reiner “wrote about the human comedy” and had “a deeper understanding of the human condition than I think even he was aware of... His scripts were never just funny, they always had something to say about us.”
My idol, Carl Reiner, wrote about the human comedy. He had a deeper understanding of the human condition, than I think even he was aware of. Kind, gentle, compassionate, empathetic and wise. His scripts were never just funny, they always had something to say about us.
— Dick Van Dyke (@iammrvandy) June 30, 2020
Steve Martin, who worked with Reiner in The Jerk and All of Me, called him “my greatest mentor in movies and in life.”
Goodbye to my greatest mentor in movies and in life. Thank you, dear Carl. https://t.co/H7A4ZwIqfc
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) June 30, 2020
Carl Reiner taught me many things about life, but he also taught me how to turn one slice of toast into two. pic.twitter.com/0ddg7ddakb
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) June 30, 2020
Bette Midler, who was directed by Reiner in That Old Feeling, said she “worked with him” and “loved him.”
The great #CarlReiner has gone to that Show of Shows in the sky. I worked with him, loved him, and consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world to have once attended lunch with his hilarious, guarrulous gang...
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) June 30, 2020
Alan Alda wrote that his friend’s “talent will live on for a long time, but the loss of his kindness and decency leaves a hole in our hearts.”
My friend Carl Reiner died last night. His talent will live on for a long time, but the loss of his kindness and decency leaves a hole in our hearts. We love you, Carl. pic.twitter.com/QWyNOYILhW
— Alan Alda (@alanalda) June 30, 2020
Here are more tributes from colleagues, friends, fans and family:
Very sad to awake to the news that @carlreiner has passed. There will forever only be one of him. May his memory be forever blessed. He leaves us with so much laughter. My heart goes out to @robreiner and the entire Reiner family.
— Ed Asner (@TheOnlyEdAsner) June 30, 2020
Carl Reiner was a comedic giant, one of the smartest comedy minds ever. He used his voice to the very end, speaking truth to power and the insanity we are all living in. So much respect for him. Sending love to his family. #RIP
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) June 30, 2020
@carlreiner was a gift to us all.
Hilarious,brilliant and always a gentleman. My relationship with him will always be cherished. He was a hero to me and all of us in comedy have lost a giant. All my love to Rob and the family.— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) June 30, 2020
My good friend @CarlReiner got the 5 minute comedy light last night. They say he wrapped it up in 2. Man, was he smart and funny and whatnot. pic.twitter.com/JDJPMaY6tH
— George Wallace (@MrGeorgeWallace) June 30, 2020
Of all his accomplishments, I believe what my grandpa was most proud of were his children and grandchildren. I felt his pride every time I saw him. He lived a dream life, and although I miss him dearly, he can now be with his first love, grandma Estelle. I love you grandpa. pic.twitter.com/RAJUTMC0rQ
— Jake Reiner (@Reiner_Jake) June 30, 2020
I’ve known Carl Reiner my whole life and I can’t imagine a world without him. A loss for me, a loss for my family, a loss for all of us.
— Max Brooks (@maxbrooksauthor) June 30, 2020
Carl Reiner was a lovely, hilarious man who knew how to drive home his beliefs with grace and humor. Sending my condolences to his family and friends at the conclusion of a life well-lived.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 30, 2020
The Greatest. pic.twitter.com/AjlGKQXezG
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) June 30, 2020
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) June 30, 2020
Watch Carl Reiner recite Shakespeare from memory, tell a dirty joke, and more in his many memorable appearances on CONAN. https://t.co/xaTTJyuHtu
— Team Coco (@TeamCoco) June 30, 2020
We have lost the great Carl Reiner. My condolences to his family. He is irreplaceable. pic.twitter.com/pA1Tc4I5uR
— Joy Behar (@JoyVBehar) June 30, 2020
Even at 98, it was too soon to lose @carlreiner - a brilliantly funny, kind and prolific man. Love to the excellent family and friends he left behind
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) June 30, 2020
The world lost an amazing voice with the loss of #comedylegend and #activist @carlreiner at 98. Do yourself a favor and stream #thedickvandykeshow #alanbrady or listen to the #2000yearoldman audio with #melbrooks pic.twitter.com/mSywM1Qryw
— Al Roker (@alroker) June 30, 2020
The brilliant and hilarious Carl Reiner hosted the Director’s Guild awards for decades before his health forced him to take the night off.
They asked me to sub in for him. Here’s the letter he sent me:#RIPCarlReiner https://t.co/dkvtzXtKfA pic.twitter.com/eUy2E9b0B0— Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) June 30, 2020
Carl Reiner was comedy genius. Often that genius made other funny people even funnier. But give him a stage and he could spin laughter out of any moment. I watched him do it time and again. His contributions to comedy are eternal. And a lovely man, as well. #ripCarlReiner
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) June 30, 2020
He was one of the greatest comedy minds of our time. And one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. RIP Carl Reiner.
— Eugene Levy (@Realeugenelevy) June 30, 2020
R.I.P. Carl Reiner. Growing up Carl was like a second dad to me. He was the greatest. Not just as a comic legend but as a man. There was no one else this funny and this nice. I loved him.
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) June 30, 2020
Carl Reiner. His genius, his wisdom, his amazing comedy and dramatic brilliance.... All will forever be cherished. My heart goes out to his family and friends and all those he touched with his love and bravery and conviction. Rest In Peace Dear Great Sir.
— bob saget (@bobsaget) June 30, 2020
I met Carl Reiner in 1980 when he hosted an early television appearance of mine, the 5th Annual HBO Young Comedians Special. He was already a legend and icon; a giant in the entertainment industry... pic.twitter.com/CYj4UIOLEG
— Pee-wee Herman (@peeweeherman) June 30, 2020
.@TheSimpsons RIP Carl Reiner godfather to generations of comedy writers.
— Al Jean (@AlJean) June 30, 2020
It was unfair to @carlreiner to want him to go on forever, but I did.
— Paula Poundstone (@paulapoundstone) June 30, 2020
It will take a while to process losing Carl Reiner because he’s been making me laugh since I was little. That’s some very funny processing helping leaven the sadness. Thank you, Carl. You done good.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) June 30, 2020
One of the true joys of my life was that I got to get to know this man. There is so much to emulate about him. A genius at life. https://t.co/u4jrBrSknM
— Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) June 30, 2020
Comedy giant Carl Reiner has left the room. I got to know him a bit, not that long after he had made the first great TV show about TV. Legendarily funny, but, fortunately, not "always on".
Wrote, acted, directed. Did it all, except trumpet.— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) June 30, 2020
So sad to hear about the passing of Carl Reiner. The man was a titan of comedy. None of us in the business haven’t been affected by his work. It’s hard to imagine a world without him. RIP Carl.
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) June 30, 2020
In 2003 I got to induct Carl Reiner into the JFL Hall Of Fame, Mr. Reiner was a legend, he INVENTED certain styles of comedy. Before I went out to introduce him, he said, "Don't forget to sell the book, I'll be signing them after,"
Legend, Genius, and did a merch line. RIP Carl.— Christopher Titus (@TitusNation) June 30, 2020
Carl Reiner was everything, every human being alive should hold up as a bright example of what one person can do with theirs. A great loss for his family and the world. 📷Al Sieb https://t.co/bImuCKqJsu
— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) June 30, 2020
Carl Reiner left this World for a refitting and a reboot in the Spiritual Plane where we all go eventually. Mr. Reiner was a God of Comedy! None better and He inspired all of us with his genius. I’m sure he is cracking everyone up where ever he is! Sweet journey Master!
— Tommy Chong (@tommychong) June 30, 2020
Carl Reiner, Bronx born and bred, made TV comedy that endures to this day. He made America laugh — a true gift.
New York extends our condolences to his family and many friends. https://t.co/Xmou8kabLI— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 30, 2020
Oh my I just found out @carlreiner passed away .. He championed me so many times .. what an extraordinary soul .. All love on your journey Carl, you are so loved and made us all laugh a million times
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) June 30, 2020
Carl Reiner and his comedy changed the world. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/CtCc6PAtBz
— comedycentral (@ComedyCentral) June 30, 2020
Thanks for the near century of your life and gifts, Carl Reiner. Your heart, your humor, your spirit will live on in all of us. The stars are twinkling just a bit more merrily today with you there to entertain the heavens.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 30, 2020
Carl Reiner was an incredible talent and activist who will be sorely missed. I was honored to appear in this vote by mail PSA with him last month, which I know he would want us all to share in his memory. Sending my love out to his family. 💕 pic.twitter.com/gUv049rnQo
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 30, 2020
Carl Reiner (March 20, 1922 – June 29, 2020). WW2 vet. And an irreplaceable comedic genius. We were lucky to have him as long as we did. RIP, sir. pic.twitter.com/bKGcc1V1lE
— John Orloff (@johnorloff) June 30, 2020
Rest easy #CarlReiner 🙏🏾🕊 Hollywood amd Comedy legend. #TeamDL https://t.co/ojEydEt9U7
— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) June 30, 2020
Rest In Peace @carlreiner , your comedy was amazing , your generosity legendary , and your career remarkable. Thank you for your movies too. Your early live sketches on Sid Ceaser were searing with brilliance.
— matt walsh (@mrmattwalsh) June 30, 2020
Carl Reiner made America great
— John Cusack (@johncusack) June 30, 2020
RIP to the comedy legend Carl Reiner. who gave us so much laughter in film and TV, in front of and behind the camera. Apart from anything else, thank you for this, the most romantic bedroom scene of all time. https://t.co/9yDBWwE7GX
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) June 30, 2020
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of show business legend Carl Reiner. An innovator, entertainer and beloved icon, his nearly century of life was like a roadmap through American culture. His wit and courage never left him. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) June 30, 2020
Carl Reiner was a truly great man. Brilliant and inspired as a creative, which thankfully we all got to enjoy, and clearly also just a good person. Deepest condolences to one of the gifts he gave us: @robreiner, his wonderful wife Michele and their entire family. https://t.co/XRZYC2TXFY
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) June 30, 2020
We lost a person who gave us great times-countless laughs. He was brilliant. And kind. I met him only once but will never forget his gentle thoughtfulness. He was with us through good times and hard times. Thank you Carl Reiner. His memory will be a blessing. . https://t.co/hbfPrO0eRe
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) June 30, 2020
Our hearts are broken 💔 There will never be another like him. 🙏
— Cary Elwes (@Cary_Elwes) June 30, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear that Carl Reiner has passed on. He was a great entertainer and a fine man.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) June 30, 2020
A Legend. Thank you sir. RIP https://t.co/U0ZY5Ow1XR
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) June 30, 2020
I’ve always imagined that Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks will live forever. Goodbye to a legend. #ripCarlReiner
— Josh Charles (@MrJoshCharles) June 30, 2020
Carl Reiner was a legend. Writer, director, actor, innovator. He helped shape so much in comedy. If you have time today put “Mel brooks and Carl Reiner” into youtube and enjoy two of the funniest humans making each other laugh for over 50 years.https://t.co/Owxx5Vgwq4
— Ben Schwartz (@rejectedjokes) June 30, 2020
Bless him. I made him laugh once, and we all owe him deep gratitude for his military service and a lifetime of heart and laughs and timing. We need people like him, now more than ever. Bless you #CarlReiner
— Willie Garson (@WillieGarson) June 30, 2020
As if 2020 weren’t cruel enough. Goodbye to one of the greatest comedic minds of all time. Thank you for always making us laugh and for always giving us joy. My deepest condolences go out to the entire Reiner family. RIP #CarlReiner pic.twitter.com/IeJ3RkG2vS
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) June 30, 2020
One of the greatest moments of my life was sitting in Mel Brooks’s office as he called #CarlReiner in front of Billy Crystal and I and proceeded to wind him up for 30 minutes as they both made fun of my name and said it needed an extra consonant. pic.twitter.com/lGh9ux3cSi
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) June 30, 2020
Thank you @carlreiner for a life filled with humanity, care, political motivation, humor, military service & dedication to helping the less fortunate. And for your daily reminders of how beautiful a place our world could be. Much peace to the family. @robreiner https://t.co/ES3sedgGBn
— Elizabeth Perkins (@Elizbethperkins) June 30, 2020
We join in mourning the loss of comedy legend, "Dick Van Dyke Show" creator, and #TwainPrize recipient @carlreiner.
Watch #CarlReiner's full, heartfelt acceptance speech from that unforgettable night. ▶ https://t.co/AW7P9jpDXk pic.twitter.com/95v2VUasHi— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) June 30, 2020
"Everybody wants to laugh - you know that. They need to laugh... people need to laugh." @carlreiner . #RIP pic.twitter.com/7dAs5ujDIa
— paleycenter (@paleycenter) June 30, 2020
The Dodgers are saddened to hear about the passing of Carl Reiner, an incredible talent and lifelong Dodger fan. Our deepest condolences go out to the Reiner family. pic.twitter.com/yyG8y4ionT
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 30, 2020
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