Rob Reiner Net Worth

What is Rob Reiner's Net Worth and Salary?

Rob Reiner is an American actor, director, writer, and producer who has a net worth of $200 million. Rob Reiner first rose to fame in the 1970s playing Michael "Meathead" Stivic, Archie Bunker's liberal son-in-law, on the groundbreaking sitcom "All in the Family." The role earned him two Emmy Awards and made him one of television's most recognizable comedic actors. But Reiner's transition from actor to director in the 1980s would define his legacy and establish him as one of Hollywood's most successful and versatile filmmakers.

Reiner made his directorial debut with the mockumentary "This Is Spinal Tap" (1984), a cult classic that redefined satire in rock music films. He followed it with a remarkable streak of hits, including "Stand by Me" (1986), "The Princess Bride" (1987), "When Harry Met Sally…" (1989), and "Misery" (1990). Each showcased his rare ability to blend humor, heart, and strong storytelling across genres. In 1992, he directed "A Few Good Men," a major box office success that earned multiple Academy Award nominations and became iconic for its courtroom showdown between Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Reiner continued directing films such as "The American President," "The Bucket List," and "Flipped," while also producing through his company, Castle Rock Entertainment, which was behind acclaimed projects like "Seinfeld" and "The Shawshank Redemption."

Beyond entertainment, Reiner has been deeply involved in political and social causes, particularly early childhood development and anti-smoking initiatives. His activism in California led to the creation of First 5 California, a program supporting children's health and education. Known for his sharp wit, empathy, and progressive ideals, Rob Reiner has left an enduring mark on both popular culture and public life as one of the most beloved storytellers of his generation.

Early Life

Rob Reiner was born Robert Norman Reiner on March 6, 1947, in the Bronx, New York. He grew up surrounded by comedy, creativity, and performance. His father, Carl Reiner, was one of the most beloved figures in American entertainment, known for creating "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and for his prolific career as an actor, writer, and director. His mother, Estelle Reiner, was an actress and singer best remembered for her iconic line in "When Harry Met Sally…" ("I'll have what she's having"). Rob was raised in a Jewish household alongside his brother, Lucas, who became a painter, and his sister, Sylvia, who pursued poetry and playwriting.

The family relocated to Los Angeles when Carl's career took off, and Rob attended Beverly Hills High School, graduating in 1964. Surrounded by Hollywood's creative community, he developed a strong interest in storytelling and performance. He enrolled at UCLA Film School, where he studied directing and screenwriting, but left before earning his degree to begin working in television.

Early Career

Reiner's entertainment career began in the late 1960s with guest roles on a range of popular television shows, including "Batman," "The Andy Griffith Show," and "The Beverly Hillbillies." In 1968, he landed his first major behind-the-scenes job as a writer on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," collaborating closely with a young Steve Martin. The show's mix of sharp political humor and musical performances helped define a new era of American comedy, and the experience proved formative for Reiner's later work as a director and satirist.

"All in the Family"

In 1971, Reiner achieved nationwide fame playing Michael "Meathead" Stivic, the outspoken liberal son-in-law to Carroll O'Connor's Archie Bunker on the groundbreaking CBS sitcom "All in the Family." The series, which tackled taboo subjects like race, politics, and gender roles with unprecedented frankness, became a cultural phenomenon. Reiner's portrayal earned him two Emmy Awards and several Golden Globe nominations during the show's run from 1971 to 1978. He appeared in 182 episodes and even contributed as a writer on several. His work on "All in the Family" established him as a versatile comedic actor and thoughtful social commentator.

Directing Career

After leaving "All in the Family," Reiner successfully transitioned into directing—an uncommon and ambitious leap at the time. His directorial debut came with the 1984 mockumentary "This Is Spinal Tap," a brilliantly absurd send-up of rock bands that became a cult classic and remains one of the most quoted comedies ever made. He quickly proved that his success was no fluke, following up with a remarkable run of hits that defined late-1980s Hollywood.

He directed "The Sure Thing" (1985), "Stand by Me" (1986), "The Princess Bride" (1987), and "When Harry Met Sally…" (1989), each critically acclaimed and distinct in tone, showcasing his range and instinct for heartfelt, character-driven storytelling. Reiner's 1990 film "Misery," adapted from the Stephen King novel, earned Kathy Bates an Academy Award and cemented his reputation as a director equally skilled in drama and suspense.

In 1992, Reiner directed "A Few Good Men," starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson, which was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards and earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Director. He continued his streak with "The American President" (1995), "Ghosts of Mississippi" (1996), and later projects such as "The Bucket List" (2007), "Flipped" (2010), and "LBJ" (2016).

Later Work and Acting Roles

In addition to directing, Reiner has remained active as an actor and producer. He has appeared in films such as "Sleepless in Seattle," "Primary Colors," and "The Wolf of Wall Street," and made memorable television appearances on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "30 Rock," and "New Girl," where he played Jess's father in a recurring role. Beyond Hollywood, Reiner is also known for his activism in political and social causes, particularly his advocacy for early childhood development programs and his leadership in California's First 5 initiative.

Spinal Tap Royalties Lawsuit

In 2016, Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer joined forces in a legal battle against Vivendi, the French media conglomerate that owned the rights to "This Is Spinal Tap" through its subsidiaries StudioCanal and Universal Music Group. The four creators alleged that Vivendi had engaged in fraudulent accounting practices that deprived them of millions in profits from the film's enduring success in home video, music, and merchandising. Despite the film's cult popularity and steady revenue over decades, the creators claimed they had received only $179 in total royalties by 2013. The lawsuit sought up to $400 million in damages and accused Vivendi of deliberately concealing profits through "straight-lining," a process that blended earnings from profitable films with less successful ones to obscure true returns.

Timeline of Key Events:

• 2016: Harry Shearer files the initial suit against Vivendi and StudioCanal.
• 2017: Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, and Christopher Guest join the lawsuit, escalating it into a full-scale fight over creative rights and royalties.
• 2018: A federal judge allows core fraud and contract claims to proceed.
• 2019: The group reaches a settlement with Universal Music Group over soundtrack rights, ensuring the music rights would eventually revert to the creators.
• 2020: The parties reach a broader settlement with Vivendi and StudioCanal, restructuring their relationship and resolving all outstanding claims.
• 2021: The creators establish Authorized Spinal Tap LLC, giving them direct control over the film's trademarks, characters, and future licensing.

The financial terms were never publicly disclosed, but the settlement marked a major victory for the "Spinal Tap" team, restoring creative control and transparency after decades of disputed royalties.

In September 2025, Rob, Michael, Christopher, and Harry reunited for "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues."

Imeh Akpanudosen / Getty Images

Personal Life

Rob married fellow director/producer Penny Marshall on April 10, 1971, and they divorced in 1981; Penny had a daughter, Tracey, from a previous marriage, and Reiner adopted her. He went on to marry photographer Michele Singer on May 19, 1989, and they welcomed son Jake in 1991, son Nick in 1993, and daughter Romy in 1998. Rob and Michele founded the charitable organizations "I Am Your Child Foundation" (1997) and "Parents' Action for Children" (2004) together.

Though Reiner was born to Jewish parents, he stated in 2012 that he is an atheist, a trait he shares with his late father; in 2013, Carl told "Interview" magazine that he "became an atheist after Hitler came." Rob is passionate about liberal causes and co-founded the American Foundation for Equal Rights and joined the Social Responsibility Task Force. A member of the Advisory Board of the Committee to Investigate Russia, Reiner is a vocal critic of Donald Trump, and he has campaigned for Al Gore and Howard Dean and endorsed Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden for president.

Awards and Honors

In 1974 and 1978, Reiner won Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actor – Comedy Series for "All in the Family." "The Princess Bride" earned him a People's Choice Award at the 1987 Toronto International Film Festival as well as a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. Rob was named Filmmaker of the Year by the American Cinema Editors in 2010, and he won a Career Achievement Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (2001), a Creative Achievement Award at the American Comedy Awards (1997), and a Career Achievement Award at WorldFest Houston (2017). In 1997, Reiner won a Humanitarian Award at the Women in Film Crystal Awards in 1997, and he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999.

Real Estate

In 1988, Reiner paid $777,500 for a 2,701-square-foot home in Beverly Hills, and he sold it for $1.94 million a decade later.

In 1994, he paid an undisclosed sum for a home in the exclusive Malibu Colony community. He has periodically rented the home out for $100,000 per month in non-peak months and $150,000+ in peak summer months. The oceanfront home is likely worth $15 – $20 million.

Since the early 1990s, he has also owned a large gated property in LA's Brentwood neighborhood, which he purchased for $4.75 million. This home is likely worth $10+ million today.

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