Director Rob Reiner, who tragically lost his life alongside his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, this past weekend, began his career at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, writes Emily Bloch for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
After graduating from Beverly Hills High School in California at 17, Reiner traveled to the East Coast to apprentice at the Playhouse in 1964.
Many iconic actors and directors began their careers on the New Hope Stage, including Robert Redford and Liza Minnelli.
Minnelli performed in the Playhouse’s production of “Our Town” with Author Godfrey while Reiner was working at the theater.
During his time as an apprentice, Reiner had the chance to work alongside Alan Alda, Shelley Berman, and Merv Griffin.
“Reiner mentioned often his gratitude for the training he received on our stage, and his fondness for his time in New Hope,” said Alexander Fraser, the Bucks County Playhouse producing director. “He joins Grace Kelly, Jessica Walter, Robert Redford, Richard Kind and many others in using their experience as an apprentice in launching remarkable careers.”
Years later, Reiner went on to direct classics like “A Few Good Men,” “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “This is Spinal Tap,” and several other iconic films throughout the 1980s and 90s.
Reiner also pursued an acting career, appearing in several TV shows and movies, including Norman Lear’s “All in the Family” in the 1970s, which won him two Emmy Awards.
Read more about Rob Reiner, his fruitful career, and his rise to fame in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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