Viewers recently saw Rob Reiner’s final role just ahead of Independence Day. Following this, the director behind the project recently opened up about the appearance. During the conversation, he also shared a big move that Reiner had to undertake for the role.
Rob Reiner & His Wife Michele Were Found Dead In Their Los Angeles Home This Past December
Reiner is an actor and director, starting his career in the 1960s. Initially coming to fame on the sitcom All in the Family, he later became known for directing a variety of films, including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, Misery, and A Few Good Men.
Tragically, on December 14, 2025, Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, were found stabbed to death in their Los Angeles home. Their son, Nick, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, with the case currently ongoing.
A month prior to his death, Reiner filmed his final role in Larry David’s historical sketch comedy series, Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness. For this part, he played a version of the United States’ first president, George Washington.
Reiner’s appearance was kept a secret until the second episode aired on July 3. Speaking with Variety, director Jeff Schaffer teased that the sketch allowed him to get a “last laugh” against President Donald Trump. As he teased, “It’s coming out on Fourth of July weekend, and if it in any way spoils a sad octogenarian’s weekend, then oh well!”
As Washington, Reiner gave a speech about how he wouldn’t be seeking a third term in office. In character, he even suggested that Congress pass a constitutional amendment to prevent such a move.
Jimmy Kimmel Also Appeared During The Historical Sketch As A Colonial Character
Larry David, while also dressed in historical clothing, asked, “Well, what if there’s some asshole in office, some narcissistic prick who doesn’t follow the Constitution?” Reiner’s character then emphasized the importance of a peaceful transfer of power.
The joke continued, with Jimmy Kimmel also appearing as a character. He asked, “Are you suggesting that the president would taketh the time to challenge anyone who dare make fun of him? As if he were a big baby?”
As the characters continued to discuss the issue, the sketch ends with Reiner joking, “We’re f*****.” The episode then closed with an “In Memoriam” card honoring Reiner.
Continuing his share, Schaffer shared praise Reiner, saying he was “on the Mount Rushmore of directors.” He also shared how Reiner gave up a bit of himself for the role.
As Schaffer shared, Larry wanted him to shave his beard. He recalled, “Rob was like, ‘Seriously?’ and Larry was insistent: ‘George Washington was clean shaven.’ Rob was never without his beard, but he really wanted to do the sketch, so he shaved.”
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John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.
