This week’s devastating events across the country and around the world have touched all of us and our communities, leaving us with deep sorrow. Closer to home, we wish to honor Rob Reiner—actor, director, and tireless advocate for social action. His artistic contributions have long been admired by all who love his work, and his and his wife Michelle’s enduring commitment to advancing our shared humanity and fundamental rights through social advocacy has been both profound and deeply impactful.
Reiner’s career spanned decades, shaping film and television in ways that continue to inspire, first as “Meathead” on All in the Family, delivering wit and social commentary that made audiences think as much as they laughed. And then, as a director, he brought to the big screen some of our favorite film classics including:
This Is Spinal Tap
A groundbreaking comedy that redefined mockumentary storytelling.
The Princess Bride
Filled with unforgettable lines like, “As you wish,” a phrase that has endured as a symbol of love and devotion.
"In one of my favorite scenes, Vizzini keeps saying 'Inconceivable!' whenever something goes wrong. Inigo Montoya finally responds: 'You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.' It's the misplaced confidence and conviction I admire, even when using the wrong words. I go around the office saying a version of it often." — F. Ron Smith
When Harry Met Sally
A romantic comedy masterpiece with the famous “I’ll have what she’s having” moment.
"What stays with me is how the person who ends up knowing you best often isn’t obvious at first. They annoy you, challenge you, and somehow see you more clearly than anyone else. Rob Reiner captures adulthood so honestly, the imperfect timing, the quiet fears, without cynicism. It’s romantic, hopeful, and earned." — Sewit Eshetu
"Rob gave us one of the greatest love stories ever told. As the film reminds us, 'When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.' He showed how the simplest decision — to love someone — can be the most powerful one of all." — Parisa Schnider
Stand by Me
A coming-of-age classic that continues to touch generations with its honesty, friendship, and heart.
"Something I learned from the movie 'Stand By' Me is that growing up is less about getting older and more about realizing some friendships shape you forever, even if they do not last. I do not age, unless you ask Ron. He says I’m 1 year older than I am because he’s jealous." — David Berg
"'Stand by Me' will always stand out as an iconic 80s movie that gets better with time. The nostalgia of youth friendships and being on the precipice of adulthood is captured so seamlessly, and always makes me reminisce about my oldest friends and the bond that we have." — Jordan Kramer
A Few Good Men
A gripping drama showcasing his skill at balancing intensity with nuance.
"Jack Nicholson in 'A Few Good Men' — 'YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH.' A prophetic line that mirrored much of Rob Reiner’s political activism." — Robert Morton
The American President
A thoughtful, idealistic portrayal of leadership that reflected Reiner’s belief in civic responsibility and the power of principled governance.
"I’ve been thinking about how many times I watched 'The American President' with my dad. We haven’t always had much in common, but those movies bonded us. We still quote them, especially Michael Douglas’s line: 'We’ve got serious problems, and we need serious people. My name is Andrew Shepherd, and I AM the President.' My dad gets the biggest kick out of that line. Moments like that remind me how much more impactful Rob Reiner’s filmmaking has been than I ever realized." — Courtney Welsh
Yet Rob Reiner’s impact was just as meaningful off-screen. Over several decades, he turned political engagement into lasting, measurable change. In California, he played a key role in passing Proposition 10, a landmark early childhood development initiative that funded education, healthcare, and childcare services for young children — work that continues to benefit families today.
He was also instrumental in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, helping spearhead the legal and civic efforts to overturn California’s Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage. Through persistence, coalition-building, and moral conviction, those efforts contributed to a broader shift in public opinion and helped pave the way for nationwide marriage equality.
Never one to stay silent in the face of injustice, Reiner remained an outspoken advocate for democratic values, civil rights, and civic participation. Whether through organizing, producing documentary work, or using his platform to encourage engagement and dialogue, he believed deeply in the responsibility to speak up — and to act.
As Rob Reiner once said: “Everybody talks about wanting to change things and help and fix, but ultimately all you can do is fix yourself. And that's a lot. Because if you can fix yourself, it has a ripple effect.”
At Smith & Berg Property Group, we honor Rob Reiner for the ways he shaped our culture, inspired audiences, and contributed to the community he called home. His creativity, heart, and commitment to meaningful causes leaves a lasting legacy, one that encourages all of us to bring passion and purpose to our own work and lives.