Rob Reiner Is Pitch Perfect as This American Icon in Larry David's New Show
The late, great Rob Reiner's comedic mastery continues to shine through on the small screen.
Fans know all about the acclaimed films he tackled behind the lens as director, from Stand By Me to When Harry Met Sally. But Reiner was also an iconic actor who shot to stardom back in the day with All in the Family.
And his final role comes in the form of an American president - more specifically, our very first.
A month before he died, Reiner filmed his scenes as George Washington in Larry David's new sketch comedy show, Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness. His appearance in the HBO series was kept a secret until the second episode aired Friday, July 3, Variety reports.
In the episode, Reiner gives a speech in which he declares he will not be seeking a third term in office, to which David's colonial character replies, "Well, what if there's some a--hole in office, some narcissistic prick who doesn't follow the Constitution?"
The sketch quickly becomes a commentary on today's politics, especially when Jimmy Kimmel enters the picture with his own cameo. And given the unabashedly satirical nature of the episode, the fact that it premieres over the July Fourth holiday is certainly bold.
The episode closes on an "In Memoriam" card honoring Reiner, who was killed at age 78 on December 14, 2025.
The Bear also paid tribute to Reiner during its series finale last month. In another one of his final roles, the This Is Spinal Tap helmer appeared as a restaurant consultant, Albert, in seoson 4. While he no longer appeared in the fifth installment, his character was referenced often, specifically revolving around his mentorship of line cook Ebra (Edwin Lee Gibson).
Ebra even ends a phone call with Albert (who is not heard) in the finale with the epic line, "As you wish." Fans of Reiner's renowned film The Princess Bride certainly understood the reference.
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This story was originally published July 5, 2026 at 12:59 AM.