They say that living to 98 is a good run. But when it’s a comedy legend such as Carl Reiner, it still doesn’t seem like enough. The actor, director, producer and writer, who passed June 29, 2020, at that ripe age, left behind a lifetime of material for generations to enjoy. The creator of The Dick Van Dyke Show and frequent collaborator with Mel Brooks–both of whom survive him–is being mourned by many Hollywood greats, who are paying tribute to the “comedy genius” on social media.
We’ve chosen some of them to share with you. First, from his son, Rob Reiner.
Last night my dad passed away. As I write this my heart is hurting. He was my guiding light.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) June 30, 2020
Brooks called his best friend “a giant, unmatched in his contributions to entertainment.”
My idol, Carl Reiner, wrote about the human comedy. He had a deeper understanding of the human condition, than I think even he was aware of. Kind, gentle, compassionate, empathetic and wise. His scripts were never just funny, they always had something to say about us.
— Dick Van Dyke (@iammrvandy) June 30, 2020
My friend Carl Reiner died last night. His talent will live on for a long time, but the loss of his kindness and decency leaves a hole in our hearts. We love you, Carl. pic.twitter.com/QWyNOYILhW
— Alan Alda (@alanalda) June 30, 2020
Director and actor Ron Howard wrote, “RIP Carl Reiner – A brilliant comedy talent w/heart & intellect whether writing, directing, producing or performing. Try estimating how many times in your life this fella’s work made you laugh. I count well over 3k for me & growing. Thank you, Carl.”
So sad to hear about @carlreiner Not only did he make my favorite TV& movies (see:Where’s Poppa) but his humanity was beyond compare. His heart was so full of love. Never left his house empty handed- book, space pen, Swiss Army knife. RIP to a man that embodies the word mensch pic.twitter.com/mazBmwznkX
— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) June 30, 2020
In a lengthy post, Jerry Seinfeld wrote, in part, “Anyone in comedy who got to know or even just meet Carl Reiner felt that they had been given a great gift.
“When we shot the first episodes of my series, Carl came to visit. When he said, ‘This is the same stage where we made The Dick Van Dyke Show!’ I felt the stars lining up.
“We lost an angel today.”
Carl Reiner was comedy genius. Often that genius made other funny people even funnier. But give him a stage and he could spin laughter out of any moment. I watched him do it time and again. His contributions to comedy are eternal. And a lovely man, as well. #ripCarlReiner
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) June 30, 2020
Reiner was born March 20, 1922, in the Bronx. He and Brooks famously teamed for the comedy sketch, The 2000 Year Old Man, with Reiner as the straight man interviewing the historic subject. The routine was popular on stand-up and recordings with Brooks providing such zingers as “I have over 1500 children and not one of them ever comes to visit!”
Watch them reprise the routine on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Reiner’s work on the sketch comedy program Caesar’s Hour inspired him to create The Dick Van Dyke Show, a ratings smash for CBS during its 1961-66 run. Reiner himself earned five Emmy Awards for the program, which included Outstanding Comedy Series. The creator, producer and regular writer for the series also appeared as the fictitious host of the show within the show, The Alan Brady Show.
The great #CarlReiner has gone to that Show of Shows in the sky. I worked with him, loved him, and consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world to have once attended lunch with his hilarious, guarrulous gang…
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) June 30, 2020
It will take a while to process losing Carl Reiner because he’s been making me laugh since I was little. That’s some very funny processing helping leaven the sadness. Thank you, Carl. You done good.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) June 30, 2020
Reiner directed Steve Martin in the 1979 film, The Jerk. Martin wrote, “Goodbye to my greatest mentor in movies and in life. Thank you, dear Carl.”
Very sad to awake to the news that @carlreiner has passed. There will forever only be one of him. May his memory be forever blessed. He leaves us with so much laughter. My heart goes out to @robreiner and the entire Reiner family.
— Ed Asner (@TheOnlyEdAsner) June 30, 2020
Carl Reiner
RIP
One of our comedy heroes
Thank you for everything you did for all of us
Love to the Reiner family pic.twitter.com/tBsiIelbdI— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) June 30, 2020
RIP to the great Carl Reiner – sending love to all the Reiners – a great loss but a truly wonderful life –
No words can express my respect and gratitude for knowing his family –— John Cusack (@johncusack) June 30, 2020
R.I.P. Carl Reiner. Growing up Carl was like a second dad to me. He was the greatest. Not just as a comic legend but as a man. There was no one else this funny and this nice. I loved him.
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) June 30, 2020
On June 27, Reiner wrote a thoughtful tweet about what was most important to him.
Nothing pleases me more than knowing that I have lived the best life possible by having met & marrying the gifted Estelle (Stella) Lebost—who partnered with me in bringing Rob, Annie & Lucas Reiner into to this needy & evolving world.
— carl reiner (@carlreiner) June 27, 2020
And on the day he passed, he left us with one last swipe…
As I arose at 7:30 this morning, I was saddened to relive the day that led up to the election of a bankrupted and corrupt businessman who had no qualifications to be the leader of any country in the civilized world…
— carl reiner (@carlreiner) June 29, 2020
Related: Those we lost in 2020
