Every single person in jail for a violent crime had a nightmare childhood.

As an actor Reiner first came to national prominence as Michael "Meathead" Stivic son-in-law of Archie and Edith Bunker (played by Carroll O'Connor and Jean Stapleton) on All in the Family. The character's nickname became closely associated with him even after he had left the role and went on build a high-profile career as a director.

He also directed Misery The Princess Bride and This Is Spinal Tap. He studied at the UCLA Film School.