The shocking loss of film director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, left a mark on the industry so deep that fellow entertainers have poured their hearts out in tribute of the “When Harry Met Sally” icon. From Ben Stiller to Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon and more — his impact was great, and his legacy even greater.
As anticipated, host of the 83rd Annual Golden Globes, Nikki Glaser, honored the late Reiner in her monologue. Having previously told USA TODAY her plan to pay tribute to him in her own way after learning that the ceremony would not be having an In Memoriam segment for industry influences that are no longer with us, Glaser wanted to make sure she gave Reiner the respect that she believes he would have given her had the tables been turned.
Nikki Glaser’s Golden Globes Tribute to Rob Reiner
Glaser waited until the very last minute to honor Reiner. As she sounded off, thanking the audience for an incredible night, the comedian wore a black hat with the words “Spinal Tap” inscribed on it. The nod referenced Reiner’s debut film as a director, “This Is Spinal Tap.”
In her closing statement, Glaser quoted the film, saying, “This one went to 11,” meaning she hoped the homage reached the ultimate level — heaven.
“This Is Spinal Tap” premiered in 1984 and is a satirical mockumentary about fictional British heavy metal band Spinal Tap and their horrendous 1982 American comeback tour.
The quote Glaser used directly referenced when the band’s guitarist marked his amplifier up to level 11, when realistically, the volume only reached level 10. In his mind, doing so made his amplifier even louder than the rest, when in reality, it didn’t.
Remembering Rob Reiner
GettyReiner directed iconic classics from “The Princess Bride” to “A Few Good Men,” “Rumor Has It,” “And So If Goes,” “The Bucket List” and more.
He worked with some of the industry’s most talented actors, including Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Aniston, Morgan Freeman, Tom Cruise, Kathy Bates, Bruce Willis, Woody Harrelson and plenty more.
Apart from leading his film career as a director, Reiner co-founded the production company Castle Rock Entertainment, which produced the iconic sitcom “Seinfeld.”
He also stepped in front of the camera in notable onscreen roles, including “New Girl,” “The Bear,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “All in the Family,” and more.
