Was Rob Reiner Typecast As "Mike Stivic?"

[Brian Damage]

Do you think Rob Reiner was totally typecasted as Mike Stivic? The reason why I ask is because he left acting to become a successful director. Was he pushed out as an actor or did he just make the transition on his own?

http://www.suprmchaos.com/reiner-lear_012306.jpg

[Retro4Life]

I think Reiner was never really as interested in acting as he was in directing, and that's lucky for him, because I have the feeling that he WOULD have been typecast as "the Meathead" if he'd sought further fame in front of the camera.

[OH Nuts!]

I'm not sure if Rob would have been typecast. Many people in well-acclaimed roles have been able to move beyond that - like Ted Knight for example. In any event being remembered as "The Meathead' is surely not the worst thing in the world - it was a wonderful role and he brought a lot of joy and entertainment to others with it. And in other (what seems to me anyways) rare acting roles, he is quite good. A very talented man if you ask me.

[Marvo301]

I think Rob Reiner used acting as a stepping stone towards becoming a director the same way Ron Howard did.