Carl Reiner served in the Army Air Corp in World War II. He obtained the rank of Corporal. He was trained as a radio operator and later a French interpreter.

Reiner was “spotted” by an Army Major and then transferred to Special Services to entertain troops and in the pacific combat zone. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and was one of the legions of Hollywood actors who served in the armed forces.

Actors such as Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, Gene Autry, Kirk Douglas, and many more also served in the armed forces during World War II and were admirers of Carl Reiner and his body of work.

This talented man spent his adult life working in every aspect of entertainment. He produced, directed, wrote, acted, he’s an author, and performed comedy skits in early television.

He had an eye for talent as well and was the force behind the career of Mary Tyler Moore. From the creation of “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” to movies like , “Oh, God!” or The Jerk he was a success in an industry that chews up and spits out talented entertainers, writers, actors , and directors.

Actor and Comedian Steve Martin credits Reiner with helping jump start his career in film . He had a key part in popular movie “Ocean’s Eleven” and evening did voice over work.

He was a decorated entertainer with too many awards to list here. One of those awards is membership in the Hollywood Walk of Fame and to top off his list of numerous awards add 11 Emmy’s .

The New York native was preceded in death by his wife Estelle. The Reiners had three children. Rob, Annie, and Lucas. They shared six grandchildren. Reiner was a lifelong Democrat and had been active in party politics. In 2016, he endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders over Hillary Clinton the eventual Democratic nominee.

Reiner will be remembered for making America — and the world — laugh as well as helping mentor actors, directors, writers, and for his activism in public policy.

 

Image Sources

  • Carl Reiner: Shutterstock