‘The Kind Of House I Would Like.’ How Rob Reiner (Inadvertently) Bought His Pal Norman Lear’s LA Home

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Following the unexpected passing of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, many are focusing on the couple’s home in Brentwood, where they lived for over thirty years. The house held special meaning for the director of When Harry Met Sally; it represented a childhood dream come to life, inspired by television, close friends, and a valued mentor. Interestingly, the home originally belonged to his boss and friend, Norman Lear, and Rob Reiner ended up purchasing it unintentionally.

I remember reading an interview with Rob Reiner from 2015 where he talked about visiting Norman Lear’s house while they were working on All in the Family. He said the house just stuck with him – it was one of those places that really made an impression. He’d walk around and just be struck by the atmosphere, constantly thinking about it.

I always dreamed of owning a place like that. I’d often visit and think to myself, ‘If I ever come into some money, this is exactly the type of house I‘d buy.’

So, years after Rob Reiner – you know, the guy who directed Stand by Me – married Michele Singer, a funny thing happened. He’d always casually mentioned a childhood dream of owning Norman Lear’s old house, and she secretly started looking for it! She found a place she thought fit the bill and, instead of telling him right away, she showed it to him first. The moment he walked in, he knew. Turns out, it really was the house he’d talked about for years! It was a really sweet moment, and honestly, a bit of a magical coincidence.

The house had a rich history even before Norman Lear bought it. Originally built in 1936, it was once home to Henry Fonda and the birthplace of his children, Jane and Peter. Later, actor Paul Henreid lived there. Lear then added a home theater and used the house for meetings with important figures from politics, the arts, and activism. When the Reiners purchased it, they continued to preserve this legacy.

The well-known personality was struck by how things seemed to come full circle, and also by the enduring spirit of the house. It had always been a place for lively talks – about politics, ideas, and just having fun – and that continued even with the new family. The director thought about what it all meant:

When we moved in, we planned to renovate, but first needed approval from the neighborhood association. They jokingly asked if we’d be hosting large political gatherings like the previous owner, Norman. I assured them we wouldn’t. However, we quickly ended up hosting President Clinton, Hillary, and Al Gore, and even scheduled a visit from Nancy Pelosi. It turned out we did exactly what we said we wouldn’t – the house became a hub for political events, continuing a tradition from before.

I’ve always been struck by how this home embodies a powerful connection between laughter and making a difference. It’s linked to people who truly believed entertainment could be more than just a distraction. Norman Lear really opened Rob Reiner’s eyes – he showed him that even a sitcom could bravely tackle prejudice, and that as a filmmaker, you didn’t have to remain neutral. Reiner understood that with success came a responsibility to speak up and get involved, and that lesson from All in the Family clearly stayed with him long after the show ended. It’s inspiring to see how that legacy continues to influence him.

With Hollywood mourning and remembering the impactful filmmaker, his Brentwood home feels less like a property and more like a monument to American television. For decades, it was a hub where comedy, politics, and bold creativity came together. It all began with a simple daydream – a young actor imagining his ideal home – and that vision ultimately became the place where he lived his life.

More information is coming to light about the passing of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, but many questions still need answers. Right now, the focus is on celebrating their lives and remembering their impact on film, television, and the lives of those who knew them, especially through their long-time home in Brentwood. We are thinking of their family, friends, and everyone who loved and respected them during this sad time.

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2025-12-16 18:40