A posthumous cameo by director Rob Reiner in Larry David's latest HBO comedy, "Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America," has drawn criticism online for its political commentary.
Reiner, who died in December, appears in the historical comedy sketch portraying George Washington. In the scene, he advocates against a third presidential term and proposes a constitutional amendment to limit presidential power. The dialogue includes exchanges with David, who is dressed in colonial attire, about a hypothetical "narcissistic p—-" president who might disregard the Constitution, enrich their family, and use troops against citizens to distract from alleged improprieties.
Jimmy Kimmel also makes a surprise appearance in the sketch, questioning if a president would be sensitive enough to challenge those who make fun of him.
Director Jeff Schaffer, who helmed the project, told Variety that the cameo was intended as Reiner's "last laugh" against former President Donald Trump, and that its release on Fourth of July weekend was deliberate, with a dismissive tone towards any potential negative reactions.
However, social media users have reacted negatively to the framing of the cameo as a "last laugh," especially given the circumstances of Reiner's death. Nearly six months after Rob and his wife, Michele Reiner, were found dead in their Brentwood home, online commenters expressed dismay that the appearance was being presented in this manner.
"Pretty sure Reiner would have preferred to be alive instead of getting the ‘last laugh’ here," one user wrote on social media. Another commented, "I’m going to go ahead and say that he definitively did not get the last laugh."
Others pointed to the tragic nature of Reiner's death. "Sorry but if your son stabs you and your wife to death there are no ‘last laughs,'" another user posted. "That’s basically as bad a thing as could possibly happen. I know we’re 11 years into this now and you haven’t figured it out yet but you really don’t need to do this stuff anymore."
An X user noted, "The man and his wife were murdered by their son. He spent his last years on our planet obsessing over Trump and believing every media lie he was told. There isn’t a last laugh to be had. It was a tragic end."
During the sketch, after a debate among the colonists, Reiner's character states, "We’re f—ed." An "In Memoriam" card followed, honoring the late director.
The sketch was reportedly filmed on November 13, less than a month before Reiner's son, Nick Reiner, allegedly killed his parents. Los Angeles Fire Department officials discovered the bodies of Rob and Michele Reiner at their home on December 14. Nick Reiner was taken into custody the same night and subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of multiple murders.
Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on February 23. A spokesperson for the Reiner family stated at the time that they "have the utmost trust in the legal process and will not comment further on matters related to the legal proceedings."
More recently, Nick Reiner reportedly demanded access to his $1.5 million trust fund, alleging that trustees refused to release funds, forcing him to use a court-appointed public defender despite hiring a private attorney. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
White House representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Reiner's cameo.
