Comedian Carl Reiner, Creator Of ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show,’ Dies At 98

Iconic comedian Carl Reiner died at 98 in his home in Beverly Hills on Monday night from natural causes. Reiner is known for his work on Your Show of Shows, The Dick Van Dyke Show and the 2000 Year Old Man as well as his writing, acting, directing and producing. While he had great success in all of these aspects of comedy, Reiner usually opted to play the “straight man” and work more behind the scenes. 

In his novel An Anecdotal Life, Reiner wrote, “Inviting people to laugh with you while you are laughing at yourself is a good thing to do. You may be a fool but you’re the fool in charge.”

Reiner’s son Rob Reiner tweeted about his father’s death and said, “Last night my dad passed away. As I write this my heart is hurting. He was my guiding light.”

In 1950, Reiner became popular for the variety show Your Show of Shows, where he both appeared on and worked as a writer for, alongside Sid Caesar. In the 60s, Reiner created The Dick Van Dyke Show which starred Dick Van Dyke and became one of the most famous comedies in television history. Around this time, Reiner worked with Mel Brooks on the comedy sketch the 2000 Year Old Man. 

His novel Enter Laughing became a popular Broadway play and in 1967 hit the big screen with Reiner himself as the director. Reiner later directed Steve Martin’s early films, The Jerk, Twilight Theater and Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid. Reiner acted in movies such as The Russians are Coming and Ocean Eyes. 

In 2000, Reiner became the third person to be awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor by the Kennedy Center. The recipients before him were Richard Pryor and Jonathan Winters. 

Many in the entertainment industry have been using social media pay tribute to Reiner and all the great work he has done in the industry. 

Seinfeld actor Jason Alexander wrote, “Carl Reiner was comedy genius. Often that genius made other funny people even funnier. But give him a stage and he could spin laughter out of any moment. I watched him do it time and again. His contributions to comedy are eternal. And a lovely man, as well. #ripCarlReiner.”

Alan Alda added, “My friend Carl Reiner died last night. His talent will live on for a long time, but the loss of his kindness and decency leaves a hole in our hearts. We love you, Carl.” Alda attached a photo of himself and Reiner.