Ever wonder how an actor lands that one role that defines them? For Rob Reiner, it was more than just an audition—it was a chain of small steps, overlooked pilots, and a show with Andy Griffith that finally paved the way. In a recent interview, Reiner revealed how his work on Andy Griffith’s Headmaster played a key role in earning him the part of Michael “Meathead” Stivic on All in the Family. Let’s unpack the journey, the context, and the lessons that come from his climb.
Setting the Stage — The Sitcom Landscape of the Early 1970s
All in the Family and its Origins
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Created by Norman Lear, All in the Family was adapted from the British series Till Death Us Do Part.
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The show centered on Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor), his wife Edith (Jean Stapleton), their daughter Gloria, and her husband Michael “Meathead” Stivic.
The Actors Cast Over Time
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In the early development stage, All in the Family had two pilots at ABC, with different actors reading for Mike and Gloria. Reiner tried out but was passed over initially because he was “not developed yet as an actor.”
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Gloria’s role ultimately went to Sally Struthers. Penny Marshall had auditioned too, but wasn’t picked.
Rob Reiner’s Role with Andy Griffith — Headmaster
What Was Headmaster?
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Headmaster aired in 1970 with Andy Griffith in the lead. Though the show was short-lived, it served as a platform for various actors and writers.
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Reiner, along with his writing partner Phil Mishkin, contributed multiple episodes. He also acted in one particular episode titled “Valerie Has an Emotional Gestalt for the Teacher,” playing a young teacher involved in a controversial storyline (a teacher falling in love with a high school student).
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Even though Headmaster didn’t become a hit, Norman Lear saw Reiner’s performance and writing. Lear recognized that Reiner was growing—something Lear termed as being “developed.”
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That impression was enough to earn Reiner another audition for All in the Family, this time landing the role.
The Audition Journey — From Rejections to Breakthrough
Two Rejected Pilots
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Reiner initially auditioned during All in the Family’s pilot phase at ABC. The pilots were rejected, and the show then moved to CBS.
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During this period, Reiner was still developing as an actor. These early attempts didn’t yield the role.
The Second Chance Audition
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After his work on Headmaster, Lear invited Reiner back to read again for Mike Stivic. This time, he was paired with Penny Marshall for the role of Gloria, though Marshall didn’t end up getting the part. Sally Struthers was chosen.
Why Andy Griffith Helped Without Direct Glory
Exposure Through Writing and Acting
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Reiner’s dual role as both actor and writer on Headmaster showed versatility. He wasn’t just someone with potential; Lear saw someone already working and growing.
Networking and Visibility
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Even a short show or single episode matters: they can put you in front of the right people. Lear watching Headmaster is a classic example of how work in one place can lead to opportunity elsewhere.
Character Role — Michael “Meathead” Stivic
Who Was “Meathead”?
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The character of Michael Stivic represented liberal youth culture against the traditional, conservative Archie Bunker. He argued, questioned, and clashed—often hilariously—with Archie.
The role made Reiner part of one of the most iconic sitcoms in American TV history. It shaped his career, his public identity, and opened doors for his future as an actor and director.
Lessons from Reiner’s Path
Persistence Pays
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Rejected auditions don’t always mean “no”—sometimes they mean “not yet.” Reiner kept working. He didn’t disappear after failure.
Pay Attention to Small Roles
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Even projects that fail can bring exposure. Headmaster didn’t succeed, but it functioned as a stepping stone. Sometimes it’s the smaller gigs, not the big ones, that matter.
Multifaceted Talent Helps
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Reiner wasn’t just an actor; he wrote, he collaborated, he learned. Showing you can do more than one thing increases your value.
Behind the Scenes — Relationships That Mattered
Norman Lear’s Role in Recognizing Talent
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Lear was known to give chances to emerging talents. In this case, seeing Reiner’s work on Headmaster convinced him Reiner had matured enough to play Michael. Reiner himself acknowledged this.
Andy Griffith’s Indirect Influence
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Griffith wasn’t part of All in the Family, but his show Headmaster provided the platform. So, Griffith’s involvement created space for Reiner to be seen.
What This Means for Actors Today
Value Every Gig
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Even “failed” shows or short-lived roles matter. They build your resume, your skill, and your visibility.
Be More Than One Thing
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Acting + writing + collaborating (as Reiner did) creates more hooks. More ways to get noticed.
Keep Working, Keep Growing
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Industry folks notice development. Reiner wasn’t perfect at first. What changed was he showed growth. That makes a difference.
Counterpoints and What We Don’t Know
How Much Does Luck Play In?
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Timing, people’s perceptions, network needs—all played a part. Reiner acknowledges that being “seen” mattered heavily.
Alternate Paths
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Maybe he would’ve gotten the role another way. But it seems clear his Headmaster work increased his odds.
Conclusion
Rob Reiner’s story shows us that sometimes your big break doesn’t come from the biggest audition—it comes from all the smaller work, the variety, and the people who happen to notice you. His work with Andy Griffith on Headmaster, though not glamorous or well-remembered, played a pivotal role in helping him land the iconic part of Michael “Meathead” Stivic on All in the Family. It’s a reminder: don’t overlook the side gigs. They might lead to the center stage.
