Rob Reiner’s portrayal of Michael “Mike” Stivic, affectionately known as “Meathead,” in All in the Family required a nuanced performance. As the liberal son-in-law to Archie Bunker, Reiner’s character represented the countercultural values of the Baby Boomer generation, often clashing with Archie’s conservative beliefs. Mike was not only a foil to Archie’s bigotry but also a complex character himself—intelligent and well-educated, yet grappling with his own biases, especially regarding women in his life. His struggle to reconcile his moral superiority with actionable change added layers to the character.
However, Reiner’s journey to embody Meathead wasn’t straightforward. He initially auditioned for the role but didn’t secure it. In an interview with the Archive of American Television, he recounted that he had just been hired to write for Headmaster, a show starring Andy Griffith, after his first unsuccessful attempt to join Norman Lear’s groundbreaking sitcom. Headmaster, though obscure now, explored various challenging themes and featured Reiner as a teacher embroiled in an inappropriate affair—an experience that ultimately led to his second audition for All in the Family.
A Second Chance at “Meathead”
It became evident that All in the Family wouldn’t be the same without its iconic leads, Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton. However, the roles of Gloria and Mike were re-cast after two pilots were filmed for ABC. When CBS picked up the show, a third pilot was produced, giving Reiner another opportunity to audition alongside Sally Struthers, who played Gloria.
Reiner explained his audition experience: “That episode [of Headmaster] was one of the reasons I got All in the Family. I believe I had originally auditioned when it was a pilot at ABC. They said I didn’t get it, but I think Norman Lear saw my work in Headmaster and thought I had matured as an actor.” This recognition led to Reiner landing the role in the CBS version of All in the Family.
Despite his initial interest in writing and directing, Reiner’s performance as Mike became the defining role of his acting career. His portrayal captured the essence of the strengths and weaknesses of white cishet hippie men of his generation, making it a memorable contribution to television history. Reiner’s evolution as an actor is mirrored in the character of Mike, and it’s a testament to the complexities of a generation trying to navigate social change. Interestingly, as Reiner matured, he would later take on roles like Jordan Belfort’s father in The Wolf of Wall Street, reflecting the shifting societal landscape.
