Born on this day in New York City, director/actor Rob Reiner (1947-) rose to fame with his Emmy-winning role on All in the Family.

About the experience, Reiner said the series "showed that people can be ignorant and still have loving, human qualities."

As long-haired, liberal-minded Mike Stivic, Reiner's character earned the name "Meathead," from his father-in-law, Archie Bunker. The popular nickname seems to have stuck forever; passerbys still shout "Hey Meathead."

Reiner said with amazement, "I look so different than I did on the show. I mean I'm an old man now. I've got a gray beard. I've got a bald head. How do they know me? My kids can't even recognize me."

Following his international success as a television actor, Reiner began working behind the camera. As cofounder of Castle Rock Entertainment, he has directed a string of hits, including The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally (1989), and A Few Good Men (1992, w/ Tom Cruise). In 2000, he celebrated the 16th anniversary rerelease of the hilarious satire, This Is Spinal Tap (1984), everyone's favorite Rockumentary.

About success, he said, "It’s a very slow process -- two steps forward, one step back -- but I’m inching in the right direction."

An advocate for children, Reiner called being a parent "the best - and most challenging - role" he's ever had. In 1997, he launched the I Am Your Child Foundation to help raise awareness about the importance of the early years in a child's life.

"I know how sobering and exhausting parenthood is," he said. "But the reality is that our children's future depends on us as parents. Because we know that the first years truly last forever."

In 1999, he earned his own star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame... next to his dad, comic legend Carl Reiner. "It's very exciting to be alive to see your son be applauded," the elder Reiner said. "The two of us will be able to come here on weekdays and polish each others' stars."

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