SPOILER ALERT: This interview contains spoilers for Episode 2 of “Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America,” now streaming on HBO Max.
Just a month before his passing, Rob Reiner took on his last acting role, portraying George Washington in Larry David’s comedic historical series, “Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness.”
Reiner’s involvement in the HBO series remained a secret until the airing of the second episode on July 3. According to director Jeff Schaffer, the sketch offers Reiner, known for his critical stance on Donald Trump, an opportunity for a final jab at the sitting president. Schaffer remarked to Variety, “It’s coming out on Fourth of July weekend, and if it in any way spoils a sad octogenarian’s weekend, then oh well!”
In the sketch, Reiner’s Washington announces he will not be running for a third term and suggests Congress could pass a constitutional amendment to prevent future presidents from doing so.
Larry David, donning 1700s colonial garb, questions, “Well, what if there’s some asshole in office, some narcissistic prick who doesn’t follow the Constitution?” This opens up a session of satirical critique.
Reiner’s portrayal emphasizes the necessity of a peaceful transition of power, while Larry David comments that a future president who refuses to concede an election would be a “sociopath” and an “insecure, lying asshole who would even cheat at golf.”
David suggests such a president might exploit the office for personal gain, send military forces to intimidate citizens, and associate with unsavory individuals—all as distractions.
Jimmy Kimmel makes a guest appearance as an American, questioning, “Are you suggesting that the president would taketh the time to challenge anyone who dare make fun of him? As if he were a big baby?”
The sketch culminates in chaos, with colonists engaging in shouting and brawling over the mere idea of such a leader. The scene concludes with Reiner, as Washington, observing the turmoil and declaring, “We’re fucked,” followed by an “In Memoriam” tribute to Reiner.
Schaffer, who co-created the series and directed all episodes, shared with Variety the surreal nature of directing Reiner, whom he regards as a monumental figure in directing. From the outset, Reiner was the choice for America’s first president, but David insisted he shave his beard for authenticity.
Initially hesitant, Reiner agreed to shave, despite never having been without his beard, driven by his desire to participate in the sketch, Schaffer recalls.
The sketch was filmed at the Universal lot on November 13, about a month before Reiner’s tragic death alongside his wife Michele. Their son, Nick Reiner, was subsequently arrested and charged with their murders. Schaffer mentioned that he and David were in the process of editing the sketch just two days before Reiner’s untimely death. “It’s so incredibly sad,” he expressed.
The team maintained secrecy regarding the cameo, even substituting it with another sketch at the Los Angeles premiere of the series, where HBO showcased the first two episodes.
Schaffer explained their decision, saying, “It just didn’t feel like the right way to show the world. We thought long and hard about where the sketch should air … and ultimately we decided that July 3 was the perfect time. Just let it come out on the Fourth of July weekend, on the 250th, and let it sink in that way.”
