Rob Reiner and Albert Brooks

Sixty years ago, Albert Brooks (who would go on to become one of the funniest comedians alive) and Rob Reiner (who would star in "All in the Family" and become an Oscar-nominated director) met as drama students at Beverly Hills High School. They recently returned to talk with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz about their enduring friendship, which has led to Reiner's new HBO documentary, "Albert Brooks: Defending My Life."
"CBS News Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS News Sunday Morning broadcast times.
Subscribe to the "CBS News Sunday Morning" KZbin channel: / cbssundaymorning
Get more of "CBS News Sunday Morning": cbsn.ws/1PlMmAz
Follow "CBS News Sunday Morning" on Instagram: / cbssundaymorning
Like "CBS News Sunday Morning" on Facebook: / cbssundaymorning
Follow "CBS News Sunday Morning" on Twitter: / cbssunday
Subscribe to our newsletter: cbsnews.com/ne...
Download the CBS News app: www.cbsnews.co...
Try Paramount+ free: paramountplus....
For video licensing inquiries, contact: [e-mail]

[@howardjuliewiley5629]

They made me smile. Thank you Rob and Albert.

[@robertcuratolo5339]

😊

[@alanfisher2121]

"Defending Your Life" is an underrated MASTERPIECE!!!

[@sstahl4006]

Absolutely. It gets better with each viewing.

[@raedel8207]

So true! I always cry at the end but it's a happy cry💓

[@carmarasmussen8118]

One of my favorites, so hilarious! 😂

[@jfq7223]

So I'm on trial for being afraid? Well first of all, I don't like to call it a trial. And second of all, yes.

[@frances3341]

Always loved Albert Brooks.

[@jillcnc]

Albert Brooks was Andy Kaufman long before Andy Kaufman. And yet he is completely unique. What a brilliant man. He deserves his birth name.

[@VEGANSAM]

Last week, I watched Defending Your Life...which was wonderful. Thanks, Mr. Reiner! Today, I watched Lost in America...for the 3rd time, but the first in decades. He is amazing. And Julie Hagerty is one of the most underrated actresses & beauties...Period...until today! And let's not forget the supremely talented Monica Johnson...who co-wrote 'Lost...", & 2 more of his masterpieces.

[@seanwithaw2]

Inconceivable! They didn't mention Princess Bride in the list of films directed by Rob Reiner!

[@markhager2216]

This documentary on Albert Brooks was tremendous. Man, was it ever good.

[@chrispage2782]

in the late 1980s there was a chain of salad-bar type joints in Los Angeles called the Soup Plantation. Just having my casual lunch one day, I looked up from the salad and there was Mr. Brooks sitting next to me enjoying his. I was so star struck and gobsmacked, I ought to have said “hi” to him, but I didn’t. I just sat there trying not to be an idiot. My hero….

[@ltcolumbo9708]

I was 15 when I watched Modern Romance and I got it!! Such a brilliant comedy mind

[@CLB30ROX]

It's so cool knowing that 2 of the funniest people ever are best friends 😁

[@djdollase]

Always loved Albert Brooks‘s work. Sometimes he was too smart for me to really get his stuff until later, when I thought about it more.

[@LidiaScherArt]

What a great interview!!!❤

[@mercywilliams2698]

Oh the laugh therapy I have had many times watching Albert Brooks. When someone can make obsessive thoughts something that generates catharsis in the moment..pretty special.

[@IPlayOneOnT.V.]

Rob Reiner had such a good head of hair in his senior high school picture, once upon a time.

[@Bobaklives]

1:11 If you told me “Albert Brooks went on to play linebacker at Ohio State” I would believe you from that photo 😂

[@RetroFreak35]

These two still make me laugh to this day.

[@robertcuratolo5339]

3:34 😂

[@operationpaperclip3952]

Especially when speaking on affairs. How you enjoying Billions to Iran, Renier?

[@derekchin6403]

Interesting his dad Carl Reiner’s longest closest friend was Mel Brooks. Another Reiner/Brooks bromance.

[@melanie010203]

Coincidentally (???) Brooks’s appearance on Johnny Carson where he showcases his Impressions Kit came up on KZbin yesterday. It is hilarious !

[@seanpowers282]

An excellent conversation. 2 very astute, honest, and funny gents.

[@Rick-tj5iq]

Albert's still got it.

[@mililaniman]

I have enjoyed the work of both men all my life. Thanks for the memories.

[@michaelj.r457]

Albert should have been nominated for his chilling peformance in Drive, as well for Lost in America (Fun Fact: Albert was cast in Drive based on that comically dark scene where Albert snaps at the Hoover Dam.) Defending Your Life, The Muse, Lost In America, even Looking for Comedy in The Muslim World. As for Rob, Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, and A Few Good Men are classics. Looking forward to the Spinal Tap sequel in 2024!

[@joncumber2020]

It’s interesting to watch Albert in ‘This is 40’ where the movie’s rhythm underlined that the times seemed to have finally caught up with his unique comic pentameter

[@poemandres]

Millennials are too young but Gen X are fully aware of Albert Brooks and appreciate his contribution to our culture growing up...

[@JazzyUte]

We know Albert Brooks but maybe as Hank Scorpio on The Simpsons.

[@latvguy1]

Albert needs to make another film! It's been too long.

[@jonathanswift2251]

He was in Taxi Driver, along with Cybil Shepherd; they had great onscreen chemistry. They could've had their own sitcom.

[@jojopuppyfish]

Surprised this segment didn't mention they both went to school with and were friends with Richard Dreyfus.

[@AlejandroRamos-kn5cd]

Oh my God such a great treat!!! One for the ages This film was not only robbed but clearly inspired Alexander Payne

[@alanvallazza9781]

Albert Brooks late brother was Super Dave Osborne but of all things his family name was Bob Einstein so technically Albert Brooks is Albert Einstein as Einstein is the family name. His actual full name is Albert Lawrence Einstein.

[@robertcornelius3514]

Two of the most underrated Jewish stars in Hollywood.

[@benrosn8154]

Phenomenal filmmakers

[@samcorcoran470]

Merry Christmas from CBS, Rob Reiner and Albert Brooks

[@crackerjack2090]

Modern romance. Listen, movies, can find people. Albert's Modern Romance found me and my insecure, frightened self. Jealousy is child's play compared to the abyss of doubt. Albert showed filmmakers and worried boyfriends an important moment on screen. I was that guy peppering the girl with the same question asked a hundred different ways. Fear doesn't stop to breathe or eat or blink. Albert made history as far as I'm concerned. He put a man's threatened existence in a movie. You can't sew together heartache and art better. Modern Romance and Being There, (for its own reasons) tapped my core consciousness. One doesn't forget that. Thank you.

[@johnmcandrew852]

I wish someone had mentioned Brooks'/Einstein's excellent book, 2030. Remarkably well considered and written.

[@steveconn]

The HBO documentary is very enjoyable, covering all aspects of Albert's life. Broadcast News is still my favorite (and most relevant). This must be the token 'Jewish' segment for the Xmas overload episode.

[@annette2326]

My brother and i used to wait up for him to make his appearances on the tonight show. Ill never forget his: I am Albear Brew-kay! He confessed in a french accent. We howled!

[@katherineweber8955]

Qow. Thank you! Two of my favorites!

[@dr3putt62]

Reiner directed American President as well

[@joyflavell7385]

I'm so glad you said that. One of my very favorite movies and completely relevant now.

[@sandraspidle5972]

Two wonderfully funny humans. We love them and thank them for giving us such joy😅

[@robinnewman6599]

Just the best!

[@dizmix]

Al Brooks plays a villian once.

[@b.freanch227]

LAUGH OUT LOUD. 😂😂😂

[@susanschaffner4422]

No one funnier than Al. Rob's not bad too. 😄

[@MPD503]

Has anyone watched the documentary by Rob Reiner on Max? I'm a big Albert Brooks fan, as well as Reiner, just wanted to know if the doc is good. They're both comedic geniuses!

[@Orangeflava]

Albert Einstein!

[@jayhalley2642]

Two greats

[@Susieq26754]

Great social engineers. The government should give them a medal.

[@joyflavell7385]

If 5hecstq5enwb5 was all if their was but it didn't. And yeah they were as far as their body of ​ work. @@omi_god

[@thewkovacs316]

i watched the doc it's pretty clear that rob loves albert i just wish they had gone into al's complicated relationship with bob

[@greatpix]

Nothing makes me feel older than seeing guys a couple of years older than I am turned into old men. That and the old guy who keeps showing up in my bathroom mirror every day.

[@trainer1158]

Same.

[@benjamindeforest9363]

Wow... I did not even recognize Albert Brooks...

[@RYMAN1321]

4:41 I knew they’d bring up Finding Nemo !

[@dorothybobo5157]

Genius ❤

[@madelinepacheco]

❤ Great hat

[@brozbro]

Who better to represent Christmas Eve?

[@judykatz4263]

So Funny

[@violeteyes5255]

There was a reason why in the T.V. series "All In The Family" Rob Reiner was called "Meathead."

[@jjj1951]

Are you my grandmother? No we dated in high school.

[@ericsynchrona5495]

That's a fallen angel joke. If you understand how "Los Angeles" live on Earth here among us, is because they fell here...

[@mwalker3547]

Dueling Commies.

[@lrtucci]

We now have 3 Willy Wonka films. Please please make a new It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World! We're living in the Golden Age of Comedy...why not have you all in *that*??!! Heck, you can even set for a road race across Italy - I have the perfect palms already picked out!

[@be6715]

When did Rob Reiner have a talk show?

[@MellowWind]

Why is that historic highschool sitting abandoned like that? Are they renovating?

[@thewkovacs316]

yes.....doing a bunch of upgrades...mostly earthquake related

[@nancykahn4125]

Laughing all the way…

[@johnrobbins917]

Now, Meathead continues his 'comedy' schtick on X...

[@shannonbowman5990]

❤😊

[@toomuch3864]

Rob has helped me understand Hitler motivations,

[@alanstrong55]

Jane Pauley was on the Today Show. Then left to have a baby. Glad Jane is still newscasting.

[@KenLevens-rf8sb]

Dear Albert Brooks, I looked up your age--you're only 76. Quit acting like your 96! Exercise and eat more fruits and vegetables--you've got another 20 years on the planet--please keep being creative! We need you. Thanks for all you've done, but it's not over yet so quit assuming you are old.

[@trainer1158]

How is he acting like he's 96?

[@susieusmaximus5330]

I'm certain that whenever Albert Brooks starts searching KZbin comments for guidance on how to live his life, he'll immediately take your admonitions to heart.

[@TheTriplelman]

lost in America, one of my favorite comedy films.

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

Wonder why Reiner or Brooks have not condemned Hamas?? Silent???

[@lesweizman388]

omg

[@alanvallazza9781]

Everybody knows Rob Reiner's politics. He is still Meathead in my book.

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

@@alanvallazza9781 so you feel despite being Jewish he supports Hamas because he is a ultra liberal?

[@beckywallingsford8850]

Love them both but think Albert's brother Bob was the funniest.

[@brandonjones8059]

Voting for Trump in 2024

[@treborretsnom6186]

❤

[@timjansen7694]

I liked some of Albert Brooks's movies. Some were not so hot. The problem I have with this piece is that it is a little too obvious that they are going around, getting publicity for a product. In this case that product is the documentary, Defending My Life. And it appears that Brooks is cognitively sliding a bit, which is unfortunate.

[@11UncleBooker22]

Apparently, Rob was one of Jeffery Epstein's good friends as well. He enjoyed going to Epstein's Island dozens of times over the years. As for Albert, not sure, I hope not, I hate the info that's coming out through the Freedom of information act. So many great entertainers have been implemented as visitors, very sad.

[@truckcamper5751]

Do I laugh now or later?👎

[@Joe-jn5li]

This is the actual epitome of American networking, nepotism . Both r truly funny however, Both actors are children of famous and wealthy actors. This puts them with an advantage way above other comedians. No one comes from the bottom any longer. You need famous parents.

[@IncogNito-gg6uh]

A lot of talent falls by the wayside without that boost. But, like a couple of guys in the political arena, George H.W. Bush and JFK, once they got that boost they were like, "Okay, Pop, I got it from here."

[@joyflavell7385]

​@InogNito-gg6uh there's a lot of actors who don't have famous or wealthy parents. That only gets them an audition. Without talent they don't get much further.

[@Seekthetruth3000]

Meathead makes sense whenever he is not talking politics.

[@joyflavell7385]

He makes great sense when he's talking politics. It sounds like you just don't look like what he says. You don't have to like or agree in a free country. Hope it stays that way.

[@Seekthetruth3000]

That is right. He is a super-rich activist Democrat. He believes Biden is a great president. He is also OK with the Democratic Party actively trying to destroy democracy in the name of preserving democracy.@@joyflavell7385

[@mitchl.7276]

2 Alta Cockers

[@charlespowell5847]

The Albert Brooks documentary was crap 😂

[@BrooksTownsley]

Meathead never done anything real in his life

[@operationpaperclip3952]

Wussess. Explain CANCER.

[@19battlehill]

Rob Reiner is an awful person -- It makes me like Albert Brooks LESS.

[@JimmieJoeMeeker]

Just wondering , why all the interest in these two now? Is one of them Ill? Always thought Albert Brooks was pretty funny growing up. Rob Reiner was more a product of nepotism, riding his dad’s coattails. Directed some clever movies three decades ago but nothing since of any importance creatively. A washed-up has been IMHO!

[@baronvonraschke77]

It's promotion because of the Brooks documentary on Max right now, done by Reiner. They've been on a lot of media lately. If you like Albert Brooks, as I do, the documentary is well worth watching.

[@rogereriksen2472]

Brooks used to be pretty funny. Reiner? Not so much. A real putz!

[@brenthaugen1270]

TRUMP 2024🇺🇸

[@Typingoctopus]

Rob Reiner NEEDS to stop tweeting about trump. The Don lives in his head and will not pay rent

[@susieusmaximus5330]

Is he paying you to troll KZbin comments on videos that never mention his name to defend him?

[@alanvallazza9781]

Rob saw some space aliens. Marvin the Martian for president.

[@joyflavell7385]

Typical responses from those who still believe a whining entitled liar who will spend his remaining time in prison which he only avoided for decades by throwing anyone he could under the bus.

[@riobrasilsambashowssambist1453]

But Albert brooks is not funny at all. Straight faced 100% all the time. I think it's bcz whatever was funny 100 years ago, is not possible to be funny in current times

[@trainer1158]

Or you have a different sense of humor. Few things or people are universally funny.

[@thewkovacs316]

humor is subjective and people who have no sense of humor dont get brooks stick with pie in the face stuff

[@DisasterMaster3K]

For a clown fish he isn’t that funny.

[@NHLblkgurl]

Remember democrats, only one more shoplifting day until Xmas!

[@rantoolio]

🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂

[@NHLblkgurl]

@@omi_god Shouldn’t you be asking Obama, Biden, or the Clintons and rest of their party? (Approving Putin’s oil pipelines, free his international cyber hackers and global arms terrorists, SELL him US held uranium, get inexplicable millions in wire transfers from Moscow billionaire oligarchs or Russian energy companies and banks....BUY his dossiers..Etc etc etc ? LOL

[@alanvallazza9781]

Everything's half off during the "white sale".

[@joyflavell7385]

​@@alanvallazza9781wrong party for that but I suppose Putin didn't explain that to you.

[@R.POliver]

If the good die young, does this explain why jevvs live so long?🤔

[@trainer1158]

WTH is wrong with you?

[@ebybeehoney]

Ok, I'm one of those that has never seen anything about Albert Brooks... And I don't even like Finding Nemo...

[@FUCKINGENIOUS]

k...

[@joyflavell7385]

Pity.