Kevin Pollak reveals the career lesson Rob Reiner taught him on the set of 'A Few Good Men'
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFRONIA: Actor Kevin Pollak reflected on the lasting impact of late Rob Reiner more than three decades after they worked together on the 1992 film 'A Few Good Men', while speaking at a Los Angeles premiere event.
The actor recalled Reiner’s humor, leadership and the relaxed atmosphere on set under the late director’s guidance. His reflections come months after joining fellow actors in paying tribute to Reiner at the Oscars.
wife Michele Singer Reiner death.
Kevin Pollak reflects on Rob Reiner’s lasting influence during 'A Few Good Men'
Speaking with PEOPLE, Pollak recalled that the most valuable lesson he learned from late Rob Reiner was the importance of enjoying the filmmaking process, even while working on an intense drama. “The big thing with Rob was just, if we're not having fun, there's no point in any of this,” he said.
He continued, “And he said that while we're doing a very intense courtroom drama, and it was a great lesson and a great way to work.” The advice remained with him long after filming wrapped on the 1992 hit. In 'A Few Good Men,' he portrayed Lt. Sam Weinberg, one of the military lawyers working alongside Tom Cruise’s Lt. Daniel Kaffee.
Although the film centered on dramatic courtroom confrontations, Pollak remembered plenty of lighter moments away from the cameras. One memory that still stands out took place during the cast’s time filming exterior scenes in Washington, DC.
“One of my most enjoyable moments was [when] we shot a couple weeks in Washington DC to establish exteriors, and one night we were walking back from somewhere, just the two of us, and someone passed us and said, ‘Oh my God, Rob Reiner, how are you? Are you here working?' And he said, ‘Yeah.' He said, ‘What are you working on?' And he said, ‘The Godfather,'” he recalled.
“And the guy went, ‘Oh great.' He kept walking, and I said, ‘Why did you say The Godfather?' And he said, ‘Well, if I said A Few Good Men, it was a Broadway play, but if you didn't see the Broadway play, you don't know what the hell I'm talking about. So if I say The Godfather, we're done talking, and you and I can keep going with our lives.' I've used it ever since," he further stated.
According to him, the story reflected Reiner’s quick wit and the relaxed environment he created on set. Despite the film’s serious subject matter, Pollak described the production as “very loose” and never overly tense.
Kevin Pollak joins Hollywood tribute to Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner
Pollak’s reflections come after tragedy struck the Reiner family. Their middle child, Nick Reiner, was arrested the day after the deaths of his parents and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances, including the use of a knife.
He has pleaded not guilty and has remained in custody without bail since his arrest. He waived his right to a speedy trial in February and is next due in court on April 29. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
Earlier this year, Pollak joined more than a dozen actors who had worked with Reiner on films including 'When Harry Met Sally,' 'This Is Spinal Tap,' 'Stand by Me' and 'The Princess Bride' as they gathered on stage at the Oscars to celebrate the filmmaker’s life and legacy.
Taking the stage, his longtime friend and collaborator Billy Crystal reflected on the director’s remarkable body of work. “My friends, Rob's movies will last for lifetimes, because they were about what makes us laugh and cry, and what we aspire to be far better in his eyes: far kinder, far funnier, and far more human,” he said.
He also praised Reiner’s marriage to Michele Singer Reiner. “They were unstoppable,” Crystal said, adding, “A gifted photographer, she not only produced films with Rob, but it was her energy that had them working tirelessly to fight social injustice in the country that they both loved."
