Early Life and Family Background
Born into a family deeply embedded in American pop culture, Jake Reiner grew up in Los Angeles, California. He was exposed to the world of performing arts from a young age, often visiting sets and witnessing the creative process firsthand. However, unlike many celebrity children who immediately seek the limelight, Jake was known for his grounded nature and desire to establish his own professional merits.
Parents
Jake is the eldest biological son of Rob Reiner, the acclaimed director known for classics such as The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, and Stand by Me, and Michele Singer Reiner, a talented photographer and producer. His parents were married for over 35 years, creating a close-knit family environment that Jake frequently described as his support system.
Siblings
Jake is the oldest of three children born to Rob and Michele. His younger siblings are:
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Nick Reiner (born 1993): A screenwriter who has collaborated with his father on projects like the film Being Charlie.
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Romy Reiner (born 1997): An actress and daughter who has also pursued creative endeavors.
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Tracy Reiner: Jake’s half-sister from his father’s previous marriage to Penny Marshall. Tracy is an actress known for her role in A League of Their Own.
Grandparents
Jake is the grandson of the late Carl Reiner, the legendary comedian, actor, and creator of The Dick Van Dyke Show, and Estelle Reiner, a jazz singer and actress. The comedic and artistic influence of his grandfather played a significant role in shaping Jake’s appreciation for performance and timing.
Education
Jake Reiner placed a strong emphasis on education before entering the workforce. He attended high school in Los Angeles, where he first dipped his toes into acting by participating in school plays and musicals.
Following high school, he pursued higher education to hone his skills in communication and storytelling. He is an alumnus of Loyola Marymount University (LMU), where he graduated before launching his career in journalism. Additionally, reports indicate he spent time studying at Syracuse University, a prestigious institution known for its top-tier broadcast journalism program, which likely laid the foundation for his initial career path.
Journalism Career
For nearly ten years, Jake Reiner built a solid reputation as a “multimedia journalist” (MMJ), a role that often required him to shoot, write, and edit his own stories. He was determined to succeed on his own merits, often working in smaller markets to build experience.
KION News Channel 5
Reiner began his on-air career at KION News Channel 5, a CBS/FOX affiliate in Salinas, California. Working in this smaller market allowed him to cover a wide variety of stories, from local agriculture to community issues, helping him develop the versatility that would define his reporting style.
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KPRC 2 Houston (2016–2018)
In January 2016, Jake moved to a top-10 market, joining KPRC 2 (NBC) in Houston, Texas. During his two-and-a-half-year tenure, he became a favorite among viewers and colleagues alike. He covered major events, including the devastating Hurricane Harvey, and was known for his rapport with local law enforcement. The Houston Police Officers’ Union described him as a “true friend” who reported with fairness and professionalism. In August 2018, he left KPRC to return to Los Angeles, citing a desire to be closer to family and to pursue opportunities in the entertainment capital.
KCBS / KCAL Los Angeles (2018–2023)
Upon returning to the West Coast, Reiner joined the team at KCBS / KCAL in Los Angeles. Reporting in his hometown allowed him to cover stories that hit close to home, including wildfires and the local impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He spent five years at the station, eventually leaving the news industry entirely in 2023 to dedicate himself to his “first passion”—acting.
Acting Career
While journalism was his profession for a decade, Jake Reiner never lost his love for performance. In interviews, he revealed that he had taken improv and stand-up comedy classes throughout his youth. His decision to pivot back to entertainment was driven by a desire to continue the Reiner family legacy of bringing joy and thought-provoking stories to audiences.
Transition to Acting
Leaving a stable career in news was a significant risk, but Reiner’s transition appeared seamless. He utilized his on-camera experience and natural charisma to land roles quickly. He also began creating his own content, understanding that modern actors must often be their own producers.
Notable Roles and Projects
Since shifting his focus in 2023, Jake has accrued several impressive credits:
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“Curb Your Enthusiasm”: Jake appeared in the final season of Larry David’s hit HBO comedy, a significant milestone for any comedic actor.
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“Love and Taxe$”: He starred in this independent film, a performance that won him the Best Actor in a Comedy award at the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival.
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“Things Like This”: Jake served as both an executive producer and star of this film, showcasing his ability to wear multiple hats behind and in front of the camera.
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Television Appearances: His resume includes roles in acclaimed series such as For All Mankind, American Crime Story, and 68 Whiskey.
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Podcasting: He co-hosts The Incline: Dodgers Podcast, combining his broadcast skills with his love for Los Angeles sports.
Personal Life
Jake Reiner is known to be private about his personal affairs, preferring to keep the focus on his professional work. However, certain aspects of his life have been shared publicly.
Relationship
Jake Reiner is in a relationship with Maria Gilfillan. The couple has been frequently photographed together at red carpet events, including the premiere of Spinal Tap II in September 2025. Gilfillan has been a visible source of support for Jake, accompanying him to family gatherings and industry functions.
Family Tragedy (December 2025)
In December 2025, Jake Reiner faced an unimaginable tragedy. His parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Brentwood home. The event shocked the world and devastated the Reiner family. Authorities subsequently charged Jake’s younger brother, Nick Reiner, in connection with the deaths.
Net Worth
As of late 2025, Jake Reiner’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. While he earned a standard salary as a broadcast journalist (typically ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 depending on the market size) and is now earning income as a working actor and producer, his personal wealth is difficult to estimate. However, he is an heir to the substantial Reiner family fortune; his father, Rob Reiner, had an estimated net worth of approximately $200 million at the time of his passing, accrued from a lifetime of blockbuster films and syndication royalties from Seinfeld (via his production company, Castle Rock Entertainment).
Conclusion
Jake Reiner is a figure of resilience and talent. He successfully walked away from a family legacy to build his own name in the demanding field of journalism, only to return to Hollywood with a fresh perspective and a mature work ethic. Whether reporting on the front lines of a hurricane or delivering a comedic line on HBO, he has proven his versatility. Today, as he faces profound personal hardship, he stands as a testament to the strength of his family bond, supported by a community that respects both his professional contributions and his personal character.
FAQs
How old is Jake Reiner?
Jake Reiner is 34 years old. He was born on May 2, 1991.
Who are Jake Reiner’s parents?
His parents were the famous film director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner.
Is Jake Reiner married?
Jake Reiner is not publicly reported to be married, but he is in a long-term relationship with Maria Gilfillan.
Does Jake Reiner have children?
There is no public information indicating that Jake Reiner has children.
Why did Jake Reiner leave journalism?
Jake left journalism in 2023 to pursue his “first passion” of acting and performing, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
What news stations did Jake Reiner work for?
He worked for KION in Salinas, KPRC 2 in Houston, and KCBS/KCAL in Los Angeles.
Is Jake Reiner related to Carl Reiner?
Yes, Jake Reiner is the grandson of the late comedy legend Carl Reiner.
What movies or TV shows has Jake Reiner been in?
He has appeared in Curb Your Enthusiasm, For All Mankind, American Crime Story, 68 Whiskey, and the film Love and Taxe$.
What happened to Jake Reiner’s parents?
In December 2025, Rob and Michele Reiner were tragically found dead in their Los Angeles home. Jake’s brother, Nick, was charged in connection with the incident.
What is Jake Reiner’s net worth?
His specific net worth is undisclosed, though he comes from a wealthy family with an estate estimated in the hundreds of millions.
