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similar_observation t1_jdgv3iv wrote

Reply to comment by Knute5 in TIL The Dick Van Dyke Show was originally written entirely by Carl Reiner, about stories from Reiner's life, and starred Carl Reiner. The pilot was unsuccessful so it was reworked with Dick Van Dyke playing Robert Petrie. by jamescookenotthatone

Mel and Carl were not just frequent collaborators, but also lifelong best friends. Rob Reiner recalls much of his childhood watching his dad and "Uncle Mel" trying to write material and laughing their asses off at what they could come up with. It's one of the reasons he was inspired to get into directing. And he gave us The Princess Bride and This is Spinal Tap. Likewise Mel Brooks kids referred to Carl Reiner as "Uncle Carl."

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