Rob Reiner and Anthony Geary shared scene on all in the Family Decades before dying on the same day

Rob Reiner, best known for his role as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on All in the Family, and Anthony Geary, who would later become a soap legend on General Hospital, shared the screen in a 1971 episode titled “Judging Books by Covers.” In that episode, Geary played Roger, a friend of Reiner’s character, whose presence challenged Archie Bunker’s assumptions, a storyline that confronted stereotypes and social attitudes head‑on.

Though their paths in entertainment diverged after that early appearance, both men left lasting marks on television history. Reiner went on to become an acclaimed filmmaker, directing beloved films like When Harry Met Sally…, The Princess Bride and This Is Spinal Tap. Geary, meanwhile, became synonymous with Luke Spencer on General Hospital, a role that earned him eight Daytime Emmy Awards and helped make the character’s 1981 wedding one of the most watched moments in soap opera history.

The coincidence of their deaths on the same day,  both at the age of 78, has led to an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike, with many reflecting on the significance of the early All in the Family episode that linked their careers decades before their passings.

In the All in the Family appearance, Geary’s Roger is first introduced as a quirky friend who catches Archie Bunker off guard, only for the storyline to later reveal that one of Archie’s other acquaintances, Steve, is gay — a moment that was groundbreaking in early 1970s television.

Reiner’s portrayal of Meathead provided a liberal counterpoint to Archie’s bigotry, and the episode remains a testament to the sitcom’s willingness to tackle uncomfortable social truths with humour and heart.

While fans mourn the loss of both actors, their shared moment on All in the Family serves as a poignant reminder of the early days of their careers and the enduring impact they had on American entertainment.