Rob Reiner Plays George Washington in Secret Final Role for Larry David's HBO Show

Rob Reiner filmed his final on-screen role as George Washington for Larry David's HBO sketch comedy series a month before his death, according to a report from Variety. The cameo aired in secret on July 3, 2026, during the second episode of the improvised historical series Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America.

The sketch, which Variety describes as allowing Reiner to get the "last laugh" against Donald Trump, features the late filmmaker as the first president. Reiner's Washington gives a speech about not seeking a third term, which sparks a colonial-era debate with Larry David's character about a hypothetical future leader who would not concede an election.

What happens in the sketch?

In the scene, Larry David, dressed in 1700s attire, asks Washington what should happen if "some asshole in office, some narcissistic prick" doesn't follow the Constitution. The conversation turns into a prolonged satire of a certain former president. David's character suggests such a person could be a "sociopath" and an "insecure, lying asshole who would even cheat at golf."

"He could use the presidency to enrich himself and his family," Larry says. "He could send troops into American cities to terrorize and even kill American citizens, all to distract from the fact that he’s friends with a pedophile!"

The sketch concludes with the colonists erupting into chaos at the mere idea of such a leader. A final shot shows Reiner's Washington observing the madness and muttering, "We’re fucked," before the episode ends with an "In Memoriam" card for Reiner.

How was the cameo kept secret?

Director and co-creator Jeff Schaffer told Variety the team intentionally kept Reiner's appearance under wraps, even swapping it for a different sketch at the Los Angeles premiere. "It just didn’t feel like the right way to show the world," Schaffer said. They ultimately decided a July 3 broadcast was the perfect release.

Schaffer also revealed that Larry David insisted Reiner shave his signature beard for the role, citing historical accuracy. "Rob was like, ‘Seriously?’ and Larry was insistent: ‘George Washington was clean shaven,'" Schaffer recalled. Reiner agreed, and the sketch was filmed on the Universal lot about a month before his death.

The series Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America is a seven-episode comedy miniseries created by Larry David and Jeff Schaffer. It began streaming on HBO Max in June 2026.