One of the most endearing and beloved faces in Hollywood for well over 5 decades was tragically killed in his home earlier this week. Rob Reiner, whose titles include filmmaker, actor, producer, screenwriter, and more, was found dead in his house along with his wife, Michelle, in a senseless killing that has shaken the entertainment world.

I had recently seen him in the latest season of The Bear and loved his character. Still, he is most known for his roles in All in the Family, This Is Spinal Tap, and The Princess Bride, as well as bringing one of the most iconic lines in cinematic history to the screen in When Harry Met Sally.

I'll have what she's having.

Premiere of "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" - Arrivals
Getty Images
loading...

The news has been nothing but tragic. But while going through his filmography since his passing, I was surprised to learn that his 2010 film, Flipped, was filmed prominently here in Michigan. 

Flipped (in Ann Arbor)

The movie Flipped tells the story of Juni and Bryce from their meeting in elementary school, following their relationship from enemies to friends to something a little more, from second grade to Jr. High, set in the 60s.

It's based on the novel by Wendelin Van Draanen. Madeline Carroll, who plays Juni, posted a clip on Instagram of her time with Rob during the film's press tour.

Reiner chose Ann Arbor to film much of the movie, including various downtown areas and more. Since the movie spends a good portion of time at Thurston Elementary School, along with "a few rooms at nearby Clague Middle School," the school and the nearby middle school were the primary locations, according to an MLive article from 2009.

READ MORE: Grand Rapids Native Stars With Liam Neeson In New Naked Gun Movie

The article states that Reiner's production company built the frame of a house near Thurston Pond, which is behind the Thurston Elementary School. The crew went as far as to re-arrange the school's library to "create a period library", taking out modern books and restocking the shelves with 1960s-era materials.

madelinecarrollnet via YouTube
madelinecarrollnet via YouTube
loading...

In return for using the school as a setting, Warner Bros. "paid the district $30,000". The move was released in 2010 and continued Madeline Carroll's hot streak of films, making her one of the most in-demand child stars of the time.

97.9 WGRD logo
Get our free mobile app

Reiner's passing at 78 is still too early for a man who was still actively creating and making a positive impact on the world.

9 Drive-in Theaters in Michigan

Here's a list of the 9 remaining drive-in theaters in Michigan in alphabetical order by city.

Gallery Credit: Dana Marshall, Canva, and Google Street View

When Michigan Drivers Are Most Likely to Hit a Deer

In 2023 (the latest available data), there were 58,506 deer involved in collisions in Michigan. Using data from Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, we've organized the data, and the following is a countdown to the month with the most car-deer accidents, starting with the least.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

More From 97.9 WGRD