Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Charles Grodin’s amazing life is beautifully honored in director James Freedman’s new documentary, Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause. Known for his sharp wit and incredible depth as an actor, Grodin is often remembered for his brilliant performances in The Heartbreak Kid and Midnight Run. A master in the art of deadpan, he delivered some of the most hilarious performances of his career during his numerous appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman. But in an incredibly admirable twist, Grodin used his role as a CNBC talk show host to launch himself into the role of social activist. He became a fierce champion for prison reform and for the last twenty years of his life worked tirelessly to get several unfairly convicted women out of prison, many of whom were mothers of color with children at home. A true Pittsburgh hometown hero, his life story starts as a steady ripple of laughter that continues to rise only to surprise everyone and become a tidal wave of hope.

Official Selection: World Premiere – Atlanta Jewish Film Festival