Following its television premiere on Turner Classic Movies, Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause will be released on digital platforms on September 15, 2026.
The documentary premiered on TCM on September 4 as part of the network’s “Films on Film” series, introducing viewers to a side of Charles Grodin that extended far beyond his celebrated career in Hollywood.
Best known for memorable performances in films such as The Heartbreak Kid, Midnight Run, Heaven Can Wait and the Beethoven movies, Grodin built a reputation as one of the most distinctive comedic actors of his generation. His dry delivery, sharp timing and unmistakable screen presence made him a favorite among audiences and fellow performers alike.
But behind the humor was a man deeply committed to social justice.
Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause explores Grodin’s extraordinary work as an advocate for prison reform and for individuals he believed had been wrongly convicted. Using his public platform, Grodin drew attention to cases that had been overlooked, fought for changes to sentencing laws and helped several people regain their freedom.
Featuring appearances from Robert De Niro, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Carol Burnett, Alan Arkin, Ellen Burstyn, Marc Maron, Lewis Black, Richard Kind, Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon, the documentary offers an intimate look at Grodin through the eyes of those who knew, admired and worked alongside him.
Director James Freedman is a filmmaker whose work spans both narrative and documentary projects, with a particular interest in social justice, history, politics and current events. In Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause, Freedman brings together archival footage and personal reflections to reveal the humor, determination and compassion that defined Grodin’s life both on and off the screen.
The film celebrates both sides of Charles Grodin: the gifted actor who entertained audiences for decades and the determined activist who refused to remain silent when he believed an injustice had occurred.
Available to rent or buy on 9/15/26: https://geni.us/charlesgrodinfilm
