Rob Reiner, a celebrated filmmaker and political activist, campaigned against Donald Trump up until his death this week. For him, the fight was not just about Republicans versus Democrats - it was a battle to save the basic structure of American self-rule from what he repeatedly described as a terrifying slide toward autocracy, or one-person control.
The 78-year-old director saw his role extending beyond showbusiness: he believed it was his duty to alert the public. To ring that alarm, he used his Hollywood platform and immense storytelling talent to try and wake people up about potential dangers. He wanted the public to take these threats, especially those involving the future of America, as seriously as he did, viewing it as a civic responsibility.
