Christopher Reeve
Movie Actor
Christopher D'Olier Reeve was an American actor, best known for playing the title character in the film Superman and three sequels. Born in New York City and raised in Princeton, New Jersey, Reeve discovered a passion for acting and the theater at the age of nine.
About
Christopher Reeve was born on September 25, 1952, in New York City. He was the son of Barbara and Franklin Reeve. His father was a teacher while his mother worked as a journalist. He had two siblings, Benjamin and Alexandra. As a young boy, he developed an interest in acting and enrolled at Cornell University to pursue a degree in theater.
Reeve made his debut on Broadway with the play “A Matter of Gravity” before appearing in several television shows such as “Love of Life” and “The Doctors”. His film debut came in 1978 when he starred as Clark Kent/Superman in the blockbuster hit “Superman” directed by Richard Donner. The movie became an instant success and catapulted Reeve to stardom making him one of Hollywood's most sought-after leading men. He reprised his role as Superman for three more movies which earned him greater recognition worldwide.
In 1995, Reeve suffered a tragic accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down due to injuries sustained during horse riding competition. Despite his physical limitations, Reeve continued to act in numerous films including “Above Suspicion” and “Noises Off” both released posthumously after his death in 2004 due to complications related to heart failure caused by sepsis.
Reeve also dedicated much of his time and effort advocating for stem cell research and spinal cord injury awareness until his death at the age of 52. He was inducted into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame in 2007 and received posthumous honors including the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
Life Timeline
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1952</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Christopher Reeve is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On September 25, 1952, Christopher Reeve was born in New York City, New York.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1974</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Graduates from Juilliard School of Drama</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Reeve graduates from the prestigious Juilliard School of Drama in New York City.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1978</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Reeve Stars in Superman</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Reeve stars as Superman in the 1978 film and earns international fame for his iconic role.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1995</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Paralyzed from Horseback Riding Accident</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Reeve suffers a spinal cord injury after being thrown from a horse during a riding competition.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1996</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Founds the Christopher Reeve Foundation</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Reeve founds the Christopher Reeve Foundation to promote research and advocacy for spinal cord injuries.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1998</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Nominated for Emmy Award</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Reeve is nominated for an Emmy Award for his role in the television movie "In the Gloaming" </p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2004</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Passes Away at Age 52</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Christopher Reeve passes away on October 10, 2004 at the age of 52 due to heart failure.</p></div>
Why We Love Them
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He was an inspirational actor</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Christopher Reeve was a highly inspirational actor. He is widely remembered for his portrayal of Superman in the 1978 movie. His work inspired many people to be brave and fight for justice, even when faced with great adversity.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> He was an advocate for disability rights</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">After his near fatal accident in 1995, Christopher Reeve became an advocate for disability rights. He pushed for more accessibility in public places, and helped to make life easier for disabled people by pushing for government aid and programs.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> He was a great humanitarian</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Christopher Reeve was a great humanitarian. He used his fame to help raise money for charities and causes he believed in. He also started the Christopher Reeve Foundation to help fund research into spinal cord injuries and paralysis.</p></div>
Interesting Facts
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Starred in 4 Superman Films</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Christopher Reeve starred in four Superman films from 1978 to 1987, making him one of the most iconic and recognizable actors in the world.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Won an Emmy Award</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Reeve won an Emmy Award for his role in the television movie "Rear Window".</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Was a Horseman</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In addition to his acting career, Christopher Reeve was also an avid horseman and competed in dressage competitions. He even served on the Board of Directors for the United States Equestrian Team Foundation.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Set Up an Activism Organization</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">After becoming paralyzed in 1995, Christopher Reeve set up the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation to raise funds for research into paralysis treatments.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span> Was Nominated for an Oscar</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Christopher Reeve was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the 1980 movie "Deathtrap".</p></div>
FAQs
