Copyright
© 2000
Team C001515

Sept. 25, 1952

Overview:

A tragic horseback riding accident paralyzed Christopher Reeve from the neck down when he was forty-two. Known to the world, by his screen role of “Superman,” his efforts and battle with spinal cord injuries have made him a real life superhero.

Country: United States of America

Type of hero: Trailblazer

Attributes: Courageous, Persevering

Biography:

Christopher Reeve reached superstar status after his superhuman role in the movie “Superman.” The world embraced this dashing young man as he turned from bumbling reporter Clark Kent, to Superman, the greatest of all comic book heroes. After four more sequels, Christopher Reeve seemed to have the whole world in his grasp. Acting opportunities were plentiful, he had a loving family, and he was touring the world using his celebrity status for a greater good. He supported human rights and environmental preservation. Occasionally he would once again don his Superman costume and visit terminally ill children. Although the world still viewed him as Superman his acting career flourished and during his off time he enjoyed playing many sports competitively.

Born in New York City on September 25, 1952 to Barbara Pitney Lamb and Franklin d’Olier Reeve, nearly 43 years later Christopher Reeve’s life was headed for a sudden tragic change. On May 27, 1995 the life he once knew would alter forever. Competing in a horseback riding competition, Reeve was taking his horse through a series of jumps. Clearing the first two jumps easily, on the third his horse suddenly stopped, sending its rider crashing head first onto the ground. Gasping fans were shocked and horrified to learn that the accident left Reeve paralyzed from the neck down.

Although Reeve lies helplessly as he is dressed and undressed morning and night and taken care of by nursing attendants, he has coped with adversity moving forward from the tragedy. Confined to a wheelchair, he actively continues his life as an activist. Reeve has raised millions of dollars for spinal cord research, while still continuing his involvement in the film industry. A director, a producer and an actor, combined with being a husband and loving father, Christopher Reeve still enjoys his life. He lives with the resurging hope that one-day doctors may find a cure for spinal cord injuries.

Christopher Reeve has portrayed two heroic roles in his lifetime, both Superhuman. He was Superman on the silver screen, the world’s greatest and mightiest hero fighting for justice, equality and freedom. He is Christopher Reeve in real life. Loving husband, father, director, producer, actor, and activist who has overcome life’s greatest obstacles. He is a true inspiration, role model and hero to our society. Christopher Reeve is a superman in every sense of the word.

Citations & References:

References
Wren, Laura Lee. Christopher Reeve: Hollywood’s Man of Courage. New Jersey: Enslow Publishers, Inc. 1999

Reeve, Christopher. Still me. New York: Random House, 1998

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