Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

In the late 1970s, Christopher Reeve, a talented and ambitious young actor from New Jersey, landed the role of a lifetime in Richard Donner's Superman (1978), catapulting him to international stardom. His portrayal of the iconic Man of Steel captivated audiences worldwide, bringing a fresh sense of vulnerability and authenticity to the character. Over the course of the next decade, Reeve would reprise his role as Superman in three further installments – Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983), and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) – cementing his status as the quintessential Superman. However, Reeve's remarkable journey as an actor, which saw him effortlessly transition from playing the all-American hero to a wide range of complex and emotionally nuanced roles in films such as Somewhere in Time (1980), Deathtrap (1982), and Death of a Salesman (1985), was cut short in 1995. On the set of the TV series "Riding the Rails," a show about a circus train that traveled across the United States, Reeve, who was an avid horse rider, was thrown off a horse and sustained a spinal cord injury during a stunt. The accident left him paralyzed from the neck down, confined to a wheelchair, and dependent on a respirator for the rest of his life. The news of Reeve's near-fatal accident sent shockwaves around the world, not least among his devoted fans. As he struggled to come to terms with the traumatic event and the prospect of never walking again, Reeve's resilience and determination would become the stuff of legend. He soon began to channel his energy into advocating for disability rights, care, and research, swiftly transforming himself into a charismatic and inspiring leader in the disability community. In 1995, Reeve founded the Christopher Reeve Foundation, now known as the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research, providing support for spinal cord injury survivors, and promoting awareness about spinal cord injuries and paralysis. Under Reeve's passionate guidance, the foundation grew rapidly, mobilizing a community of advocates and allies who shared his vision of unlocking the medical breakthrough that could restore the mobility of spinal cord injury survivors. Throughout his ordeal, Reeve continued to be an active and engaged public speaker, author, and advocate. He lobbied tirelessly on Capitol Hill, pushing for increased funding for spinal cord injury research and fighting for accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of society. His unwavering commitment to the cause earned him a slew of accolades and awards, including the Humanitarian of the Year award from the American Cancer Society and the Genesis Award from the Humane Society. Reeve's courageous struggle against the odds was chronicled by his wife, Dana, in her book "Still Me" (1999), a deeply moving and intimate portrayal of the couple's journey through the highs and lows of Reeve's paralysis. However, Reeve's own story, as told in his memoir "Still Me" (1998), is an even more poignant and uplifting tribute to his unyielding spirit and determination to live life to the fullest, despite the many challenges he faced. In the years leading up to 2004, Reeve's life began to ebb away as a result of complications from his injury. Despite the valiant efforts of his medical team, he succumbed to his illness on May 10, 2004, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and mobilize people around the world. Through his remarkable life and work, Christopher Reeve proved that even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome with courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. His legacy as an actor, a humanist, and a champion of disability rights serves as a beacon of hope for millions, reminding them that even in the darkest moments, the human spirit can endure and overcome even the most crushing adversity.