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{{short description|American actor and activist (1952–2004)}}
{{for|the South African knife maker|Chris Reeve}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Christopher Reeve
| image              = C Reeve in Marriage of Figaro Opening night 1985.jpg
| image_size         =
| caption            = Reeve after the opening of<br>''[[The Marriage of Figaro (play)|The Marriage of Figaro]]'' in 1985
| birth_name         = Christopher D'Olier Reeve
| birth_date         = {{birth date|1952|9|25}}
| birth_place        = New York City, U.S.
| death_date         = {{death date and age|2004|10|10|1952|9|25}}
| death_place        = [[Mount Kisco, New York]], U.S.
| alma_mater         = [[Cornell University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])
| boards             = [[Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation]]
| party              = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4351027/christopher-reeve-dnc-speech|title=Christopher Reeve Speech at the Democratic National Convention|website=C-SPAN|date=August 26, 1996|access-date=September 5, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Churnin|first=Nancy|title=Gore Campaigns in N.J., Targets Bush Record|work=Los Angeles Times|date=October 14, 1992|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-10-14-mn-449-story.html|access-date=September 5, 2025}}</ref>

| occupation         = {{hlist|Actor|activist|director|author}}
| years_active       = 1970–2004
| works              = [[Christopher Reeve on stage and screen|Full list]]
| website            = {{URL|christopherreeve.org}}
| partner            = Gae Exton (1977–1987)
| spouse             = {{marriage|[[Dana Morosini]]|1992}}
| children           = 3, including [[Matthew Reeve|Matthew]] and [[Alexandra Reeve Givens|Alexandra]]
| father             = [[F. D. Reeve]]
| family             = {{ubl|[[Franklin D'Olier]] (great-grandfather)|[[Mahlon Pitney]] (great-grandfather)|[[Beatrice Pitney Lamb]] (grandmother)|[[Mary Schenck Woolman]] (great-great-grandaunt)| [[Ferdinand Schureman Schenck]] (great-great-great-great-grandfather)}}
}}
'''Christopher D'Olier Reeve'''<ref name=GBR>{{cite web|last=Roberts |first=Gary Boyd |title=#77 Royal Descents, Notable Kin, and Printed Sources: An Assortment of Famous Actors |url=http://www.americanancestors.org/assortment-famous-actors/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203150008/http://www.americanancestors.org/assortment-famous-actors/ |archive-date=December 3, 2010 |publisher=[[New England Historic Genealogical Society]] |access-date=May 3, 2011 }}</ref> (September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) was an American actor, activist, director, and author. He amassed [[Christopher Reeve on stage and screen|several stage and screen credits]] in his 34-year career, including playing the [[Superman (1978 film series character)|title character]] in the [[Superman in film|''Superman'' film series]] (1978–1987). He won a [[British Academy Film Award]], an [[Emmy Award]], a [[Grammy Award]] and a [[Screen Actors Guild Award]]. He was also known for his activism.

Born in New York City and raised in [[Princeton, New Jersey]], Reeve discovered a passion for acting and theater at the age of nine. He studied at [[Cornell University]] and the [[Juilliard School]], making his [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] debut in 1976. His [[Breakthrough role|breakthrough]] came with playing the title character in ''[[Superman (1978 film)|Superman]]'' (1978) and its three sequels (1980–1987). Afterwards, Reeve turned down multiple roles in big-budget movies, focusing instead on [[independent film]]s and plays with complex characters. He appeared in critically successful films such as ''[[Somewhere in Time (film)|Somewhere in Time]]'' (1980), ''[[Deathtrap (film)|Deathtrap]]'' (1982), ''[[The Bostonians (film)|The Bostonians]]'' (1984), ''[[Street Smart (film)|Street Smart]]'' (1987), and ''[[The Remains of the Day (film)|The Remains of the Day]]'' (1993), and in the plays ''[[Fifth of July (play)|Fifth of July]]'' on Broadway and ''[[The Aspern Papers]]'' in [[London's West End]].

Beginning in the 1980s, Reeve was an activist for environmental and human-rights causes and for artistic freedom of expression. In 1995, Reeve was paralyzed from the neck down after being thrown from a horse during an equestrian competition in [[Culpeper, Virginia]]. He used a wheelchair and ventilator for the rest of his life. After his accident, he lobbied for spinal injury research, including human embryonic [[stem cell research]], and for better insurance coverage for people with disabilities. His advocacy work included leading the [[Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation]] and co-founding the Reeve-Irvine Research Center.<ref name="ReeveDies">{{cite news |date=October 11, 2004 |title=Christopher Reeve dies at 52 |url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Movies/10/11/obit.reeve/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061207032703/http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Movies/10/11/obit.reeve/ |archive-date=December 7, 2006 |access-date=November 3, 2006 |publisher=[[CNN]] |location=Atlanta, Georgia}}</ref>

Reeve later directed ''[[In the Gloaming (film)|In the Gloaming]]'' (1997), acted in a television remake of ''[[Rear Window (1998 film)|Rear Window]]'' (1998), and made two appearances in the Superman-themed television series ''[[Smallville]]'' (2003). He also wrote two autobiographical books: ''[[Still Me]]'' (1998) and ''Nothing Is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life'' (2002). He died in 2004 from cardiac arrest at a hospital near his home in Westchester County, New York.

==Early life and education==
Reeve was born on September 25, 1952, in New York City, to Barbara Pitney Lamb, an associate editor of ''[[Town Topics (newspaper)|Town Topics]]'', and [[Franklin D'Olier Reeve]], a teacher, novelist, poet, and scholar. Many of his ancestors had been in America since the early 17th century, some having been aboard the ''[[Mayflower]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.themayflowersociety.org/the-pilgrims/notable-descendants|title=Notable Descendants - the Mayflower Society|access-date=March 11, 2021|archive-date=September 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921022359/https://www.themayflowersociety.org/the-pilgrims/notable-descendants}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Lisa|last=Birnbach|title=True Prep: It's a Whole New Old World|year=2010|publisher=Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group|location=New York City|page=[https://archive.org/details/trueprepitswhole00birn/page/33 33]|isbn=978-0-307-59398-6|url=https://archive.org/details/trueprepitswhole00birn/page/33}}</ref> Through his mother, he was a 12th generation [[Descendants of William Bradford (Plymouth governor)|descendant of]] [[William Bradford (governor)|William Bradford]], a pilgrim and five-time [[Governor of Plymouth Colony]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://mayflowerhistory.com/famous-descendants/ |title = Notable Descendants |website = MayflowerHistory.com|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161019051635/http://mayflowerhistory.com/famous-descendants/ |archive-date = October 19, 2016 }}</ref> Other ancestors of Reeve came from the [[French aristocracy]].<ref name="Ability">{{Cite web|date=February 6, 2018|title=Our first interview with Christopher Reeve|url=https://abilitymagazine.com/christopher-reeve-the-man-behind-the-cape/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111234439/https://abilitymagazine.com/christopher-reeve-the-man-behind-the-cape/|archive-date=November 11, 2024|access-date=November 12, 2020|website=[[Ability (magazine)|Ability]]}}</ref> His maternal great-grandfather, [[Mahlon Pitney]], was an [[associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court]] from 1913 to 1922. For over 25 years his paternal great-grandfather, [[Franklin D'Olier]], was CEO of the [[Prudential Insurance Company]].<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 58</ref> His grand-uncle, Franklin D'Olier Jr., was married to Margaret Winifred Lee, the maternal aunt of [[First Lady of the United States]] [[Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis]].<ref>{{cite web |date=April 16, 1936 |title=INNER DANCE GIVEN FOR ENGAGED COUPLES; Winifred Lee and Franklin D'Olier Jr. and Frances Frear and J.C. Ryan Honored. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/16/archives/dinner-dance-given-for-engaged-couples-winifred-lee-and-franklin.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219084113/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/16/archives/dinner-dance-given-for-engaged-couples-winifred-lee-and-franklin.html |archive-date=December 19, 2024 |access-date=December 16, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

Franklin and Barbara divorced in 1956, and she moved with Christopher and his younger brother Benjamin to [[Princeton, New Jersey]], where they attended Nassau Street School and then [[Princeton Day School]] (PDS).<ref>{{cite web |title=Christopher Reeve |url=https://njhalloffame.org/hall-of-famers/2012-inductees/christopher-reeve/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250208213247/https://njhalloffame.org/hall-of-famers/2012-inductees/christopher-reeve/ |archive-date=February 8, 2025 |access-date=February 8, 2025 |website=New Jersey Hall of Fame}}</ref> Reeve's parents both remarried; he had five half-siblings and several step-siblings. Reeve excelled academically, athletically, and onstage; he was on the [[honor roll]] and played [[soccer]], baseball, tennis, and [[Ice hockey|hockey]]. He also played the piano and sang in the [[choir]] as a [[Boy soprano|soprano]].<ref name="BBC Radio">{{cite web |date=April 13, 1984 |title=Desert Island Discs, Christopher Reeve |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p009mhk0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612095910/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p009mhk0 |archive-date=June 12, 2023 |access-date=November 17, 2024 |website=[[BBC Radio 4]]}}</ref>

Reeve had a difficult relationship with his father, Franklin. He wrote in 1998 that his father's "love for his children always seemed tied to performance"<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 74</ref> and he put pressure on himself to act older than he actually was to gain his father's approval.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 68–69</ref> Between 1988 and 1995 the two barely spoke to each other, but they reconciled after Reeve's paralyzing accident.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 78</ref>

Reeve found his passion for acting in 1962 at age nine when he was cast in an amateur version of the [[operetta]] ''[[The Yeomen of the Guard]]''; it was the first of many student plays.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 70–72</ref> His interest was solidified when at age 15, he spent a summer as an apprentice at the [[Williamstown Theatre Festival]] in [[Williamstown, Massachusetts]].<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 147–150</ref>

After graduating from PDS in June 1970, Reeve acted in plays in [[Boothbay, Maine]]. He planned to go to New York City to find a career in theater. Ultimately, however, at the advice of his mother, he applied for college. He was accepted into [[Princeton University]], [[Columbia University]], [[Brown University]], [[Cornell University]], [[Northwestern University]], and [[Carnegie Mellon University]]. Reeve said he chose Cornell primarily because it was distant from New York City and this would help him avoid the temptation of working as an actor immediately versus finishing college, as he had promised his mother and stepfather.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 154</ref> Reeve joined the theater department in Cornell and played [[Pozzo (Waiting for Godot)|Pozzo]] in ''[[Waiting for Godot]]'', Segismundo in ''[[Life Is a Dream]]'', [[Hamlet]] in ''[[Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead]]'', and Polixenes in ''[[The Winter's Tale]]''.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 155–156</ref>

Late in his first year, Reeve received a letter from Stark Hesseltine, a high-powered New York City agent who had discovered [[Robert Redford]] and who represented actors such as [[Richard Chamberlain]], [[Michael Douglas]], and [[Susan Sarandon]]. Hesseltine had seen Reeve in ''A Month in the Country'' and wanted to represent him. Reeve was excited and kept re-reading the letter to make sure of what it said. Reeve was impatient with school and eager to get on with his career. The two met, but Reeve was surprised to find Hesseltine strongly supported his promise to his mother and stepfather to complete college. They decided instead of dropping out of school, Reeve would come to New York once a month to meet casting agents and producers to find work for the summer vacation.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 157–158</ref>

Reeve received favorable responses to his introductions and auditions arranged by Hesseltine but had to forgo several desirable opportunities because they began before school ended. In the summer, he toured in a production of ''[[Forty Carats]]'' with [[Eleanor Parker]].<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 158–159</ref> The next year, Reeve received a full summer contract with the San Diego Shakespeare Festival, with roles as [[Edward IV]] in ''[[Richard III (play)|Richard III]]'', Fenton in ''[[The Merry Wives of Windsor]]'', and Dumaine in ''[[Love's Labour's Lost]]'' at the [[Old Globe Theatre]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Christopher Reeve |url=https://digitalcollections.sdsu.edu/search?search_api_fulltext=&sort_by=changed&sort_order=DESC&items_per_page=25&f%5B0%5D=subject_names_personal%3AReeve%2C%20Christopher |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207164957/https://digitalcollections.sdsu.edu/search?search_api_fulltext=&sort_by=changed&sort_order=DESC&items_per_page=25&f%5B0%5D=subject_names_personal%3AReeve%2C%20Christopher |archive-date=February 7, 2025 |access-date=February 7, 2025 |website=Digital Collections San Diego State University Library}}</ref>

Before his third year of college, Reeve took a three-month leave of absence. He traveled to [[Glasgow]], Scotland, and saw theatrical productions throughout the United Kingdom. He was inspired by the actors there, and often had conversations with them in bars after their performances. He helped actors at [[The Old Vic]] with their American accents by reading the newspaper aloud for them. He then flew to Paris to study the French theater. Reeve spoke fluent French, having studied it from the third grade through his first year in Cornell. While there he spoke only French to immerse himself in French culture, and watched many performances.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 162–166</ref>

After returning from Europe, Reeve chose to focus solely on acting, although Cornell had several general education requirements for graduation he had yet to complete. He managed to convince theater director John Clancy and the [[Dean (education)|dean]] of the College of Arts and Sciences, as a theater major, he would achieve more at [[Juilliard]] ([[List of Juilliard School people|Group 4]], 1973–1975) in New York City than at Cornell. They agreed his first year at Juilliard would be counted as his senior year at Cornell.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 167</ref>

In 1973, approximately 2,000 students auditioned for 20 places in the freshman class at Juilliard. Reeve's audition was in front of 10 faculty members, including [[John Houseman]], who had just won an [[Academy Award]] for ''[[The Paper Chase (film)|The Paper Chase]]''. Reeve and [[Robin Williams]] were the only students selected for Juilliard's Advanced Program. They had several classes together in which they were the only students. In their [[dialect]]s class with Edith Skinner, Williams had no trouble mastering all dialects naturally, whereas Reeve was more meticulous about it. Williams and Reeve developed a close friendship.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 167–172</ref> Reeve was a [[Godparent|godfather]] to Williams' eldest son Zachary.<ref>{{cite web |last=Siegler |first=Mara |date=November 22, 2014 |title=Williams' son remembers Robin's friendship with Christopher Reeve |url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/williams-son-remembers-robins-friendship-with-christopher-reeve/news-story/c788bc2405acb27ea6f6cc00c5b9406b |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129140734/https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/williams-son-remembers-robins-friendship-with-christopher-reeve/news-story/c788bc2405acb27ea6f6cc00c5b9406b |archive-date=January 29, 2025 |access-date=November 17, 2024 |website=news.com.au}}</ref>

In a meeting with Houseman, Reeve was told, "Mr. Reeve. It is terribly important that you become a serious classical actor. Unless, of course, they offer you a shitload of money to do something else."<ref>{{cite web |last=Holt |first=Patricia |date=May 11, 1998 |title=Reeve Is 'Superman' For Real / Actor's memoir filled with humor and courage |url=https://www.sfgate.com/books/article/reeve-is-superman-for-real-actor-s-memoir-3006354.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219100645/https://www.sfgate.com/books/article/reeve-is-superman-for-real-actor-s-memoir-3006354.php |archive-date=December 19, 2024 |access-date=November 20, 2006 |website=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]}}</ref> Houseman then offered him the chance to leave school and join the Acting Company, among performers such as [[Kevin Kline]], [[Patti LuPone]], and [[David Ogden Stiers]]. Reeve declined, as he had not yet received his bachelor's degree.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 172–173</ref>

In early 1974, Reeve and other Juilliard students toured the New York City junior high school system and performed ''The Love Cure''. In one performance, Reeve, who played the hero, drew his sword out too high and accidentally destroyed a row of lights above him. The students applauded and cheered. Reeve later said this was the greatest ovation of his career.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 173–174</ref> After completing his first year at Juilliard, Reeve graduated from Cornell in the Class of 1974 as a [[Multiple major in the United States|double major]] in English and music theory.<ref>{{cite web |last=Murabito |first=Jennifer |date=October 13, 2004 |title=Cornell Remembers Reeve '74 |url=https://cornellsun.com/2004/10/13/cornell-remembers-reeve-74/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206141458/https://cornellsun.com/2004/10/13/cornell-remembers-reeve-74/ |archive-date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=November 25, 2024 |website=The Cornell Daily Sun}}</ref>

==Career==

===Early work===
In 1974, Reeve auditioned for the soap opera ''[[Love of Life]]'' to pay tuition fees at Juilliard. Initially, he was promised a schedule that would not interfere with his studies. However, his character quickly gained popularity, leading to increased screen time. When Reeve reminded the producers of their agreement, they responded that it wasn't set in writing. The following year, Reeve had to leave Juilliard to fulfill his contract with [[CBS]].<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 174–177</ref> He received an honorary [[Doctor of Fine Arts]] degree from Juilliard in 1997.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 24, 1997 |title=Trust Audiences, Christopher Reeve Tells Juilliard Graduates |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/24/nyregion/trust-audiences-christopher-reeve-tells-juilliard-graduates.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119004118/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/24/nyregion/trust-audiences-christopher-reeve-tells-juilliard-graduates.html |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |access-date=November 25, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

In between filming for the soap opera, Reeve took acting classes at the [[HB Studio]] and appeared in an [[Off-off-Broadway]] production of ''Berchtesgaden'' at the [[Theater for the New City]]. The play was directed by [[Barbara Loden]], who became Reeve's mentor. She coached him not to play "on the nose", and he often followed that advice over the years. After that, he starred in a limited run of ''[[Berkeley Square (play)|Berkeley Square]]'' at the [[Manhattan Theatre Club]].<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 177–179</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Marisa |date=February 4, 2024 |title=Inside Christopher Reeve's Early Days as a Theater Actor in N.Y.C.: He 'Definitely' Had Star Power (Exclusive) |url=https://people.com/christopher-reeve-early-days-as-theater-actor-in-nyc-exclusive-8557214 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502184907/https://people.com/christopher-reeve-early-days-as-theater-actor-in-nyc-exclusive-8557214 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=January 4, 2025 |website=People}}</ref>

In late 1975, Reeve auditioned for the [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] play ''[[A Matter of Gravity]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Matter of Gravity |url=https://playbill.com/production/a-matter-of-gravity-broadhurst-theatre-vault-0000002026#carousel-cell137295 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722171735/https://playbill.com/production/a-matter-of-gravity-broadhurst-theatre-vault-0000002026#carousel-cell137295 |archive-date=July 22, 2024 |access-date=January 5, 2025 |website=Playbill}}</ref> [[Katharine Hepburn]] watched his audition and cast him as her character's grandson. With Hepburn's influence over CBS, Reeve worked out the schedules of the soap opera and the play so he would be able to do both. Because of his busy schedule, he ate candy bars and drank coffee in place of meals and experienced exhaustion and [[malnutrition]]. At one of the performances, Reeve entered the stage, said his first line, and then promptly fainted. Hepburn turned to the audience and said, "This boy's a goddamn fool. He doesn't eat enough red meat." The [[understudy]] finished the play for Reeve, and a doctor treated him. The doctor advised Reeve to eat a healthier diet. He stayed with the play for nine months and was given favorable reviews.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 179–185</ref>

Reeve and Hepburn became very close. Some gossip columns rumored a romance between the two. Reeve said, "She was 67 and I was 22, but I thought that was quite an honor.&nbsp;... I believe I was fairly close to what a child or grandchild might have been to her." She told him, "You're going to be a big star, Christopher, and support me in my old age." He replied, "I can't wait {{em|that}} long." Reeve said his father, who was a professor of literature and came to many of the performances, was the man who most captivated Hepburn. When the play moved to Los Angeles in June 1976, Reeve—to Hepburn's disappointment—dropped out. They stayed in touch for years after the play's run. Reeve later regretted not staying closer and just sending messages back and forth.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 182–186</ref>

Reeve's first role in a Hollywood film was a small part as a junior officer in the 1978 naval submarine disaster movie ''[[Gray Lady Down]]'', starring [[Charlton Heston]]. He then acted in the play ''My Life'' at the [[Circle Repertory Company]] with friend [[William Hurt]].<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 187–188</ref>

===''Superman'' films===
[[File:Superman (Christopher Reeve - 1980).jpg|thumb|Reeve as [[Superman (1978 film series character)|Superman]]]]
During the [[Off-Broadway]] production of ''My Life'', Stark Hesseltine told Reeve he had been asked to audition for the leading role as [[Clark Kent]]/[[Superman]] in the big-budget film ''[[Superman (1978 film)|Superman]]'' (1978). [[Lynn Stalmaster]], the casting director, put Reeve's picture and résumé on the top of the pile three separate times, only to have the producers throw it out each time. Through Stalmaster's persistent pleading, a meeting between director [[Richard Donner]], producer [[Ilya Salkind]], and Reeve was arranged.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 188–189</ref> The morning after the meeting, Reeve was sent a 300-page script. He was thrilled that the script took the subject matter seriously, and that Donner's motto was ''[[verisimilitude]]''. Hesseltine also told him that [[Marlon Brando]] was going to play [[Jor-El]] and [[Gene Hackman]] was going to play [[Lex Luthor]]. Reeve flew to London for a [[screen test]], but he still did not believe he had much of a chance. On the plane ride, he imagined his approach to the role. He later said, "By the late 1970s, the masculine image had changed.&nbsp;... Now it was acceptable for a man to show gentleness and vulnerability.&nbsp;... I felt that the new Superman ought to reflect that contemporary male image." He based his portrayal of Clark Kent on [[Cary Grant]]'s role in the 1938 film ''[[Bringing Up Baby]]''. After the screen test, his driver said, "I'm not supposed to tell you this, but you've got the part."<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 195–197</ref>

Portraying Superman would be a stretch for the 24-year-old actor. He was {{convert|6|ft|4|in|cm|abbr=on}} tall, but his physique was slim. Reeve went through an intense two-month training regimen with former British weightlifting champion [[David Prowse]] supervising. The training regimen consisted of running in the morning, followed by two hours of [[Weight training|weightlifting]] and 90 minutes on the [[trampoline]]. He added {{convert|30|lb|kg|adj=on}} of muscle to his "thin" {{convert|188|lb|adj=on}} frame.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Harrington |first1=Wallace |last2=O'Connor |first2=Michael George |last3=Kavitsky |first3=Joyce |title=Superman (1978) |url=https://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/m-movie1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225090944/https://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/m-movie1.html |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |access-date=December 17, 2024 |website=Christopher Reeve Homepage}}</ref> He later made even higher gains for ''[[Superman III]]'' (1983), though for ''[[Superman IV: The Quest for Peace]]'' (1987), he decided it would be healthier to focus more on [[cardiovascular]] workouts.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Harrington |first1=Wallace |last2=O'Connor |first2=Michael George |last3=Thomas |first3=Judy |last4=Kavitsky |first4=Joyce |title=Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) |url=https://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/m-movie4.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123185403/https://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/m-movie4.html |archive-date=January 23, 2025 |access-date=December 17, 2024 |website=Christopher Reeve Homepage}}</ref> One of the reasons Reeve could not work out as much for ''Superman IV'' was an emergency [[appendectomy]] that he had in June 1986.<ref>{{cite book |last=Rossen |first=Jake |date=February 1, 2008 |title=Superman Vs. Hollywood: How Fiendish Producers, Devious Directors, and Warring Writers Grounded an American Icon |location=Chicago |publisher=Chicago Review Press |pages=166 |isbn=978-1-55652-731-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=Susan Heller |last2=Dunlap |first2=David W. |date=June 26, 1986 |title=NEW YORK DAY BY DAY; Appendectomy Centenary |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/06/26/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-appendectomy-centenary.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220074720/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/06/26/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-appendectomy-centenary.html |archive-date=December 20, 2024 |access-date=December 17, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

Reeve was never a Superman or comic book fan, though he had watched ''[[Adventures of Superman (TV series)|Adventures of Superman]]'' starring [[George Reeves]]. Reeve found the role offered a suitable challenge because it was a dual role. He said, "there must be some difference stylistically between Clark and Superman. Otherwise, you just have a pair of glasses standing in for a character."<ref>{{cite web |last=Bergan |first=Ronald |date=October 12, 2024 |title=Christopher Reeve |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2004/oct/12/health.film |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006111607/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2004/oct/12/health.film |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |access-date=November 20, 2006 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 200</ref> Remembering Loden's earlier advice, Reeve also decided to "underplay" Superman: "I was six feet four, strong, and physically imposing; so I played against that, making him as casual as possible, letting the audience sense an implied power."<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 179</ref>

On the commentary track for the director's edition of ''[[Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut]]'', creative consultant [[Tom Mankiewicz]] spoke of how Reeve had talked to him about playing Superman and then playing Clark Kent. Mankiewicz then corrected Reeve, telling him he was "always, ''always'' playing Superman" and when he was Clark Kent, he was "playing Superman who was playing Clark Kent." Mankiewicz described it to Reeve as a role within a role.

The film, made without the use of computers for special effects, was the first attempt to realistically show a person flying. Roy Field, the film's optical supervisor, said, "There were many techniques used to make Superman fly, but the best special effect of all was Christopher Reeve himself. We discovered very early on he, being a [[glider pilot]], could hold his body aerodynamically. So when he got into the harness, the whole shot began to come alive."<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/tNFAFBhh1cU Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20130815231925/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNFAFBhh1cU&guid=&hl=en&client=mv-google&gl=US Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media |people= Thau, Michael (director)|year= 2001|title=The Magic Behind the Cape |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNFAFBhh1cU|time= 13:25 minutes in}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The film grossed $300.2&nbsp;million worldwide (unadjusted for inflation).<ref>{{cite web |title=Superman |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl4050814465/weekend/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121135156/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl4050814465/weekend/ |archive-date=January 21, 2025 |access-date=October 23, 2006 |website=[[Box Office Mojo]]}}</ref> Reeve received positive reviews for his performance:
* "Christopher Reeve's entire performance is a delight. Ridiculously good-looking, with a face as sharp and strong as an ax blade, his bumbling, fumbling Clark Kent and omnipotent Superman are simply two styles of gallantry and innocence."&nbsp;– ''[[Newsweek]]''
* "Christopher Reeve has become an instant international star on the basis of his first major movie role, of Clark Kent/Superman. Film reviewers—regardless of their opinion of the film—have been almost unanimous in their praise of Reeve's dual portrayal. He is utterly convincing as he switches back and forth between personae."&nbsp;– ''[[Starlog]]''

For his performance, Reeve won a [[BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles]]. Reeve described Superman as "the closest opportunity I've had to playing a classical role on film, the closest expression to something of mythical dimension."<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Loretan|first1=Kyle|last2=Speck|first2=Gregory|date=October 9, 2012|title=New Again: Remembering Christopher Reeve|url=https://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/remembering-christopher-reeve|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606183901/https://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/remembering-christopher-reeve|archive-date=June 6, 2024|access-date=October 16, 2020|website=[[Interview (magazine)|Interview]]}}</ref> His co-star [[Margot Kidder]] said after his death that, with the ''Superman'' films, Reeve "knew he'd done something meaningful. He was very aware of that and very happy with that role."<ref>{{Cite web|author=Dakss, Brian|date=October 12, 2004|title=Reeve Tributes Keep Pouring In|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/reeve-tributes-keep-pouring-in/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231025926/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/reeve-tributes-keep-pouring-in/|archive-date=December 31, 2024|access-date=January 29, 2025|publisher=[[CBS]]}}</ref>

Much of ''[[Superman II]]'' was filmed at the same time as the first film. In fact, the original plan had been for the film to be a single three-hour epic comprising both parts. After most of the footage had been shot, the producers had a disagreement with Donner over various matters, including money and special effects, and Donner was fired. Director [[Richard Lester]], who had worked with the producers previously on the two-parter ''[[The Three Musketeers (1973 live-action film)|The Three Musketeers]]'' (1973) and ''[[The Four Musketeers (1974 film)|The Four Musketeers]]'' (1974), replaced Donner. Lester had the script changed and re-shot some footage. The cast was unhappy, but Reeve later said he liked Lester and considered ''Superman II'' to be his favorite of the series.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 201–203</ref> Donner's version of ''Superman II'', titled ''Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut'', was released on [[DVD-Video|DVD]] in November 2006 and was dedicated in memory of Reeve.

Lester directed ''Superman III'', released in 1983, solo. Reeve believed the producers [[Alexander Salkind]], his son Ilya Salkind, and [[Pierre Spengler]] had decreased the credibility of ''Superman III'' by turning it into a [[Richard Pryor]] comedy rather than a proper Superman film. He missed Donner and believed ''Superman III''{{'s}} only really good element was the automobile [[wrecking yard|junkyard]] scene in which Evil Superman fights Good Clark Kent in an internal battle.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 202–203</ref> Reeve's portrayal of the Evil Superman was highly praised, though the film was critically panned.

''Superman IV: The Quest for Peace'' was released in 1987. After ''Superman III'', Reeve vowed he was done with Superman.<ref>Cosford, Bill. [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB35CC479B535BE&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D After One Final Fling, Reeve Hangs Up His Cape.] ''[[Miami Herald]]'', June 19, 1983, pg 1L. Retrieved November 19, 2006</ref> However, he agreed to continue the role in a fourth film on the condition he would have partial creative control over the script. The [[nuclear disarmament]] plot was his idea. [[Cannon Films]] purchased the production rights to the character of Superman from the Salkinds in the mid-1980s.<ref>Harper, Oliver. "Superman IV (1987) Retrospective / Review". YouTube. June 6, 2013. Web. August 16, 2018.</ref> Cannon Films were known for low-budget, poorly acted, poorly scripted action films.<ref>Lamble, Ryan. "10 Remarkable Things About Superman IV: The Quest for Peace". ''Den of Geek!''. Dennis Publishing, November 15, 2012. Web. August 16, 2018.</ref> They cut the budget of ''Superman IV'' in half to $17 million. The film was both a critical failure and a [[box-office disappointment]], becoming the lowest-grossing ''Superman'' film to date. Reeve later said, "the less said about ''Superman IV'' the better."<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 203</ref> Both of Reeve's children from his relationship with Gae Exton had uncredited appearances in a deleted scene in which Superman rescues a girl, played by his daughter Alexandra, and reunites her with her brother, played by his son Matthew, after Nuclear Man creates a tornado in [[Smallville (comics)|Smallville]].

Reeve would have made a fifth ''Superman'' film after the rights to the character reverted to the Salkinds and Spengler if the film had a budget of the same size as ''Superman: The Movie''. Although there was potential for such a film in the late 1980s after Cannon Films went bankrupt, Reeve never received a script.<ref>capedwonder.superman. "Christopher Reeve at Dixie Trek – Part Two". YouTube. July 24, 2012. Web. August 20, 2018.</ref>

In 1993, two years before Reeve's accident, the Salkinds sold the rights to the character of Superman again, this time to [[Warner Bros.]] "There was supposed to be a fifth ''Superman'' movie titled ''[[Superman Reborn]]'', but because of studio shifts, the terrible box office [''Superman IV''] got, and&nbsp;... Reeves's {{sic}} accident, it never saw the light of day."<ref>Adam Does Movies. "The Best & Worst Superman Movies Ranked: Movie Feuds ep156". YouTube. November 17, 2015. Web. August 20, 2018.</ref>

===1980s===
Reeve's first role after 1978's ''Superman'' was in the 1980 time-travel mystery/romantic fantasy ''[[Somewhere in Time (film)|Somewhere in Time]]''. Reeve as playwright Richard Collier romanced Elise McKenna, a popular stage actress from the early 20th century, played by [[Jane Seymour (British actress)|Jane Seymour]]. The film was shot on [[Mackinac Island]] using the [[Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island)|Grand Hotel]] in mid-1979, and was Reeve's favorite film to shoot.

The original plan was for a limited release and to build word of mouth, but early test screenings were favorable and the studio decided on a wide release, which proved to be the wrong strategy. Early reviews savaged the film as unduly sentimental and melodramatic, and an [[1980 actors strike|actors' strike]] prevented Reeve and Seymour from doing publicity. The film quickly closed, although [[Jean-Pierre Dorléac]] was nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best Costume Design]] in 1980. However, thanks to screenings on cable networks and [[video rentals]], the film became a [[cult film|cult classic]].<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 204–207</ref> INSITE (International Network of Somewhere in Time Enthusiasts) did fundraising to sponsor a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] for Reeve in 1997, and raised over $20,000 for the [[Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Addie |first=Jo |title=INSITE Honors Christopher Reeve With Walk of Fame Star |url=https://www.somewhereintime.tv/events_walkoffame.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018024543/https://www.somewhereintime.tv/events_walkoffame.htm |archive-date=October 18, 2023 |access-date=November 16, 2024 |website=INSITE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=INSITE Accomplishments |url=https://www.somewhereintime.tv/insite_accomplishments.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113130830/https://www.somewhereintime.tv/insite_accomplishments.htm |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=INSITE}}</ref> Seymour became a friend of Reeve and in 1995 named one of her twin sons Kristopher in his honor (Reeve also became his godfather).<ref>{{cite web |last=Krug |first=Kurt Anthony |date=October 27, 2020 |title=Jane Seymour looks back on 40 years of "Somewhere in Time," Mackinac Island |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/2020/10/27/jane-seymour-looks-back-40-years-somewhere-time-mackinac-island/3742904001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241118154355/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/2020/10/27/jane-seymour-looks-back-40-years-somewhere-time-mackinac-island/3742904001/ |archive-date=November 18, 2024 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=The Detroit News}}</ref> The Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island has become a popular tourist site for film fans.

In that same year, Reeve made a guest appearance on ''[[The Muppet Show]]'', where he performed "[[East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)]]" on a piano for [[Miss Piggy]], who had a crush on him. Reeve denied being Superman but displayed the character's superpowers throughout the episode. He then returned to continue filming on the not yet finished production of ''Superman II''.

After finishing ''Superman II'', Reeve called [[Nikos Psacharopoulos]], the artistic director of the [[Williamstown Theatre Festival]], whom he knew since his apprentice days, and asked if he could join the company. Reeve did two plays that season: ''[[The Front Page]]'' and ''[[The Cherry Orchard]]''. The former, directed by [[Robert Allan Ackerman]], became one of the biggest successes of the summer.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Front Page |url=https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/front-page-the/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113132357/https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/front-page-the/ |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=January 8, 2025 |website=Williamstown Theatre Festival}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Cherry Orchard |url=https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/cherry-orchard-the-3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113132846/https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/cherry-orchard-the-3/ |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=January 8, 2025 |website=Williamstown Theatre Festival}}</ref> From then on, he was a regular at the festival. Later in the year, Reeve played a disabled Vietnam veteran in [[Lanford Wilson]]'s play ''[[Fifth of July (play)|Fifth of July]]'' on Broadway to excellent reviews. To prepare for the role, he was coached by an amputee on how to walk on artificial legs. The production was nominated for five [[Tony Awards]], including [[Tony Award for Best Play|Best Play]].<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 208–212</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Franklin |first=Marc J. |date=July 5, 2020 |title=Look Back at Christopher Reeve, Jeff Daniels, and More in Fifth Of July |url=https://playbill.com/article/look-back-at-christopher-reeve-jeff-daniels-and-more-in-fifth-of-july |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110185150/https://playbill.com/article/look-back-at-christopher-reeve-jeff-daniels-and-more-in-fifth-of-july |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2025 |website=Playbill}}</ref> In 1981, Reeve returned to Williamstown to play [[Achilles]] in the two-part, six-hour production of ''The Greeks''.<ref>{{cite web |last=King |first=Robert L. |date=July 12, 1981 |title=BRINGING 'THE GREEKS' TO WILLIAMSTOWN |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/07/12/theater/bringing-the-greeks-to-williamstown.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113131926/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/07/12/theater/bringing-the-greeks-to-williamstown.html |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

In 1982, Reeve stretched his acting range further and played a devious novice playwright with questionable motives regarding his idol and mentor [[Michael Caine]], in [[Sidney Lumet]]'s suspenseful dark comedy ''[[Deathtrap (film)|Deathtrap]]'', based on the play by [[Ira Levin]]. The film was well received, but a major plot twist was spoiled by the press, affecting its box office performance.<ref>{{cite web |last=Roberts |first=Curtis |date=June 8, 2024 |title='You don't have the right to spill the plot': Christopher Reeve defended queer scene in major film twist amongst anti-gay reviews |url=https://wegotthiscovered.com/celebrities/you-dont-have-the-right-to-spill-the-plot-christopher-reeve-defended-queer-scene-in-major-film-twist-amongst-anti-gay-reviews/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241115155811/https://wegotthiscovered.com/celebrities/you-dont-have-the-right-to-spill-the-plot-christopher-reeve-defended-queer-scene-in-major-film-twist-amongst-anti-gay-reviews/ |archive-date=November 15, 2024 |access-date=December 18, 2024 |publisher=WGTC}}</ref> The same year, Reeve portrayed corrupt Catholic priest John Flaherty making challenging decisions during [[World War II]] in [[Frank Perry]]'s ''[[Monsignor (film)|Monsignor]]''. Reeve felt this gave him the opportunity to play "a morally ambiguous character who was neither clearly good nor clearly bad, someone to whom life is much more complex than the characters I've played previously." Reeve blamed the failure of the film on poor editing. He said, "the movie is sort of a series of outrageous incidents that you find hard to believe. Since they don't have a focus, and since they aren't justified and explained, they become laughable."<ref>{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Judy|url=http://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/m-monsignor.html|title=Monsignor (1982)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025095039/http://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/m-monsignor.html|archive-date=October 25, 2023|access-date=January 12, 2025|website=Christopher Reeve Homepage}}</ref>

[[File:Ronald Reagan Christopher Reeve.jpg|left|thumb|Reeve, [[Frank Gifford]] and [[Ronald Reagan]] at a reception and picnic marking the 15th anniversary of the [[Special Olympics]] program in the Diplomatic Reception room, May 1983]]
In 1983, Reeve appeared in ''[[Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre]]'', playing the dual roles of Prince Charming and the cowardly prince in ''[[Sleeping Beauty]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thomas |first=Judy |title=FAERIE TALE THEATRE: "Sleeping Beauty" (1983) |url=https://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/m-faerietale.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617002027/https://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/m-faerietale.html |archive-date=June 17, 2024 |access-date=December 25, 2024 |website=Christopher Reeve Homepage}}</ref> In Williamstown, he acted in the play ''[[Holiday (play)|Holiday]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Shewey |first=Don |date=June 19, 1983 |title=PLAYING IT SERIOUSLY IN SUMMER STOCK |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/06/19/theater/playing-it-seriously-in-summer-stock.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113133626/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/06/19/theater/playing-it-seriously-in-summer-stock.html |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> Later that year, Reeve went to [[Kranjska Gora]], Slovenia, to work on the film ''[[The Aviator (1985 film)|The Aviator]]''. The producers approached him without knowing he could fly a [[Stearman Aircraft|Stearman]], the vintage biplane used in the film. He readily accepted the role and volunteered to do his own piloting to achieve a more realistic look.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 217–219</ref> The film was released in March 1985.

Reeve was then offered the role of Basil Ransom in 1984's ''[[The Bostonians (film)|The Bostonians]]'' alongside [[Vanessa Redgrave]]. Though Reeve ordinarily commanded over one million dollars per film, [[Ismail Merchant]] could only afford to pay him one-tenth of that. Reeve had no complaints, as this was exactly the kind of film he wanted to do. In a 2005 interview, [[James Ivory]] said that [[Merchant Ivory Productions]] didn't have good representatives at the time, so Reeve "brokered" the arrangements with the [[Creative Artists Agency|CAA]] to get them into the agency.<ref>{{cite book |title=James Ivory in Conversation: How Merchant Ivory Makes Its Movies |author=Long, Robert Emmet |date=April 21, 2005 |publisher=University of California Press |pages=18 |isbn=0-520-23415-4}}</ref> The film exceeded expectations and performed well at the box office for what was considered to be an [[art house film]].<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 212–216</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' ranked it "among the finest film adaptations of a classic novel that anyone has yet made."<ref>{{cite web |last=Canby |first=Vincent |date=August 5, 1984 |title=FILM; 'BOSTONIANS': A PROPER JAMESIAN ADAPTATION |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/08/05/movies/film-bostonians-a-proper-jamesian-adaptation.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205215914/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/08/05/movies/film-bostonians-a-proper-jamesian-adaptation.html |archive-date=February 5, 2024 |access-date=February 12, 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

Ivory thought that Reeve was "wonderful" in ''The Bostonians'', but that he was "really undervalued by the critics and even the awards" because "they were so used to thinking of him as Superman."<ref>{{cite web |last=Dunaway |first=Michael |date=August 28, 2016 |title=In Conversation with James Ivory |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/in-conversation-with-james-ivory |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219183753/https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/in-conversation-with-james-ivory |archive-date=December 19, 2024 |access-date=December 19, 2024 |website=Paste Magazine}}</ref> Hepburn called Reeve to tell him he was "absolutely marvelous" and "captivating" in the film. When he told her he was currently shooting the 1985 version of ''[[Anna Karenina (1985 film)|Anna Karenina]]'', she said, "Oh, that's a terrible mistake."<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 183</ref> Reeve reunited with Redgrave in the play ''[[The Aspern Papers]]'' during its 1984 run in [[London's West End]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Jensen |first=Gregory |date=April 10, 1984 |title=Christopher Reeve, Vanessa Redgrave in London revival of 'Aspen Papers' |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/04/10/Christopher-Reeve-Vanessa-Redgrave-in-London-revival-of-Aspen-Papers/9284450421200/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113134335/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/04/10/Christopher-Reeve-Vanessa-Redgrave-in-London-revival-of-Aspen-Papers/9284450421200/ |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=December 22, 2024 |work=United Press International}}</ref> In Williamstown, he played the title role in ''[[Richard Cory]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Richard Cory |url=https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/richard-cory/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113134624/https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/richard-cory/ |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=Williamstown Theatre Festival}}</ref>

In March 1985, Reeve starred as Count Vronsky in the television film ''Anna Karenina'', opposite [[Jacqueline Bisset]]. Reeve's daughter, Alexandra, also appeared in the film as his character's 10-month-old daughter, taking her first steps. It was for this film that Reeve learned to ride horses and decided to take up the sport seriously upon returning home.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thomas |first=Judy |title=Anna Karenina (1985) |url=https://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/m-anna.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529091933/https://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/m-anna.html |archive-date=May 29, 2024 |access-date=December 30, 2024 |website=Christopher Reeve Homepage}}</ref> In April, Reeve hosted an episode of ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=April 6, 1985 |url=http://snlarchives.net/Episodes/?19850406 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003101151/http://snlarchives.net/Episodes/?19850406 |archive-date=October 3, 2024 |access-date=December 26, 2024 |website=SNL Archives}}</ref> He then returned to the stage, playing Tony in ''[[The Royal Family (play)|The Royal Family]]'' in Williamstown<ref>{{cite web |title=The Royal Family |url=https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/royal-family-the/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113135638/https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/royal-family-the/ |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=December 22, 2024 |website=Williamstown Theatre Festival}}</ref> and the Count in a modern adaptation of ''[[The Marriage of Figaro (play)|The Marriage of Figaro]]'' on Broadway.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Marriage of Figaro |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-marriage-of-figaro-circle-in-the-square-theatre-vault-0000003261 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717223035/https://playbill.com/production/the-marriage-of-figaro-circle-in-the-square-theatre-vault-0000003261 |archive-date=July 17, 2024 |access-date=December 1, 2024 |website=Playbill}}</ref> Reeve also hosted the television documentary ''[[Dinosaur! (1985 film)|Dinosaur!]]'', which was filmed at the [[American Museum of Natural History]]. It was one of the earliest prime-time specials on prehistoric life and won the [[Primetime Emmy Awards|Emmy Award]] for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects|Outstanding Special Visual Effects]]. Also in 1985, [[DC Comics]] named Reeve as one of the honorees in the company's 50th-anniversary publication, ''[[Fifty Who Made DC Great]]'', for his work on the [[Superman in film|''Superman'' film series]].<ref>{{Cite comic| writer = Marx, Barry| cowriters = [[Joey Cavalieri|Cavalieri, Joey]] and Hill, Thomas| artist = Petruccio, Steven | editor = Marx, Barry| story = Christopher Reeve Superman Becomes a Blockbuster| title = Fifty Who Made DC Great|year = 1985| publisher = DC Comics| page = 44| panel = }}</ref>

In 1986, he was still struggling to find scripts he liked. A script named ''[[Street Smart (film)|Street Smart]]'' had been lying in his house for years, and after re-reading it, he took it to Cannon Films. They agreed to produce it on the condition that he play Superman in at least one more sequel for them. Reeve starred opposite [[Morgan Freeman]], who was nominated for his first Academy Award for the film. It received excellent reviews but performed poorly at the box office, possibly because Cannon Films had failed to properly advertise it.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 222–224, 228</ref> Back in Williamstown, he began building a house and starred in ''[[Summer and Smoke]]'' alongside [[Laila Robins]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Summer and Smoke |url=https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/summer-and-smoke-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113142304/https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/summer-and-smoke-2/ |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=Williamstown Theatre Festival}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Freeman |first=Paul |year=1988 |title=CHRISTOPHER REEVE: In This Vintage Interview, the Late Actor Talks About "Superman" and More |url=https://www.popcultureclassics.com/christopher_reeve.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113104706/https://www.popcultureclassics.com/christopher_reeve.html |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=Pop Culture Classics}}</ref>

After the filming of ''Superman IV'' in February 1987, Reeve and Exton separated and Reeve returned to New York.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (2002), p. 142</ref> In a depression over his personal life, he thought doing a comedy might be good for him and agreed to appear in ''[[Switching Channels]]''. However, [[Burt Reynolds]] and [[Kathleen Turner]] had a feud during filming, which made the time even more unbearable for Reeve. He later stated that he made a fool of himself in the film and most of his time was spent refereeing between Reynolds and Turner. In her 2008 memoir, Turner wrote, "Burt and I were sworn enemies.&nbsp;... It was not happy shooting at all. I was absolutely miserable. If the crew hadn't been so kind, and Chris Reeve, who was so very nice, hadn't been there in the cast, it might have been impossible."<ref>{{cite book|title=Send Yourself Roses: Thoughts on My Life, Love, and Leading Roles|author=Turner, Kathleen |date=February 7, 2008 |publisher=Headline |pages=124 |isbn=978-0-446-58 112-7}}</ref> The film did poorly, and Reeve believed it marked the end of his movie star career. In June, he appeared in the British television special charity event ''[[The Grand Knockout Tournament]]''<ref>{{cite news|last=Shufflebotham|first=Bethan|date=March 25, 2021|title=Sir Tom Jones among the celebrities at the It's A Royal Knockout event at Alton Towers in 1987|url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/gallery/21-photos-celebrities-alton-towers-5175217|work=[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127165452/https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/gallery/21-photos-celebrities-alton-towers-5175217|archive-date=November 27, 2021 |access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref> and then went to Williamstown to rehearse for the play ''[[The Rover (play)|The Rover]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Rover |url=https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/rover-the/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113141825/https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/rover-the/ |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=January 2, 2025 |website=Williamstown Theatre Festival}}</ref> On June 30, Reeve met his future wife [[Dana Morosini]].<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 228–230</ref>

In 1988, Reeve played Major [[Johnnie Dodge]] in the two-part television film ''[[The Great Escape II: The Untold Story]]''. Like the [[The Great Escape (film)|1963 film]], the first part tells the story of the mass escape of Allied POWs from a German camp in 1944. The second part depicts the search and prosecution of those responsible for the [[Stalag Luft III murders|murder of 50 escapees]], which was not covered in the 1963 film.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hanauer |first=Joan |date=November 5, 1988 |title=UNTOLD STORY TOLD: 'THE GREAT ESCAPE II' |url=https://www.deseret.com/1988/11/5/18782949/untold-story-told-the-great-escape-ii/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204222457/https://www.deseret.com/1988/11/5/18782949/untold-story-told-the-great-escape-ii/ |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |access-date=January 6, 2025 |website=DesertNews}}</ref> But for most of 1988 and 1989, Reeve worked onstage. He starred in another production of ''Summer and Smoke'', this time with [[Christine Lahti]], at the [[Ahmanson Theatre]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1988–1997 |url=https://www.centertheatregroup.org/about/timeline/1988-1997/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617082007/https://www.centertheatregroup.org/about/timeline/1988-1997/ |archive-date=June 17, 2024 |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=Center Theatre Group}}</ref> In Williamstown, he reunited with [[Madeleine Potter]] in Joel Gross' new play, ''Mesmer'', and performed in a [[stage reading]] of the same play on Broadway.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mesmer |url=https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/mesmer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113142707/https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/mesmer/ |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=January 10, 2025 |website=Williamstown Theatre Festival}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Nemy |first=Enid |date=November 6, 1987 |title=Broadway |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/06/theater/broadway.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113105524/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/06/theater/broadway.html |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=January 9, 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

In 1989, Reeve played Polixenes in an Off-Broadway production of ''[[The Winter's Tale]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rich |first=Frank |date=March 22, 1989 |title=Review/Theater; A 2d Drama in a Shakespeare Play |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/22/theater/review-theater-a-2d-drama-in-a-shakespeare-play.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114143120/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/22/theater/review-theater-a-2d-drama-in-a-shakespeare-play.html |archive-date=January 14, 2025 |access-date=January 9, 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> In Williamstown, he played the lead in ''John Brown's Body'', in which Dana also had a small role.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gussow |first=Mel |date=June 27, 1989 |title=Review/Theater; A Civil War Panorama In 'John Brown's Body' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/27/theater/review-theater-a-civil-war-panorama-in-john-brown-s-body.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012055124/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/27/theater/review-theater-a-civil-war-panorama-in-john-brown-s-body.html |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bush |first=Susan |date=March 7, 2006 |title=Dana Reeve Remembered |url=https://www.iberkshires.com/story/19329/Dana-Reeve-Remembered.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113103528/https://www.iberkshires.com/story/19329/Dana-Reeve-Remembered.html |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=iBerkshires.com}}</ref> Reeve was part of a rotating cast in [[John Tillinger]]'s production of ''[[Love Letters (play)|Love Letters]]'' at the Promenade Theatre;<ref>{{cite web |last=Evans |first=Suzy |date=August 1, 2014 |title=Carol Burnett, Candice Bergen, Anjelica Huston, Martin Sheen Set for 'Love Letters' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/carol-burnett-candice-bergen-anjelica-722624/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206073940/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/carol-burnett-candice-bergen-anjelica-722624/ |archive-date=February 6, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> with [[Julie Hagerty]], he also performed in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Boston in 1989 and 1990. He auditioned for the [[Richard Gere]] role in ''[[Pretty Woman]]'' but walked out on the audition because they had a half-hearted casting director fill in for [[Julia Roberts]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Reimann |first=Tom |date=April 25, 2019 |title=Surprising Behind-the-Scenes Facts about Pretty Woman |url=https://collider.com/galleries/pretty-woman-behind-the-scenes-facts/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923015858/https://collider.com/galleries/pretty-woman-behind-the-scenes-facts/ |archive-date=September 23, 2024 |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=Collider}}</ref>

===1990s===
In 1990, Reeve starred in the American Civil War film ''[[The Rose and the Jackal]]'', in which he played [[Allan Pinkerton]], the head of [[President Lincoln]]'s new Secret Service. In Williamstown, he played Death/Prince Nikolai Sirki in the play ''[[Death Takes a Holiday (musical)|Death Takes a Holiday]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gussow |first=Mel |date=August 13, 1990 |title=Review/Theater; Reeve Resurrects Death as a Charming Stranger |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/13/theater/review-theater-reeve-resurrects-death-as-a-charming-stranger.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250116184946/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/13/theater/review-theater-reeve-resurrects-death-as-a-charming-stranger.html |archive-date=January 16, 2025 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

In the early 1990s, Reeve was cast as a villain in three television films almost in a row: ''[[Bump in the Night (novel)|Bump in the Night]]'' (1991), ''Death Dreams'' (1991), and ''[[Nightmare in the Daylight]]'' (1992). The most notable of these was ''Bump in the Night'', in which Reeve played a child molester who abducts a young boy. The movie received fair to positive reviews.<ref>{{cite news |last=Weiskind |first=Ron |date=January 4, 1991 |title='Bump' Stars Go Against Type |page=24 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Loynd |first=Ray |date=January 5, 1991 |title=Suspense Tale of Two Evils in 'Bump in the Night' |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-01-05-ca-6785-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225050905/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-01-05-ca-6785-story.html |archive-date=December 25, 2024 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> Reeve felt it was important for parents of young children to see the film.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kavitsky |first=Joyce |url=https://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/m-bumpnight.html |title=Bump in the Night (1991) |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112001539/https://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/m-bumpnight.html |archive-date=November 12, 2023 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Christopher Reeve Homepage}}</ref>

In 1992, Reeve played one of the leads in [[Peter Bogdanovich]]'s comedy ''[[Noises Off (film)|Noises Off]]''. In a 2020 book ''Picturing Peter Bogdanovich: My Conversations with the New Hollywood Director'', Bogdanovich said, "[Reeve] was very good in that. He was good at comedy. I could tell that from the first ''Superman''. He was my only choice for that part."<ref>{{cite book|title=Picturing Peter Bogdanovich: My Conversations with the New Hollywood Director|author=Tonguette, Peter|date=July 21, 2020|publisher=University Press of Kentucky|isbn=978-0813147314}}</ref> In another television film, ''Mortal Sins'', Reeve for the second time played a Catholic priest, this time hearing the confessions of a serial murderer in a role reminiscent of [[Montgomery Clift]] in [[Alfred Hitchcock]]'s ''[[I Confess (film)|I Confess]]''. He also acted in the short film ''Last Ferry Home''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Last Ferry Home |url=https://collection.oldfilm.org/Detail/occurrences/57621 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250116184541/https://collection.oldfilm.org/Detail/occurrences/57621 |archive-date=January 16, 2025 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Northeast Historic Film}}</ref> His last performance in a proper stage production was ''The Guardsman'' in Williamstown that year.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Guardsman |url=https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/guardsman-the/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250116191219/https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/guardsman-the/ |archive-date=January 16, 2025 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Williamstown Theatre Festival}}</ref>

In the spring of 1992, Reeve attended the US premiere of ''[[Howards End (film)|Howards End]]'' where he met Ivory again. The next day Ivory called him and offered him a role in his new film, ''[[The Remains of the Day (film)|The Remains of the Day]]'' (1993). The script was one of the best he had read, and he unhesitatingly took the part. The film was deemed an instant classic and was nominated for eight Academy Awards.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 232–235</ref> At the 2024 screening of the film, Ivory praised Reeve's performance, saying, "He was a great guy... a very, very good actor who got trapped in Superman."<ref>{{cite web |last=Hacsek |first=Sophie |date=September 19, 2024 |title=An Evening with James Ivory: The Witty Maestro of Cinematic Elegance |url=https://arthereartnow.com/2024/09/29/james-ivory-witty-maestro-cinematic-elegance/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930195336/https://arthereartnow.com/2024/09/29/james-ivory-witty-maestro-cinematic-elegance/ |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=arthereartnow}}</ref> According to Reeve's son Will, ''The Remains of the Day'' is the film that his father was most proud of.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sharf |first=Zack |date=January 20, 2024 |title=Christopher Reeve's Children Never Watched That 'Flash' CGI Cameo, Say He'd Choose 'Remains of the Day' Over 'Superman' as the Film He's Proud of Most |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/christopher-reeves-children-the-flash-cameo-1235880290/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214060338/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/christopher-reeves-children-the-flash-cameo-1235880290/ |archive-date=December 14, 2024 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Variety}}</ref>

In 1993, Reeve starred opposite [[Charles Bronson]] in the television film ''[[The Sea Wolf (1993 film)|The Sea Wolf]]'', based on [[Jack London]]'s novel of the [[The Sea-Wolf|same name]].<ref name="Sea Wolf">{{cite web |last=King |first=Susan |date=April 18, 1993 |title=Tossed at Sea : JACK LONDON'S 'SEA WOLF' IS A NATURAL SETTING FOR REEVE |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-04-18-tv-24112-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203222202/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-04-18-tv-24112-story.html |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |access-date=December 1, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> After that, he traveled to Canada to shoot a miniseries, ''[[Black Fox (miniseries)|Black Fox]]'', co-starring [[Tony Todd]]. CBS released it as three films two months after Reeve's accident in 1995. Scenes of Reeve riding are featured heavily in the story. Reeve's children, Matthew and Alexandra, appear briefly in the background in the first film.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 232</ref>

During this period, Superman's grip on Reeve's career gradually began to loosen. In a review for ''[[Morning Glory (1993 film)|Morning Glory]]'' (1993), one critic wrote: "Those who can't take Reeve seriously unless he's wearing a blue suit and a red cape will find themselves pleasantly surprised by the heft and subtlety he brings to his [role].&nbsp;… This movie isn't big enough to make Reeve a star again. But the impression he makes here is good enough to suggest that a reversal of perception—and fortune—won't be long in coming."<ref>{{cite web |last=Thomas |first=Judy |url=https://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/m-morningglory.html |title=Morning Glory (1993) |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529093806/https://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/m-morningglory.html |archive-date=May 29, 2024 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Christopher Reeve Homepage}}</ref> Another critic said in a review for ''[[Speechless (1994 film)|Speechless]]'' (1994): "Mr. Reeve has quietly evolved into a versatile character actor… It's only a matter of time before he is 'officially' rediscovered and celebrated, like John Travolta in ''Pulp Fiction''."<ref name="Ability"/> Reeve considered ''The Rose and the Jackal'', ''Morning Glory'', and ''The Sea Wolf'' some of his best work.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 231</ref>

In 1994, Reeve did a reading of ''Love Letters'' in Williamstown, and also appeared as a narrator in a concert version of the musical ''[[Allegro (musical)|Allegro]]'' at the [[New York City Center]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Love Letters |url=https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/love-letters/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250116182152/https://archive.wtfestival.org/main-events/love-letters/ |archive-date=January 16, 2025 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Williamstown Theatre Festival}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Holden |first=Stephen |date=March 5, 1994 |title=Review/Theater: Allegro; Revival of a Famous Pair's First Flop |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/05/theater/review-theater-allegro-revival-of-a-famous-pair-s-first-flop.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227232144/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/05/theater/review-theater-allegro-revival-of-a-famous-pair-s-first-flop.html |archive-date=December 27, 2023 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> These became his last performances onstage.

In 1995, Reeve starred in [[John Carpenter]]'s ''[[Village of the Damned (1995 film)|Village of the Damned]]'', a remake of the 1960 British movie of the same name. Both films were based on the 1957 novel ''[[The Midwich Cuckoos]]'' by [[John Wyndham]]. For Carpenter, the film was a contractual obligation, but "it has a very good performance from Christopher Reeve, so there's some value in it."<ref>{{cite web |last=Abrams |first=Simon |date=July 6, 2011 |title=The Soft-Spoken John Carpenter on How He Chooses Projects and His Box-Office Failures |url=https://www.vulture.com/2011/07/john_carpenter.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911222239/https://www.vulture.com/2011/07/john_carpenter.html |archive-date=September 11, 2024 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Vulture}}</ref> ''Village of the Damned'' was Reeve's final feature film to be released in theaters. Shortly before his accident, Reeve played a paralyzed police officer in the [[HBO]] movie ''[[Above Suspicion (1995 film)|Above Suspicion]]''. He did research at a [[Physical medicine and rehabilitation|rehabilitation]] hospital in [[Van Nuys]] "on what it would be like to be a paraplegic."<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 297</ref> His injury occurred less than a week after the premiere of the film.

Reeve also made several guest appearances in television shows: ''[[Carol & Company]]'' in 1991, ''[[Road to Avonlea]]'' and ''[[Tales from the Crypt (TV series)|Tales from the Crypt]]'' in 1992. He accepted an offer to appear in ''Road to Avonlea'' without reading the script because [[Colleen Dewhurst]], with whom he was close, spoke highly of the show.<ref>{{cite news |last=Zekas |first=Rita |date=December 15, 1991 |title=Superman on horseback wears black hat in Avonlea |page=C.2 |newspaper=Toronto Star}}</ref> His episode in ''Tales from the Crypt'', [[List of Tales from the Crypt episodes#Season 4 (1992)|"What's Cookin'"]], is considered one of the best in the series.<ref>{{cite web |last=Presnell |first=Riley |date=January 9, 2023 |title=Best Episodes of 'Tales From the Crypt' |url=https://collider.com/tales-from-the-crypt-best-episodes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009220202/https://collider.com/tales-from-the-crypt-best-episodes/ |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Collider}}</ref> He was also one of the celebrity guest callers on ''[[Frasier]]'' in 1993.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 9, 2012 |title=Frasier's Celebrity Callers (VIDEO) |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/frasiers-celebrity-caller_n_1412019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208163833/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/frasiers-celebrity-caller_n_1412019 |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=HuffPost}}</ref>

Before his injury, Reeve was offered the lead in the 1995 film ''[[Kidnapped (1995 film)|Kidnapped]]''. He also planned to direct his first film for the big screen, a romantic comedy entitled ''Tell Me True''.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 242</ref> Both plans were cancelled as a result of a horse riding accident that left him paralyzed.

In 1996, Reeve narrated the HBO documentary ''[[Without Pity: A Film About Abilities]]''. The film won the Emmy Award for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special|Outstanding Informational Special]]. He then acted in a small role in the film ''[[A Step Toward Tomorrow]]''.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 10, 1996 |title=A Step Toward Tomorrow |url=https://variety.com/1996/tv/reviews/a-step-toward-tomorrow-1200447766/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114095520/https://variety.com/1996/tv/reviews/a-step-toward-tomorrow-1200447766/ |archive-date=January 14, 2025 |access-date=January 8, 2025 |website=Variety}}</ref>

In 1997, Reeve made his directorial debut with the HBO film ''[[In the Gloaming (film)|In the Gloaming]]'' with [[Robert Sean Leonard]], [[Glenn Close]], [[Whoopi Goldberg]], [[Bridget Fonda]], and [[David Strathairn]]. The film was nominated for five Emmy Awards, including [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie|Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries or Special]], and won four awards out of the six it was nominated for at the [[CableACE Award]]s. Dana said, "There's such a difference in his outlook, his health, his overall sense of well-being when he's working at what he loves, which is creative work."<ref>{{cite web |title=Biography |url=https://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/biography.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330205724/https://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/biography.html |archive-date=March 30, 2024 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |website=Christopher Reeve Homepage}}</ref>

In early 1998, Reeve persuaded [[Michael Eisner]], the CEO of [[Disney]] at the time, to give a two-hour prime-time slot on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] to a spinal cord research fundraiser. The special focused on inspiring stories of people with disabilities, as well as performances by disabled artists. Reeve said, "To put two hours about spinal cord injury on prime-time TV is unheard of. We wanted to make it a celebration of life. Show the triumphs that can happen."<ref>{{cite web |last=Deggans |first=Eric |date=March 1, 1998 |title=Christopher Reeve's high-flying hope |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1998/03/01/christopher-reeve-s-high-flying-hope/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306102821/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1998/03/01/christopher-reeve-s-high-flying-hope/ |archive-date=March 6, 2025 |access-date=March 6, 2025 |website=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref> Numerous celebrities lent their support, including [[Robin Williams]], [[Tom Hanks]], [[Meryl Streep]], Glenn Close, [[Stevie Wonder]], [[Willie Nelson]], [[Gloria Estefan]], and many others. ''A Celebration of Hope'' received an Emmy nomination for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)|Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Shales |first=Tom |date=February 28, 1998 |title=THREE CHEERS FOR 'CHRISTOPHER REEVE' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1998/02/28/three-cheers-for-christopher-reeve/65ec46bc-bb35-4b05-b730-9e9e92af8981/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306111559/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1998/02/28/three-cheers-for-christopher-reeve/65ec46bc-bb35-4b05-b730-9e9e92af8981/ |archive-date=March 6, 2025 |access-date=March 6, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>

On April 25, 1998, [[Random House]] published Reeve's autobiography, ''[[Still Me]]''. The book spent 11 weeks on the [[New York Times Best Seller list|''New York Times'' Best Seller list]]. Reeve narrated the abridged audiobook, which won him the [[Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album]],<ref>{{cite press release |date=October 23, 2001 |title=Christopher Reeve to give Parents Weekend keynote lecture |url=https://www.brown.edu/Administration/News_Bureau/2001-02/01-047.html |publisher=[[Brown University]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924211615/http://www.brown.edu/Administration/News_Bureau/2001-02/01-047.html |archive-date=September 24, 2022 |access-date=November 24, 2006}}</ref> the [[Audie Award for Solo Narration by the Author]],<ref name="Audie">{{cite web |title=1999 Audie Awards |url=https://www.audiopub.org/1999-audies-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123123636/https://www.audiopub.org/1999-audies-1 |archive-date=January 23, 2025 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Audio Publishers Association}}</ref> and the Earphones Award from ''[[AudioFile (magazine)|AudioFile]]''.<ref name="AudioFile">{{cite web |title=Still Me |url=https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/6412/still-me-by-christopher-reeve-read-by-christopher-reeve/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127060316/https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/6412/still-me-by-christopher-reeve-read-by-christopher-reeve/ |archive-date=November 27, 2022 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=AudioFile}}</ref> The paperback edition with a new afterword was released the following year and spent an additional two weeks on the Best Seller list.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 4, 1999 |title=PAPERBACK BEST SELLERS: July 4, 1999 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/07/04/books/paperback-best-sellers-july-4-1999.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204030709/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/07/04/books/paperback-best-sellers-july-4-1999.html |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |access-date=November 26, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

Also in 1998, Reeve starred in and served as executive producer of ''[[Rear Window (1998 film)|Rear Window]]'', a remake of Hitchcock's [[Rear Window|1954 film]]. He was nominated for a [[Golden Globe]] and won a [[Screen Actors Guild Award]] for his performance.

=== 2000s ===
In 2000, Reeve made guest appearances on the [[PBS]] series ''[[Sesame Street]]''. In September 2002, Random House published Reeve's second book, ''Nothing Is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life''. This book is shorter than ''Still Me'' and focuses on Reeve's world views and the life experiences which helped shape them. The book spent three weeks on the ''New York Times'' Best Seller list.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 27, 2002 |title=BEST SELLERS: October 27, 2002 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/27/books/best-sellers-october-27-2002.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205150408/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/27/books/best-sellers-october-27-2002.html |archive-date=December 5, 2024 |access-date=November 26, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> Reeve narrated an unabridged audiobook for which he received his second Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album.<ref name="Grammy">{{cite web |title=Christopher Reeve |url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/christopher-reeve/12221 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250101222024/https://www.grammy.com/artists/christopher-reeve/12221 |archive-date=January 1, 2025 |access-date=November 26, 2024 |website=Grammy Awards}}</ref>

In 2001, Reeve's son Matthew began filming a three-part series detailing Reeve's recovery process and advocacy for spinal cord injury research. The first film, ''Hope in Motion'', aired on ABC in September 2002 under the title ''Courageous Steps''. It received an Emmy nomination for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special|Outstanding Nonfiction Special]]. In February 2003, it was broadcast on [[BBC One]] under its original title. Following Reeve's death in 2004, a third film was never made, while ''Hope in Motion'' and its follow-up, ''Choosing Hope'', were released on DVD in 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last=Spielvogel |first=Cindy |date=August 27, 2007 |title=Arts Alliance America to release Reeve documentary |url=https://spinalcordinjuryzone.com/news/2191/arts-alliance-america-to-release-reeve-documentary |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613034231/https://spinalcordinjuryzone.com/news/2191/arts-alliance-america-to-release-reeve-documentary |archive-date=June 13, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2025 |work=Video Business}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=An Interview With Christopher Reeve |url=https://www.christopherreeve.org/community/about-us/christopher-reeve-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425152625/https://www.christopherreeve.org/community/about-us/christopher-reeve-interview/ |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2025 |website=Reeve Foundation}}</ref>

In 2003, Reeve guest-starred in an episode of ''[[The Practice]]''. He submitted a story treatment to the show's creator, [[David E. Kelley]], that addresses the issues of health insurance policy and [[Caregiver stress|caregiver burnout]]. Kelley liked the idea and wrote an episode based on it.<ref>{{cite web |title=Christopher Reeve on The Practice |url=https://abilitymagazine.com/christopher-reeve-the-practice/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422054306/https://abilitymagazine.com/christopher-reeve-the-practice/ |archive-date=April 22, 2024 |access-date=February 4, 2025 |website=Ability}}</ref>

Reeve's final acting role was in the television series ''[[Smallville]]'' portraying [[List of Smallville characters#Dr. Virgil Swann|Dr. Virgil Swann]]. On February 25, 2003, he made an appearance in the episode "[[Smallville (Season 2)|Rosetta]]", in which Dr. Swann informs Clark Kent ([[Tom Welling]]) about his origins. The scenes of Reeve and Welling feature music cues from 1978's ''Superman'', composed by [[John Williams]] and arranged by [[Mark Snow]]. At the end of the episode, Reeve and Welling appeared in a short spot inviting people to support the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation.{{refn|group=note|Short spots in support of the foundation were also shown at the end of: "Legacy" (Reeve and Welling), "[[Smallville season 5|Aqua]]" ([[Annette O'Toole]]), "[[Smallville season 6|Progeny]]" ([[Erica Durance]]), and "[[Smallville season 7|Cure]]" ([[Dean Cain]]).}} "Rosetta" set ratings history for [[The WB]].<ref>[http://www.isnnews.net/zocalo/archive/2-8.shtml The Zocalo Today.] ISN News, February 8, 2003. Retrieved November 3, 2006 "Smallville set ratings highs Tuesday, hitting an all-time high for any program on the WB in the key 18–34 [[demographic]], with a 6.1 rating/15 share. According to [[Significant figures|figures]] from [[Nielsen Media Research]], Smallville attracted 8.1&nbsp;million total viewers."</ref> The [[fan community]] met the episode with rave reviews and praised it as being among the series' best to this day.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bailey|first=Neal|title=Superman on Television|url=http://www.supermanhomepage.com/tv/tv.php?topic=reviews/smallville2-ep17|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130212531/http://www.supermanhomepage.com/tv/tv.php?topic=reviews/smallville2-ep17|archive-date=November 30, 2022|access-date=October 10, 2012|publisher=Superman Homepage}}</ref> Reeve also appeared in the episode "[[Smallville (season 3)|Legacy]]", in which he reunited with fellow stage actor [[John Glover (actor)|John Glover]], who played [[Lionel Luthor]] in the show.

In 2004, Reeve directed the [[A&E Network|A&E]] film ''[[The Brooke Ellison Story]]''. The film is based on the true story of [[Brooke Ellison]], the first [[quadriplegic]] to graduate from [[Harvard University]].<ref>Le, Van. [http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=515190 Paralyzed Alum Invigorates N.Y. Race]. ''[[The Harvard Crimson]]'', October 24, 2006. Retrieved November 3, 2006</ref> Reeve during this time was directing the animated film ''[[Everyone's Hero]]''. It was one of his dream projects and he died during the middle of production for the film. His wife Dana helped out, and his son Will was a cast member in the film. Dana and Will also had small roles in ''The Brooke Ellison Story''.<ref>''The Brooke Ellison Story''. Dir. Christopher Reeve. Perf. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, John Slattery, Lacey Chabert, and Vanessa Marano. A&E Television Networks, 2004.</ref>

===Roles turned down by Reeve===
Following the first ''Superman'' movie, Reeve realized Hollywood producers wanted him to be an action star. He later said, "I found most of the scripts of the genre poorly constructed, and I felt the starring roles could easily be played by anyone with a strong physique." In addition, he did not feel he was right for the other films he was offered and turned down the lead roles in ''[[American Gigolo]]'', ''[[The World According to Garp (film)|The World According to Garp]]'', ''[[Splash (film)|Splash]]'', ''[[Fatal Attraction]]'', ''[[Romancing the Stone]]'', ''[[Lethal Weapon]]'', and ''[[Body Heat]]''. Hepburn recommended Reeve to [[David Lean]] for the role of [[Fletcher Christian]] in ''[[The Bounty (1984 film)|The Bounty]]'', starring [[Anthony Hopkins]]. After considering it, Reeve decided he would be miscast, and the film was eventually made with [[Mel Gibson]].<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 203–204</ref> In the 1990s, Reeve received scripts for ''[[Picket Fences]]'' and ''[[Chicago Hope]]'' and was asked by CBS if he wanted to start his own television series. This would have meant moving to Los Angeles, which he did not want to do. He declined the offers.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 241</ref> After his accident, Reeve was offered the role of [[Mason Verger]] in [[Ridley Scott]]'s ''[[Hannibal (2001 film)|Hannibal]]''. He turned it down upon learning that the character was a paralyzed and facially disfigured child molester. The role went to [[Gary Oldman]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Michael |date=November 4, 2020 |title=The Hannibal Movie Almost Starred Christopher Reeve: Why He Quit |url=https://screenrant.com/hannibal-movie-christopher-reeve-mason-verger-almost-casting/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016135013/https://screenrant.com/hannibal-movie-christopher-reeve-mason-verger-almost-casting/ |archive-date=October 16, 2022 |access-date=December 2, 2024 |website=Screen Rant}}</ref>

==Personal life==

===Relationships===
Reeve's first romantic relationship was at the age of 16 with a theater actress who was seven years his senior. Eventually, he began to feel that "something about it didn't feel right", and they split up.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 153</ref>

While filming the first two ''Superman'' movies in England, Reeve began a 10-year relationship with modeling executive Gae Exton.<ref name="Ability"/> In 2018, [[Jane Seymour (British actress)|Jane Seymour]] revealed that Reeve and Exton had broken up prior to filming ''[[Somewhere in Time (film)|Somewhere in Time]]'', and during production, Reeve and Seymour fell in love.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 5, 2018 |title=All About...Jane Seymour |url=https://businesspeople.com/Post/2931/all-about-jane-seymour |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113114625/https://businesspeople.com/Post/2931/all-about-jane-seymour |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Business People}}</ref> However, Reeve returned to Exton upon learning that she was pregnant with their son [[Matthew Exton Reeve]], who was born on December 20, 1979. Their second child, daughter [[Alexandra Reeve Givens]], was born on November 25, 1983. Both were born in London.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 219</ref> In February 1987, Reeve and Exton separated amicably with joint custody of their children, and Reeve returned to New York. Matthew and Alexandra remained in London with their mother and spent their holidays with Reeve. Matthew, who graduated from [[Brown University]] in 2002, is a writer, director, and producer. Alexandra graduated from [[Yale University]] in 2005 and received a [[Juris Doctor]] from [[Columbia Law School]] in 2008. She is a lawyer and CEO of the [[Center for Democracy and Technology]]. Alexandra's son is named Christopher after her father.<ref>{{cite web |last=Aizin |first=Rebecca |date=November 25, 2024 |title=Christopher Reeve's 3 Children: All About Matthew, Alexandra and Will |url=https://people.com/all-about-christopher-reeve-children-8548207 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226085013/https://people.com/all-about-christopher-reeve-children-8548207 |archive-date=December 26, 2024 |access-date=December 17, 2024 |website=People}}</ref>

In June 1987, Reeve met his future wife [[Dana Morosini]],<!--She took the surname Reeve after her marriage, thus, per https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Biography#People_with_the_same_surname , is referred to by name as "Dana" to distinguish her from "Christopher".--> a singer and actress. By 1990, they were living together but Reeve, remembering his parents' painful divorce and other failed marriages in his family, could not bring himself to commit. After they almost broke up, Reeve began about a year of therapy, primarily to talk through his fears about marriage. Then one night during dinner, he said, "I just put down my fork and asked her to marry me." They were married in April 1992,<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998). pp. 90–94</ref> and their son {{visible anchor|Will Reeve|text=William Elliot "Will" Reeve}} was born on June 7, 1992. Will graduated from [[Middlebury College]] in 2014 and, {{asof|2025|lc=y}}, he reports for [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dgepress.com/abcnews/bios/will-reeve/|title=Will Reeve|website=ABC News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112174900/https://www.dgepress.com/abcnews/bios/will-reeve/|archive-date=November 12, 2024|access-date=November 10, 2024}}</ref> Christopher and Dana Reeve remained married until Christopher's death.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 17, 2006|title=Reeves Remained in Love Despite Tragedy|url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Entertainment/story?id=1699290&page=1|access-date=January 5, 2021|publisher=ABC News}}</ref>

===Aviation and sailing===
Reeve was a licensed pilot and began reaching milestones in his early 20s: [[Private pilot licence|private]], [[instrument rating|instrument]], [[Class rating|multi-engine]], [[Commercial pilot licence|commercial]], [[Flight instructor|instructor]], and [[glider pilot license|glider]].<ref>{{cite news |date=March 23, 1985 |last=Hill |first=Michael E. |title=CHRISTOPHER REEVE |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1985/03/24/christopher-reeve/3713d439-0feb-4abd-bcb9-6806c1b27f93/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129141245/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1985/03/24/christopher-reeve/3713d439-0feb-4abd-bcb9-6806c1b27f93/ |archive-date=November 29, 2024 |access-date=December 1, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref name="BBC Radio"/> In 1976, Reeve purchased his first aircraft, a second-hand [[Piper PA-28 Cherokee|Cherokee 140]]. After his paralyzing accident, he fondly recalled sleeping under its wings during a solo trip across Canada.<ref>{{cite web |last=Shewey |first=Don |date=November 19, 1986 |title=Caught in the Act: New York Actors Face to Face |url=https://donshewey.com/theater_articles/christopher_reeve.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124113156/https://donshewey.com/theater_articles/christopher_reeve.html |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |access-date=December 1, 2024 |website=Don Shewey Blog}}</ref><ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998). p. 130</ref> Over the years, he owned an [[Beechcraft Bonanza#Model 36 Bonanza|A36 Bonanza]], a [[Beechcraft Baron]], a [[Piper PA-31T Cheyenne|Cheyenne II]], and a [[sailplane]].<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998). p. 236</ref> He flew solo [[Transatlantic flight|across the Atlantic]] twice and was a pilot for the Environmental Air Force.<ref name="Reeve9">Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 9</ref>

When [[Robin Williams]] was filming ''[[The World According to Garp (film)|The World According to Garp]]'', [[Glenn Close]] recalled that Reeve would "literally swoop in, piloting his own plane, scoop Robin up, and away they would fly for the weekend."<ref>{{cite web |last=Heller |first=Corinne |date=November 18, 2017 |title=Tearful Glenn Close Says Christopher Reeve Could Have Saved Robin Williams |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/894706/tearful-glenn-close-says-christopher-reeve-could-have-saved-robin-williams |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203053848/https://www.eonline.com/news/894706/tearful-glenn-close-says-christopher-reeve-could-have-saved-robin-williams |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |access-date=December 1, 2024 |website=E! News}}</ref> During the shooting of ''Superman III'', Reeve joined The Tiger Club, a group of aviators who pilot vintage [[de Havilland Tiger Moth]] biplanes. Reeve knew how to fly a [[Stearman Aircraft|Stearman]] and did his own piloting in the film ''[[The Aviator (1985 film)|The Aviator]]''.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998). pp. 216–217</ref> He also enjoyed [[gliding]]; his personal record was 32,000 ft.<ref name="Reeve9"/>

Reeve was an avid sailor. While filming ''[[The Bostonians (film)|The Bostonians]]'', he lived aboard his [[Swan 40]], ''Chandelle'', and would take the cast and crew sailing on the weekends.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998). p. 216</ref> In 1989, he sold ''Chandelle'' and bought a [[Sloop|sloop sailboat]], Cambria 46, which he named the ''Sea Angel''. According to David Walters Yachts, "when Chris Reeve came to build a Cambria, he did not want a double entry 44. A new deck mold with a single entry was built, and was designated the new 46 model."<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998). p. 90</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Walters |first=David |title=The History of Cambria Sailing Yachts |url=https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/blog/the-history-of-cambria-sailing-yachts/434 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205103848/https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/blog/the-history-of-cambria-sailing-yachts/434 |archive-date=December 5, 2024 |access-date=December 1, 2024 |website=David Walters Yachts}}</ref>

He sailed in the [[Caribbean]] and to [[Bermuda]] a few times. The coast of [[New England]] is what he knew best, sailing "all over the East, Nova Scotia, and Maine." His favorite ports were [[Nantucket]], [[Yarmouth, Nova Scotia|Yarmouth]], and Christmas Cove in Maine.<ref name="Sea Wolf"/><ref>{{cite news |date=August 20, 1983 |title=In Port With Christopher Reeve |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/travel/1983/08/21/in-port-with-christopher-reeve/40e8b745-f8a5-4bfe-b203-76a14289fdc2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241129173944/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/travel/1983/08/21/in-port-with-christopher-reeve/40e8b745-f8a5-4bfe-b203-76a14289fdc2/ |archive-date=November 29, 2024 |access-date=December 1, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>

===Equestrianism and injury===
Reeve began his involvement in [[horse riding]] in 1985 after learning to ride for the film ''[[Anna Karenina (1985 film)|Anna Karenina]]''. He was initially [[allergic]] to horses, so he took [[antihistamine]]s. He trained on [[Martha's Vineyard]], and by 1989, he began [[eventing]]. His allergies soon disappeared.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 6–8</ref>

Reeve purchased a 12-year-old American [[thoroughbred]] horse named Eastern Express, nicknamed "Buck", while filming ''[[Village of the Damned (1995 film)|Village of the Damned]]''. He trained with Buck in 1994 and planned to do Training Level events in 1995 and move up to Preliminary in 1996. Though Reeve had originally signed up to compete at an event in [[Vermont]], his coach invited him to go to the Commonwealth Dressage and Combined Training Association finals at the Commonwealth Park equestrian center in [[Culpeper, Virginia]]. Reeve finished in fourth place out of 27 in the [[dressage]], before walking his cross-country course. He was concerned about jumps 16 and 17 but paid little attention to the third jump, which was a routine {{convert|1|m|ft|spell=in|adj=mid|-tall}} fence shaped like the letter "W".<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 14–18</ref>

On May 27, 1995, Reeve's horse made a [[Refusals and runouts|refusal]]. Witnesses said the horse began the third fence jump and suddenly stopped. Reeve fell forward off the horse, holding on to the [[rein]]s. His hands became tangled in them, and the [[bridle]] and [[Horse tack#Bits|bit]] were pulled off the horse.{{refn|group=note|Afterward, Buck was boarding at Gathering Farm in [[Hamilton, Massachusetts]]. Reeve regularly called the stables to check on him and was sent videos of his training sessions. Later, Buck was sold to new owners. Reeve said, "He's a beautiful, sweet-natured animal. None of what happened was his fault.&nbsp;... I'm hoping he'll have a long and happy life with his new owners. He's a wonderful horse."<ref>{{cite book|title=Somewhere in Heaven: The Remarkable Love Story of Dana and Christopher Reeve|author=Andersen, Christopher |date=July 8, 2008 |publisher=Hyperion Books |pages=146 |isbn=978-1-4013-2302-8}}</ref>}} He landed head first on the far side of the fence, shattering his [[Atlas (anatomy)|first]] and [[Axis (anatomy)|second vertebrae]]. The resulting [[cervical spinal injury]] paralyzed him from the neck down and halted his breathing. Paramedics arrived three minutes later and immediately took measures to get air into his lungs. He was taken first to the local hospital, before being flown by helicopter to the [[University of Virginia Medical Center]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Romano |first=Lois |date=June 1, 1995 |title=Riding Accident Paralyzes Actor Christopher Reeve |page=A01 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1995/06/01/riding-accident-paralyzes-actor-christopher-reeve/0be8dd07-bb0c-438d-ae4a-de206f5942f7/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240310223631/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1995/06/01/riding-accident-paralyzes-actor-christopher-reeve/0be8dd07-bb0c-438d-ae4a-de206f5942f7/ |archive-date=March 10, 2024 |access-date=November 19, 2006 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> He had no recollection of the accident.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 18–25</ref>

===Hospitalization===
After five days in which Reeve was heavily medicated and [[delirium|delirious]], he regained full consciousness. His doctor explained to him his first and second cervical vertebrae had been [[Atlanto-occipital dislocation|destroyed]] and his spinal cord damaged.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 27–30</ref> He was [[paralyzed]] from the neck down and unable to breathe without a [[ventilator]].

Reeve's first thoughts when informed about the seriousness of his injury was he had ruined his life, would be a burden on his family, and it might be best to "slip away". He mouthed to his wife Dana, "Maybe we should let me go." She tearfully replied, "I will support whatever you want to do, because this is your life and your decision. But I want you to know that I'll be with you for the long haul, no matter what. You're still you. And I love you."<ref name="Reeve32">Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 32</ref> In what she would later describe as a "sales ploy", she also told him that if he still wanted to die in two years they could reconsider the question.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Love Pact That Saved Christopher Reeve|date=July 7, 2008 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-love-pact-that-saved-christopher-reeve/|access-date=November 15, 2020|publisher=CBS News}}</ref>

After this conversation, and visits from his children in which he saw how much they needed him, Reeve consented to lifesaving surgery and treatment for [[pneumonia]].<ref>Reeve, Christopher (2002), p. 10</ref> He never considered [[euthanasia]] as an option again.<ref name="Reeve32"/><ref name="TWP">{{Cite news|last=Crews|first=Chip|date=May 3, 1998|title=The Role He Can't Escape|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/features/reeve.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104053843/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/features/reeve.htm|archive-date=January 4, 2020|access-date=November 20, 2020|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>

Reeve went through inner anguish in the [[Intensive care unit|ICU]], particularly when he was alone during the night. His upcoming operation to stabilize his spine in June 1995 "was frightening to contemplate.&nbsp;... I already knew that I had only a fifty-fifty chance of surviving the surgery.&nbsp;... Then, at an especially bleak moment, the door flew open and in hurried a squat fellow with a blue scrub hat and a yellow surgical gown and glasses, speaking in a Russian accent. He announced that he was my [[proctologist]], and that he had to examine me immediately." It was Robin Williams, reprising his character from the film ''[[Nine Months]]''. "For the first time since the accident, I laughed. My old friend had helped me know that somehow I was going to be okay."<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 36</ref>{{refn|group=note|After Reeve's accident, some media outlets published a story about a college pact in which the two vowed to take care of each other. Both Reeve and Williams said the story was untrue.<ref>{{cite video |date=February 13, 1996 |people=Winfrey, Oprah (host) |title=The Prank Robin Williams Pulled to Cheer Up Christopher Reeve |type=Talk show |language=en |url=https://www.oprah.com/own-oprahshow/the-prank-robin-williams-pulled-to-cheer-up-christopher-reeve |location=United States |publisher=Oprah Winfrey Network}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=December 25, 1996 |title=CNN Larry King Weekend |url=https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/lklw/date/2002-02-23/segment/00 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114100824/https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/lklw/date/2002-02-23/segment/00 |archive-date=January 14, 2025 |access-date=December 21, 2024 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> Williams also denied reports that he was paying Reeve's medical bills: "I've done some things, but [the press] made it seem like I'm footing all the bills."<ref>{{cite video |people=O'Dell, Nancy (host) |date=August 16, 2014 |title=Tribute to Robin Williams |type=News magazine |language=en |location=United States |publisher=Entertainment Tonight}}</ref>}} In addition to visits from friends and family, Reeve received over 400,000 letters from all over the world, which gave him great comfort during his recovery.<ref>{{cite web |last=Beyette |first=Beverly |date=December 8, 1999 |title=For Superman, Letters of Hope |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-dec-08-cl-41547-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113060716/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-dec-08-cl-41547-story.html |archive-date=November 13, 2024 |access-date=November 12, 2024 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref>{{refn|group=note|In 1999, Dana published about 200 selected letters, with the permission of their authors, in her book, ''Care Packages: Letters to Christopher Reeve from Strangers and Other Friends''. {{ISBN|0-375-50076-6}}.}}

[[John A. Jane]] performed surgery to repair Reeve's neck [[vertebra]]e. He put wires underneath both [[Vertebra#Structure|laminae]] and used bone from Reeve's hip to fit between the C1 and C2 vertebrae. He inserted a [[Titanium biocompatibility|titanium pin]] and fused the wires with the vertebrae, then drilled holes in Reeve's skull and fitted the wires through to secure the skull to the [[spinal column]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Suplee |first=Curt |date=June 6, 1995 |title=Reeve Undergoes Surgery to Prevent Further Injury |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1995/06/06/reeve-undergoes-surgery-to-prevent-further-injury/8eb8a926-cb17-41af-88f2-09cb8a9cdfc1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250112080906/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1995/06/06/reeve-undergoes-surgery-to-prevent-further-injury/8eb8a926-cb17-41af-88f2-09cb8a9cdfc1/ |archive-date=January 12, 2025 |access-date=November 12, 2024 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> To access the cord, the surgeon had to cut a [[tendon]] on the right side of Reeve's neck, which became shorter and less flexible as a result, causing his head to tilt slightly to the right.<ref name="The Guardian">{{cite web |last=Bedell |first=Geraldine |date=February 9, 2003 |title=You'll believe a man can walk |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/feb/09/features.review1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219010558/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/feb/09/features.review1 |archive-date=December 19, 2024 |access-date=December 4, 2024 |website=The Guardian}}</ref>

===Rehabilitation===
After a month in the hospital, Reeve spent six months at the [[Kessler Rehabilitation Center]] in [[West Orange, New Jersey]], to continue with his recovery and learn skills such as operating his [[sip-and-puff]] electric [[Motorized wheelchair|wheelchair]] by blowing air through a straw. In his autobiography ''[[Still Me]]'', he described initially not wanting to face the reality of his disability. Getting used to sitting strapped into a wheelchair or taking a shower was initially terrifying. Reeve developed a deep fondness for many of the staff at Kessler, and through conversations with the other patients gradually started to see himself as being part of the disabled community.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 96–126</ref>{{refn|group=note|In September 1995, ''The Journey of Christopher Reeve'' aired on ABC News' ''[[20/20 (American TV program)|20/20]]''. Featuring in-depth interviews with Reeve and Dana, and showing his rehabilitation process at Kessler, the special became a winner of the [[Peabody Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |title=20/20: The Journey of Christopher Reeve |url=https://peabodyawards.com/award-profile/the-journey-of-christopher-reeve/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528103014/https://peabodyawards.com/award-profile/the-journey-of-christopher-reeve/ |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |access-date=November 14, 2024 |website=[[Peabody Awards]]}}</ref>}}

For the first few months after the accident, Reeve relied on a ventilator, which was connected to his neck through a [[tracheostomy tube]], for every breath. With therapy and practice, he developed the ability to breathe on his own for up to 90 minutes at a time.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 141</ref>

At home, Reeve exercised for up to four or five hours a day, using specialized exercise machines to stimulate his muscles and prevent [[muscle atrophy]] and [[osteoporosis]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=February 9, 2003|title=Superman's toughest battle|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2736277.stm|access-date=October 22, 2020}}</ref> He believed that intense physical therapy could [[regeneration (biology)|regenerate]] the [[nervous system]], and also wanted his body to be strong enough to support itself if a cure for paralysis were found.

Beginning in 2000, he started to regain the ability to make small movements with his fingers and other parts of his body. By 2002, he could feel the prick of a needle and sense hot and cold temperatures on 65% of his body.<ref>{{cite news|author=Oliver Burkeman|date=September 17, 2002|title=Man of steel|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|url=https://www.theguardian.com/g2/story/0,3604,793417,00.html|access-date=July 9, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Blakeslee|first=Sandra|date=September 12, 2002|title=Actor Regains Some Movement, Doctor Says|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/12/us/actor-regains-some-movement-doctor-says.html|access-date=July 16, 2018}}</ref> He regularly exercised in a swimming pool and could push off with his legs from the side of a pool and make a [[snow angel]] movement with his arms. He also had a sense of [[proprioception]], which is critical for movement control.<ref name="New Yorker">{{cite magazine |last=Cappello |first=Daniel |date=November 2, 2003 |title=The Reeve Factor |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2003/11/10/the-reeve-factor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202094010/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2003/11/10/the-reeve-factor |archive-date=December 2, 2024 |access-date=December 9, 2024 |magazine=The New Yorker}}</ref> Initially, Reeve was given an A grade on the [[American Spinal Injury Association|ASIA Impairment Scale]], indicating no motor or sensory function. In 2002, his grade was changed to C, indicating some degree of muscle movement and sensation. Reeve's doctors were surprised by his improvements, which they attributed to his intensive exercise regimen. The degree of his recovery was reported in scientific journals.<ref>{{cite journal |date=June 14, 2003 |title=Man and superman |pmc=1126178 |last1=Eaton |first1=L. |journal=BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) |volume=326 |issue=7402 |pages=1287–1290 |doi=10.1136/bmj.326.7402.1287 |pmid=12805155 }}</ref>

In February 2003, Reeve became the third patient in the United States to undergo an experimental procedure in which electrodes were implanted in his diaphragm to help him breathe without a ventilator.<ref>{{cite web |title=NeuRx DPS® |url=https://www.synapsebiomedical.com/faq/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227124702/https://www.synapsebiomedical.com/faq/ |archive-date=December 27, 2024 |access-date=December 26, 2024 |website=Synapse Biomedical|date=November 23, 2015 }}</ref> Previously, he could force air into his lungs using his neck muscles, which required a lot of effort. With a [[Diaphragm pacing|diaphragm pacing device]], he was able to breathe normally through his nose, regaining his sense of smell and normal speech.<ref>{{cite web |last=Morales |first=Tatiana |date=March 13, 2003 |title=Reeve Pushes Ahead |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/reeve-pushes-ahead/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226110134/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/reeve-pushes-ahead/ |archive-date=December 26, 2024 |access-date=December 26, 2024 |publisher=CBS News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Higgs |first=Robert |date=March 14, 2003 |title=Reeve hopes UH implant frees him from ventilator |url=https://www.cleveland.com/pdextra/2009/01/reeve_hopes_uh_implant_frees_h.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226180839/https://www.cleveland.com/pdextra/2009/01/reeve_hopes_uh_implant_frees_h.html |archive-date=December 26, 2024 |access-date=December 26, 2024 |website=The Plain Dealer}}</ref> At first, the device allowed him to breathe for 15 minutes an hour, but over time this increased up to 18 hours a day.<ref>{{cite web |last=Vergano |first=Dan |date=November 15, 2003 |title=Reeve speaks after rare op |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-10049841.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226110407/https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-10049841.html |archive-date=December 26, 2024 |access-date=December 26, 2024 |website=Irish Examiner}}</ref> In November 2003, Reeve appeared in public without a ventilator for the first time since his accident.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 23, 2003 |title=Reeve makes speech without ventilator |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30122949.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250108092027/https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30122949.html |archive-date=January 8, 2025 |access-date=December 26, 2024 |website=Irish Examiner}}</ref> In 2008, the device was approved by the [[FDA]] under a [[Humanitarian Device Exemption]], and received [[Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938#Premarket approval (PMA)|premarket approval]] in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last=MacMillan |first=Owen |date=April 7, 2023 |title="When you can't breathe, nothing else matters": Oberlin company receives FDA approval |url=https://chroniclet.com/news/347642/when-you-cant-breathe-nothing-else-matters-oberlin-company-receives-fda-approval/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250108092200/https://chroniclet.com/news/347642/when-you-cant-breathe-nothing-else-matters-oberlin-company-receives-fda-approval/ |archive-date=January 8, 2025 |access-date=December 26, 2024 |website=The Chronicle}}</ref>

===Life with paralysis===
In December 1995, Reeve moved back to his home in [[Bedford (town), New York|Bedford]], New York. By two years after the accident, Reeve said he was "glad to be alive, not out of obligation to others, but because life was worth living."<ref>Reeve, Christopher (2002), p. 14</ref> He continued to require round-the-clock care for the rest of his life, with a rotating team of 10 nurses and five aides working in his home.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Dinitia |date=April 30, 1998 |title=A Life With a Before and an After; For Christopher Reeve, It Isn't as Simple as Superman or Victim (Published 1998) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/30/books/life-with-before-after-for-christopher-reeve-it-isn-t-simple-superman-victim.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111180039/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/30/books/life-with-before-after-for-christopher-reeve-it-isn-t-simple-superman-victim.html |archive-date=November 11, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=October 22, 2020}}</ref>{{Refn|group=note|The nursing care was covered by Reeve's insurance after much struggle with the insurance company, while he paid for the aides himself.<ref name="The Guardian"/>}}

In the aftermath of the accident, Reeve went through intense grief. He gradually resolved to make the best of his new life, with a busy schedule of activism, film work, writing and promoting his books, public speaking, and parenting. In 1998, he said in an interview:

<blockquote>Who knows why an accident happens? The key is what do you do afterwards. There is a period of shock, and then grieving, with confusion and loss. After that, you have two choices. One is to stare out the window and gradually disintegrate. And the other is to mobilize and use all your resources, whatever they may be, to do something positive. That is the road I have taken. It comes naturally to me. I am a competitive person and right now I am competing against decay. I don't want osteoporosis or muscle atrophy or depression to beat me.<ref name="Ability"/></blockquote>

In another interview, Reeve said he drew on the self-discipline he had gained in his early years in the theater:

<blockquote>Nobody wants another actor. There's too many of them now already.&nbsp;... To keep believing in yourself in spite of those kinds of obstacles is certainly good preparation for what I'm going through now.<ref name="TWP"/></blockquote>

===Religious views===
For most of his life, Reeve did not identify with any religion. He attended his stepfather's Presbyterian church as a teenager.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (2002), pp. 67–68</ref> In 1975, he briefly explored [[Scientology]] but chose not to become a member. He subsequently voiced criticism of the organization.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (2002), pp. 70–81</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Superman Christopher Reeve blasts Scientology |url=http://www.lermanet.com/scientologynews/australia/age02-052003.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306031759/http://lermanet.org/scientologynews/australia/age02-052003.html |archive-date=March 6, 2023 |work=[[The Age]] |date=February 5, 2003 |access-date=January 14, 2025}}</ref>

Reeve described his wedding in 1992 as his "first act of faith". After his accident, many well-wishers suggested that prayer would make him feel better, but he did not find it helpful. "I wondered what was wrong with me", he later wrote. "I had broken my neck and become paralyzed, possibly forever, but still hadn't found God."<ref>Reeve, Christopher (2002), p. 151</ref>

In his 2002 book ''Nothing Is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life'', Reeve said that he and his wife had regularly attended [[Unitarian Universalism|Unitarian]] services, starting in his late 40s. In the years following the accident, he had gradually come to believe that:

<blockquote>Spirituality is found in the way we live our daily lives. It means spending time thinking about others. It's not so hard to imagine that there is some kind of higher power. We don't have to know what form it takes or exactly where it exists; just to honor it and try to live by it is enough.&nbsp;... As these thoughts unfolded in the process of learning to live my new life, I had no idea that I was becoming a Unitarian.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (2002), pp. 152–153</ref></blockquote>

==Activism==
At the age of 15, Reeve developed a passionate interest in political and social causes. He conducted a door-to-door campaign on behalf of [[Robert F. Kennedy]] in 1968 and participated in protests against the [[Cambodian campaign|invasion of Cambodia]] in 1970.<ref>{{cite video |people=Lewis, Hal (director of production) |year=2004 |title=Christopher Reeve |type=documentary |language=en |location=United States |publisher=A&E Biography}}</ref>

After the release of ''Superman'', Reeve used his celebrity status to enable him to support several philanthropic causes. Through the [[Make-A-Wish Foundation]], he visited terminally ill children. He joined the board of directors for the worldwide charity [[Save the Children]]. In 1979, he served as a track and field coach at the [[Special Olympics]].<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 201</ref>

Reeve was critical of [[Ronald Reagan]]'s presidency.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sandler |first=Norman D. |date=June 12, 1983 |title=Politics ignored in White House guest list |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/06/12/Politics-ignored-in-White-House-guest-list/6639424238400/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250308043614/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/06/12/Politics-ignored-in-White-House-guest-list/6639424238400/ |archive-date=March 8, 2025 |access-date=March 8, 2025 |work=United Press International}}</ref> In the 1980s, he campaigned for Vermont Senator [[Patrick Leahy]] and made speeches throughout the state.{{refn|group=note|Reeve's daughter Alexandra served on the [[Senate Judiciary Committee]] under Leahy from 2011 to 2016. First as a Nominations Counsel, and then as Chief Counsel for IP and Antitrust.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 16, 2024 |title=How I Got Here: Alexandra Reeve Givens '08 |url=https://www.law.columbia.edu/news/archive/how-i-got-here-alexandra-reeve-givens-08 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118101054/https://www.law.columbia.edu/news/archive/how-i-got-here-alexandra-reeve-givens-08 |archive-date=January 18, 2025 |access-date=March 9, 2025 |website=Columbia Law School}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Carson |first=Angelique |date=June 23, 2020 |title=Introducing CDT's new CEO: Alexandra Reeve Givens |url=https://iapp.org/news/a/introducing-cdts-new-ceo-alexandra-reeves-givens |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325073754/https://iapp.org/news/a/introducing-cdts-new-ceo-alexandra-reeves-givens/ |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2025 |website=IAPP}}</ref>}} He served as a board member for the Charles Lindbergh Fund, which promotes environmentally safe technologies, and lent support to causes such as [[Amnesty International]], the [[Natural Resources Defense Council]], and [[People for the American Way]]. As a pilot with the Environmental Air Force he gave government officials and journalists aerial tours over areas of environmental damage.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998). p. 228</ref> In 1983, Reeve was elected to [[Actors' Equity Association]] Council.<ref>{{cite web |title=Equity Timeline 100 Years |url=https://www.actorsequity.org/timeline/timeline_2004.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124105903/https://www.actorsequity.org/timeline/timeline_2004.html |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Actors' Equity Association}}</ref>

[[File:Ismael Durán con Christopher Reeve.jpg|thumb|Reeve at ''Life and Art'' rally in Chile, November 1987]]
In late 1987, in [[Santiago]], Chile, the country's dictator, [[Augusto Pinochet]], threatened to execute 77 actors. [[Ariel Dorfman]] asked Reeve to help save their lives. Reeve flew to Chile and helped lead a protest march.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mehren |first=Elizabeth |date=December 30, 1987 |title=Reeve's Real-Life Human-Rights Role in Chile : Superman Moved to Give Moral Support to Threatened Actors |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-12-30-ca-21719-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212125116/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-12-30-ca-21719-story.html |archive-date=December 12, 2024 |access-date=November 11, 2024 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> A cartoon then ran in a newspaper showing him carrying Pinochet by the collar with the caption, "Where will you take him, Superman?" For his contribution to the protest, Reeve was awarded the Grand Cross of the [[Order of Bernardo O'Higgins]], the highest Chilean distinction for foreigners. He also received an [[Obie Award]] and the Annual Walter Briehl Human Rights Foundation award.<ref name="Chile">{{cite web |date=January 28, 2004 |title=Chile honours Christopher Reeve, Superman |url=https://en.mercopress.com/2004/01/28/chile-honours-christopher-reeve-superman |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112231801/https://en.mercopress.com/2004/01/28/chile-honours-christopher-reeve-superman |archive-date=November 12, 2024 |access-date=November 11, 2024 |website=MercoPress}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Weinstein |first=Steve |date=May 25, 1988|title=Stage|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-25-ca-3061-story.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111180124/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-25-ca-3061-story.html|archive-date=November 11, 2023|access-date=October 27, 2020|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> The following year, Reeve was among the international stars for the No campaign in the [[1988 Chilean presidential referendum|Chilean presidential referendum]] that marked the end of Pinochet's rule.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 20, 2022 |title=Superman in Chile |url=https://radioambulante.org/en/translation/superman-in-chile-translation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919024825/https://radioambulante.org/en/translation/superman-in-chile-translation |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |access-date=November 14, 2024 |website=[[Radio Ambulante]]}}</ref>{{refn|group=note|The 2012 Chilean film ''[[No (2012 film)|No]]'', which was nominated for [[Academy Award for Best International Feature Film|Best Foreign Language Film]] at the [[85th Academy Awards]], features archive footage of Reeve from the campaign. In 2023, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported that [[Pablo Larraín]]'s (director of ''No'') production company Fábula was developing the [[docudrama]] series about Reeve's trip to Chile.<ref>{{cite web |last=De Pablos |first=Emiliano |date=June 21, 2023 |title=Larrains' Fabula Preps 'Superman's Bodyguards,' on Christopher Reeve's Chile Trip Under Pinochet's Dictatorship |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/global/chile-christopher-reeve-fabula-larrain-brothers-1235650736/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705040729/https://variety.com/2023/tv/global/chile-christopher-reeve-fabula-larrain-brothers-1235650736/ |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |access-date=November 15, 2024 |website=Variety}}</ref>}}

Reeve spoke out against [[Donald Trump]]'s developing projects on [[West End Avenue]] in the late 1980s. The 1991 documentary ''[[Trump: What's the Deal?]]'', which was suppressed for years, showed Reeve deliver a critical speech on the topic at a public event. The documentary also featured an interview in which Reeve called Trump's ambitions "the American dream gone berserk", adding, "You're allowed to dream as big as you want, but if your dreams step on the lives of ordinary people and ruin the quality of their life and their neighborhood, you have to be stopped."<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnston |first=David Cay |date=August 1, 2015 |title=Trump: Documentary The Donald Suppressed, Free At Last |url=https://www.nationalmemo.com/trump-documentary-the-donald-suppressed-free-at-last |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022155858/https://www.nationalmemo.com/trump-documentary-the-donald-suppressed-free-at-last |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |access-date=January 18, 2025 |website=The National Memo}}</ref><ref>{{cite video |last1=Levin |first1=Al |last2=Handros |first2=Libby |date=July 5, 1991 |title=Trump: What's The Deal? Full Documentary (1991) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYU2FJxsSeE |type=Documentary |language=en |publisher=Journeyman Pictures |access-date=January 18, 2025}}</ref>

In 1993, a teacher at [[Flowing Wells High School]] was fired for staging a play with homosexual themes during the school's arts week. In response, People for the American Way held a forum on the issue of censorship in [[Tucson, Arizona]]. Reeve and several other actors performed an impromptu reading of the play to a standing ovation. Representing the actors on the panel discussion, Reeve was heckled by some parents, to which he responded, "What I hear this lady saying is that she is uncomfortable with things that don't resemble her or her way of life. This country is founded on a completely different principle, which is tolerance and diversity." The dismissed teacher described the demonstration as "a healing experience".<ref>{{cite web |last=Haithman |first=Diane |date=December 4, 1993 |title=This Won't Be Your Typical High School Debate : Theater: Arizona school's cancellation of a Pulitzer Prize-winning play spurs a censorship forum Monday. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-12-04-ca-63819-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250208145837/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-12-04-ca-63819-story.html |archive-date=February 8, 2025 |access-date=February 8, 2025 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Man of Steel: The Career and Courage of Christopher Reeve |author=Havill, Adrian |date=July 1, 1996 |publisher=Signet |pages=224–225 |isbn=0-451-19153-6}}</ref>

In 1989, Reeve's friend [[Ron Silver]] started the [[Creative Coalition]] (TCC), a liberal organization aiming to teach celebrities how to speak knowledgeably about political issues. Reeve was an early member of the group, along with [[Susan Sarandon]], [[Alec Baldwin]], and [[Blythe Danner]]. The group's initiatives included environmental issues and defending the [[National Endowment of the Arts]], which was under attack from conservative Republicans who objected to taxpayer funding of art they considered offensive. Reeve was elected as a co-president of TCC in 1994. They were instrumental in starting residential recycling in New York, convincing the [[State legislature (United States)|state legislature]] to allocate $1&nbsp;billion to protect the city's watershed area, and stopping the building of a [[coal-fired power station]] near Albany. The organization's work was noticed nationwide, and the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] asked Reeve to run for the [[United States Congress]]. He replied, "Run for Congress? And lose my influence in Washington?"<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 239–241</ref><ref name="Ability"/> In 1997, TCC established the Christopher Reeve First Amendment Award.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 11, 2004 |title=The Creative Coalition Mourns Loss of Past President and Founding Member Christopher Reeve |url=https://thecreativecoalition.org/the-creative-coalition-mourns-loss-of-past-president-and-founding-member-christopher-reeve/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124123031/https://thecreativecoalition.org/the-creative-coalition-mourns-loss-of-past-president-and-founding-member-christopher-reeve/ |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=The Creative Coalition}}</ref>

In 1996, 10 months after his injury, Reeve appeared at the [[68th Academy Awards]] to a long standing ovation. He used the occasion to encourage [[Hollywood (film industry)|Hollywood]] to make more films on social issues, saying, "Let's continue to take risks. Let's tackle the issues. In many ways our film community can do it better than anyone else."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Christopher Reeve Prompts Emotional Ovation at Oscars|work=[[Associated Press News]]|url=https://apnews.com/article/73f74f4834995ffd4abd21284bd268c0|access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref><ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/ffSy3-PJ5QI Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20101023113730/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffSy3-PJ5QI&feature=related Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Cite web|title=Christopher Reeve at the Oscars®| date=July 2009 |via = YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffSy3-PJ5QI}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Disability activism===
{{See also|Spinal cord injury research}}
Reeve left the Kessler Rehabilitation Center feeling inspiration from the other patients he had met. Because the media was constantly covering him, he decided to use his name to put focus on [[spinal cord injuries]]. He traveled across the country to make speeches and also hosted the [[1996 Summer Paralympics|1996 Summer Paralympic Games]] in [[Atlanta]] and spoke at the [[1996 Democratic National Convention|Democratic National Convention]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Summer Games |url=https://www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/atlanta-1996-paralympic-summer-games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917101629/https://www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/atlanta-1996-paralympic-summer-games |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |access-date=February 23, 2025 |website=National Paralympic Heritage Trust |date=December 18, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Roeper |first=Richard |date=August 12, 2024 |title=How Chicago's 1968, 1996 conventions stirred songs, movies and a dance craze |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2024-democratic-national-convention/2024/08/12/dnc-chicago-1968-1996-trial-7-jfk-jr-macarena-rent-christopher-reeve-graham-nash-prologue-dan-rather-walter-cronkite |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915231512/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2024-democratic-national-convention/2024/08/12/dnc-chicago-1968-1996-trial-7-jfk-jr-macarena-rent-christopher-reeve-graham-nash-prologue-dan-rather-walter-cronkite |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |access-date=March 11, 2025 |website=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> For these efforts, he was placed on the cover of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' on August 26, 1996.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=August 26, 1996 |title=Super Man |url=https://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19960826,00.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622135449/https://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19960826,00.html |archive-date=June 22, 2017 |access-date=February 23, 2025 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref>

Reeve was elected chairman of the [[American Paralysis Association]] and vice chairman of the National Organization on Disability. With [[Joan Irvine Smith]], he co-founded the Reeve-Irvine Research Center, which is now one of the leading [[spinal cord injury research|spinal cord research]] centers in the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=About The Center|url=http://www.reeve.uci.edu/about.html|publisher=Reeve-Irvin Research Center|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250204185250/https://www.reeve.uci.edu/about|archive-date=February 4, 2025|access-date=September 4, 2015}}</ref> In 1999, the American Paralysis Association and Reeve's own foundation, established in 1996, were merged into the [[Christopher Reeve Foundation]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Our History|url=https://www.christopherreeve.org/community/about-us/history-of-the-reeve-foundation/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114145112/https://www.christopherreeve.org/community/about-us/history-of-the-reeve-foundation/|archive-date=January 14, 2025|access-date=October 18, 2020|publisher=Reeve Foundation}}</ref> which aims to speed up research through funding and to use grants to improve the quality of lives of people with disabilities. The Foundation to date has given more than $140&nbsp;million to research and more than $46&nbsp;million in quality-of-life grants.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Our Approach to Research|url=https://www.christopherreeve.org/tomorrows-cure/approach-to-research/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212032452/https://www.christopherreeve.org/tomorrows-cure/approach-to-research/|archive-date=February 12, 2025|access-date=November 10, 2024|website=Reeve Foundation|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Funding for Nonprofits / Quality of Life Grants|url=https://www.christopherreeve.org/get-support/grants-for-non-profits|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215054946/https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/get-support/grants-for-non-profits/|archive-date=February 15, 2025|access-date=November 10, 2024|website=Reeve Foundation}}</ref> Reeve served as a board member for several organizations' aim to improve quality of life for people with disabilities.<ref name="CDRF">{{cite web |title=Christopher Reeve |url=https://www.christopherreeve.org/community/about-us/about-christopher-reeve/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219061556/https://www.christopherreeve.org/community/about-us/about-christopher-reeve/ |archive-date=December 19, 2024 |access-date=January 26, 2025 |website=Reeve Foundation}}</ref>

In the mid-1990s, Reeve established the Christopher Reeve Acting Scholarship, which is given to a young disabled actor at the Media Access Awards, sponsored by the Reeve Foundation. The scholarship changed its name to the Christopher Reeve Acting Award in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rucker |first=Allen |title=The Media Access Awards Come to PBS |url=https://blog.christopherreeve.org/en/the-media-access-awards-come-to-pbs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524204835/https://blog.christopherreeve.org/en/the-media-access-awards-come-to-pbs |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=February 2, 2025 |website=Reeve Foundation}}</ref>

Reeve's first effort to change disability legislation was in supporting a 1997 bill to raise the lifetime "cap" on insurance payments from $1&nbsp;million to $10&nbsp;million per person. For catastrophically injured people with one insurance policy, the $1&nbsp;million limit often lasts just a few years. He said, "There are certain CEOs of insurance companies taking home $300 million a year in personal income. That is outrageous. We need to make insurance companies provide the benefits they are supposed to, and we shouldn't have to fight for necessities." The bill was narrowly defeated.<ref name="Ability"/><ref>Reeve, Christopher (2002), pp. 91–92</ref> In 1999, he supported the Work Incentives Improvement Act, which allows people to continue to receive disability benefits after they return to work. This bill passed.<ref name="CDRF"/>

[[File:Christopher Reeve MIT.jpg|thumb|Reeve discussing stem cell research at a conference at [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology|MIT]], March 2, 2003]]
Reeve lobbied for expanded federal funding on [[embryonic stem cell research]] to include all embryonic stem cell lines in existence and for self-governance to make open-ended scientific inquiry of the research.<ref>Christopher Reeve Homepage. [http://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/testimony-nih.html Christopher Reeve Testimony: April 26, 2000]. Retrieved November 30, 2006</ref> President [[George W. Bush]] limited federal funding to research only on human embryonic stem cell lines created on or before August 9, 2001, the day he announced his policy, and allotted approximately $100&nbsp;million for it. Reeve initially called this "a step in the right direction", admitting he did not know about the existing lines and would look into them further. He fought against the limit when scientists revealed an early research technique involved mixing the human stem cells with mouse cells contaminated most of the old lines.<ref>Viegas, Jennifer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20060721022401/http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2006/07/19/stemcells_hea.html?category=health&guid=20060719143000 In-Depth: Bush Vetoes Stem Cell Bill.] ''Discovery News'', July 19, 2006. Retrieved November 30, 2006</ref>

In 2001, Reeve received [[ASCB Public Service Award|Public Service Award]] from the [[American Society for Cell Biology]] for "outstanding public service in support of biomedical research."<ref name="ASCB">{{cite web |title=Public Service Award |url=https://www.ascb.org/award/public-service-award-recognizes-leadership-in-support-of-biomedical-research/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207230726/https://www.ascb.org/web/20241207230726/https://www.ascb.org/award/public-service-award-recognizes-leadership-in-support-of-biomedical-research/ |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |access-date=November 17, 2024 |website=ASCB}}</ref>

In 2002, Reeve lobbied for the [[Human Cloning]] Prohibition Act of 2001,<ref>The Library of Congress. [https://web.archive.org/web/20150904081347/http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c107%3AS.1758%3A S. 1758 'Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001']. Retrieved November 30, 2006</ref> which would allow [[somatic cell nuclear transfer]] research, but would ban [[cloning|reproductive cloning]]. He argued stem cell implantation is unsafe unless the stem cells contain the patient's own [[DNA]] and because somatic cell nuclear transfer is done without fertilizing an egg, it can be fully regulated.<ref>Christopher Reeve Homepage. [http://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/sp-testimony-bill1758.html Christopher Reeve Testimony: March 5, 2002]. Retrieved November 30, 2006</ref> In June 2004, Reeve provided a videotaped message on behalf of the Genetics Policy Institute to the delegates of the United Nations in defense of somatic cell nuclear transfer, which a world treaty was considering banning.<ref>{{cite web|title=Genetics Policy Institute (GPI)|url=http://www.genpol.org|access-date=July 9, 2013|publisher=Genpol.org|archive-date=June 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610140848/http://genpol.org/}}</ref> In the final days of his life, Reeve urged California voters to vote yes on [[California Constitution Article XXXV|Proposition 71]],<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/3947029.stm Reeve stem cell appeal airs in US.] [[BBC News]], October 23, 2004. Retrieved November 30, 2006</ref> which would establish the [[California Institute for Regenerative Medicine]] and would allot $3&nbsp;billion of state funds to [[stem cell]] research.<ref>Smart Voter. [http://www.smartvoter.org/2004/11/02/ca/state/prop/71/ Proposition 71: Stem Cell Research]. Retrieved November 30, 2006</ref> Proposition 71 was approved less than one month after Reeve's death.

In July 2003, Reeve's continuing frustration with the pace of stem cell research in the US led him to Israel,<ref name="U.S.">{{cite magazine|date=August 11, 2003|title=Superhero Flies To Israel, by Larry Derfner|url=https://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/030811/11spotlight.htm|magazine=[[U.S. News & World Report]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055954/http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/030811/11spotlight.htm|archive-date=September 21, 2013|access-date=July 9, 2013}}</ref> a country that was then, according to him, at the center of research in spinal cord injury.<ref name="YouTube">Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/keNu6kHg2T8 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20110317190633/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keNu6kHg2T8 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|date=November 3, 2008|title=Christopher Reeve: Trip to Israel July 2003|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keNu6kHg2T8|access-date=July 9, 2013|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="21c">{{cite web|date=July 27, 2003|title=Christopher Reeve: Israel at Center of World Research on Paralysis, Israel21c|url=http://www.ujc.org/page.aspx?id=45235|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130113091420/http://www.ujc.org/page.aspx?id=45235|archive-date=January 13, 2013|access-date=July 9, 2013|publisher=Ujc.org}}</ref> Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited him to seek out the best treatment for his condition. During his visit, Reeve called the experience "a privilege" and said, "Israel has very proactive rehab facilities, excellent medical schools and teaching hospitals, and an absolutely first-rate research infrastructure."<ref name="YouTube" /><ref name="BBC">{{cite news|date=July 31, 2003|title=Reeve boosted by Israel trip|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/entertainment/3112737.stm|access-date=July 9, 2013}}</ref> Israelis were very receptive to Reeve's visit, calling him an inspiration to all and urging him never to give up hope.<ref name="YouTube" />

In September 2003, Reeve was awarded the [[Lasker–Bloomberg Public Service Award|Lasker Public Service Award]] "for his perceptive, sustained and heroic advocacy for medical research in general and victims of disability in particular."<ref>{{cite web |last=Altman |first=Lawrence K. |date=September 14, 2003 |title=Christopher Reeve Gets Lasker Public Service Award; 3 Win for Medical Research |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/14/us/christopher-reeve-gets-lasker-public-service-award-3-win-for-medical-research.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113060615/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/14/us/christopher-reeve-gets-lasker-public-service-award-3-win-for-medical-research.html |archive-date=November 13, 2024 |access-date=November 12, 2024 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="Lasker">{{cite web |title=Advocacy for spinal cord injury research |url=https://laskerfoundation.org/winners/spinal-cord-and-other-disabilities-advocacy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113061158/https://laskerfoundation.org/winners/spinal-cord-and-other-disabilities-advocacy/ |archive-date=November 13, 2024 |access-date=November 12, 2024 |website=Lasker Foundation}}</ref>

Commenting on Reeve's impact, [[Jerome Groopman]] said in 2003, "I think that people of prominence or great resources are the ones who act as catalysts in our society.&nbsp;... There was essentially no substantial funding of spinal-cord research before Reeve's injury, and now it is one of the hottest areas in neurobiology. Scientists are flocking to work in it, because science follows the money."<ref name="New Yorker"/> Of Reeve, [[UC Irvine]] said, "in the years following his injury, Christopher did more to promote research on spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders than any other person before or since."<ref>{{cite web |title=Chris Reeve |url=http://www.reeve.uci.edu/chrisreeve/index.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060430070119/http://www.reeve.uci.edu/chrisreeve/index.php |archive-date=April 30, 2006 |access-date=March 8, 2025 |website=UCIrvine}}</ref>

==Health problems and death==
During his teenage years, Reeve suffered from occasional bouts of [[asthma]] and allergies.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (2002), p. 40</ref> He sustained injuries in various sports activities, such as a broken ankle while skiing and a fractured rib from a riding mishap while training for ''Anna Karenina''.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 31</ref><ref>{{cite episode |title=Episode #2.11 |series=Aspel & Company|network=ITV |date=March 23, 1985 |season=2}}</ref> At Kessler Rehabilitation Center, he discovered that he hadn't fully recovered from [[malaria]], which he contracted while scouting filming locations in [[Kenya]] in 1993.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 96</ref>

He had a rare condition called [[mastocytosis]], which made him vulnerable to [[anaphylaxis]], and more than once he had a [[adverse drug reaction|severe reaction]] to a drug. While at Kessler, he tried a drug which was theorized to help reduce damage to the spinal cord. The drug caused him to go into anaphylactic shock, and his heart stopped. He said he had an [[out-of-body experience]] and remembered saying, "I'm sorry, but I have to go now", during the event. In his autobiography, he wrote, "and then I left my body. I was up on the ceiling.&nbsp;... I looked down and saw my body stretched out on the bed, not moving, while everybody—there were 15 or 20 people, the doctors, the EMTs, the nurses—was working on me. The noise and commotion grew quieter as though someone were gradually turning down the volume." After receiving a large dose of [[epinephrine (medication)|epinephrine]], he woke up and stabilized later that night. Two days later, he gave it another try, but experienced the same anaphylactic reaction and was immediately given epinephrine.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp. 106–108</ref>

At age 16, he developed [[alopecia areata]]. Generally, he was able to comb over the bald spots and often the problem disappeared for long periods.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (2002), p. 6</ref> The condition became more noticeable after his paralysis. He was given a medication for it, but an adverse reaction caused all the hair on his body to fall out, including his eyebrows and eyelashes.<ref>{{cite web |last=Addie |first=Jo |title=Christopher Reeve's "Courageous Steps" |url=https://www.somewhereintime.tv/article_courageous.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214133713/https://www.somewhereintime.tv/article_courageous.htm |archive-date=December 14, 2024 |access-date=December 14, 2024 |website=INSITE}}</ref>

During 1996 and 1997, Reeve was frequently hospitalized for [[Autonomic dysreflexia|dysreflexia]], pneumonia, a collapsed lung, and two blood clots.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 274</ref> On one occasion, he was put incorrectly in a wheelchair, which caused him to fall and break his left arm. A titanium rod was inserted inside his [[humerus]] bone to stabilize his arm.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 256</ref> In 1997, a small ulcer on his left ankle became infected, eventually spreading to the bone. He was warned that his leg might have to be amputated to prevent further spread of infection. Reeve sought help from specialists at [[Albany Medical Center]], who examined his leg, [[Debridement|removing]] the dead tissue and putting him on powerful [[antibiotic]]s, although he developed an allergy after eight days. His leg fully healed a few months later.<ref>Reeve, Christopher (1998), p. 263</ref><ref name="The Guardian"/>

By early October 2004, he was being treated for an infected [[pressure ulcer]] that was causing [[sepsis]], a complication he had experienced many times before. On October 4, he spoke at the [[Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago]] on behalf of its work; it was his last reported public appearance.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A23222-2004Oct11.html | newspaper=The Washington Post | first=Joe | last=Holley | title=A Leading Man for Spinal Cord Research | date=October 12, 2004}}</ref> On October 9, Reeve attended his son Will's hockey game. That night, he went into cardiac arrest after receiving an antibiotic for the infection. He fell into a coma, and was taken to [[Northern Westchester Hospital]] in [[Mount Kisco, New York]]. Eighteen hours later, on October 10, Reeve died at the age of 52.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=101123&page=1|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120330171312/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=101123&page=1|archive-date = March 30, 2012|title = Christopher Reeve Dead at 52|website = [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]}}</ref> No autopsy was performed. However, both Reeve's wife, Dana, and his doctor, John McDonald, believed that an adverse reaction to a drug caused his death.<ref>{{Cite web|date=February 22, 2005|title=TRANSCRIPTS: CNN LARRY KING LIVE - Interview With Christopher Reeve's Widow, Dana|url=https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/lkl/date/2005-02-22/segment/01|url-status=live|access-date=October 10, 2021|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070622230829/http://edition.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0502/22/lkl.01.html |archive-date=June 22, 2007 }}</ref>

His remains were [[cremated]] at [[Ferncliff Cemetery]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ferncliffcemetery.com/visit-ferncliff/celebrities-notables/|title=Celebrities & Notables – Ferncliff Cemetery Association}}</ref> where his ashes were sprinkled in the wind by his family.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Liebson |first1=Richard |title=Famous people buried or cremated at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale: list |url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/2018/07/19/ferncliff-cemetery-famous-people-buried-cremated/801782002/ |access-date=August 24, 2022 |work=The Journal News |date=July 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Doyle |first1=Bill |title=Christopher Reeve's legacy and his ties to Jersey |url=https://nj1015.com/christopher-reeves-legacy-and-his-ties-to-jersey/ |access-date=August 24, 2022 |work=New Jersey 101.5 |date=September 25, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> A memorial service for Reeve was held at the [[Unitarian Universalist Association|Unitarian Church]] in [[Westport, Connecticut]], which was officiated by Frank Hall.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Christopher Reeve: A Life for All Seasons – October 31, 2004 {{!}} The Unitarian Church in Westport|date=September 16, 2010|url=https://uuwestport.org/christopher-reeve-a-life-for-all-seasons-october-31-2004/|access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> Another private memorial service held at the Juilliard School three weeks later was attended by more than 900 people, with speakers.<ref name="Juilliard">{{cite web |date=October 30, 2004 |title=Reeve's Juilliard memorial draws 900 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-oct-30-et-reeve30-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612230927/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-oct-30-et-reeve30-story.html |archive-date=June 12, 2024 |access-date=January 25, 2025 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>

==Legacy==
[[File:Christopher Reeve on the Walk of Fame.jpg|thumb|Reeve's star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]]]]
Reeve's widow Dana headed the Christopher Reeve Foundation after his death. Although a non-smoker, she was diagnosed with lung cancer on August 9, 2005. She died at age&nbsp;44 on March 6, 2006,<ref>{{cite web |date=March 7, 2006 |title=Shock As Dana Reeve Dies At 44 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/shock-as-dana-reeve-dies-at-44/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241021173329/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/shock-as-dana-reeve-dies-at-44/ |archive-date=October 21, 2024 |access-date=January 28, 2025 |publisher=CBS News}}</ref> and the foundation was subsequently renamed the [[Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation]].<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Christopher Reeve Foundation Changes Name |url=https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/christopher-reeve-foundation-changes-name |date=March 14, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828010039/https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/christopher-reeve-foundation-changes-name |archive-date=August 28, 2024 |access-date=January 13, 2025 |publisher=Reeve Foundation}}</ref> Reeve's children serve on the board of directors of the foundation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Board of Directors |url=https://www.christopherreeve.org/community/about-us/board-of-directors/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214074820/https://www.christopherreeve.org/community/about-us/board-of-directors/ |archive-date=December 14, 2024 |access-date=December 17, 2024 |website=Reeve Foundation}}</ref>

Following Reeve's death, the [[Society for Neuroscience]] added his name to their satellite symposium dedicated to stem cell research. The Annual Christopher Reeve "Hot Topics" in Stem Cell Biology is held almost annually, except for 2020, 2021, and 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Satellite Events |url=https://www.sfn.org/meetings/neuroscience-2023/sessions-and-events/satellite-events |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004232426/https://www.sfn.org/meetings/neuroscience-2023/sessions-and-events/satellite-events |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |access-date=January 22, 2025 |website=Society for Neuroscience}}</ref>

In 2005, [[Princeton Day School]] established the Christopher Reeve '70 Sportsmanship Award that is awarded during the Invitational Ice Hockey Tournament.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pds.org/school-news/news-post/~post/the-harry-rulon-miller-51-invitational-ice-hockey-tournament-1216-1217-20161214 |title=The Harry Rulon-Miller '51 Invitational Ice Hockey Tournament, 12/16-12/17 |date=December 14, 2016 |publisher=[[Princeton Day School]] |access-date=December 14, 2016 |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628215859/https://www.pds.org/school-news/news-post/~post/the-harry-rulon-miller-51-invitational-ice-hockey-tournament-1216-1217-20161214 }}</ref> In 2006, [[Cornell University]] dedicated a [[Commemorative plaque|plaque]] to Reeve at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts and established the Christopher Reeve '74 Scholarship that provides support to students majoring in theater, film, music, and English.<ref>{{cite web |last=Aloi |first=Daniel |date=November 20, 2006 |title='Actor -- Superman -- Hero': Cornell honors alumnus Christopher Reeve '74 |url=https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2006/11/actor-superman-hero-cornell-honors-christopher-reeve-74 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804104421/https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2006/11/actor-superman-hero-cornell-honors-christopher-reeve-74 |archive-date=August 4, 2024 |access-date=November 16, 2024 |website=Cornell Chronicle}}</ref>

In 2005, the [[Williamstown Theatre Festival]], where Reeve often performed during his career, announced that it would dedicate the final performance of every season to his memory and would establish a fund to support artists with disabilities.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 17, 2005 |title=Williamstown Theatre Fest Honors Reeve with Dedication |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Williamstown-Theatre-Fest-Honors-Reeve-with-Dedication-20050817 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227150732/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Williamstown-Theatre-Fest-Honors-Reeve-with-Dedication-20050817 |archive-date=December 27, 2024 |access-date=December 27, 2024 |website=Broadway World}}</ref> In 2015, [[Princeton Public Library]] created the Christopher Reeve Theater and Dramatic Arts Collection that consists of books on acting, screenwriting, theater, filmmaking, cinema studies, music and Broadway. Reeve's books are also part of the collection.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 2, 2015 |title=Christopher Reeve Theater and Dramatic Arts Collection: A hidden gem |url=https://princetonlibrary.org/christopher-reeve-theater-and-dramatic-arts-collection-a-hidden-gem/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227133502/https://princetonlibrary.org/web/20241227133502/https://princetonlibrary.org/christopher-reeve-theater-and-dramatic-arts-collection-a-hidden-gem/ |archive-date=December 27, 2024 |access-date=December 27, 2024 |website=Princeton Library}}</ref>

From 2004 to 2016, Heart of America Foundation presented the Christopher Reeve Award, an annual scholarship funded by [[Merriam-Webster, Inc.]], to "a student who has demonstrated outstanding compassion and caring by serving their community."<ref>{{cite web |title=The Christopher Reeve Scholarship Award |url=https://www.scholarshipsonline.org/2013/07/the-christopher-reeve-award.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718211136/https://www.scholarshipsonline.org/2013/07/the-christopher-reeve-award.html |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |access-date=January 23, 2025 |website=ScholarshipsOnline.org}}</ref> In 2018, [[Drexel University College of Medicine]] established the Christopher Reeve Endowment Award "as a scholarship fund for support of research and training of scientists and clinicians working in the area of spinal cord and brain injury research."<ref>{{cite web |date=March 5, 2018 |title=Christopher Reeve Endowment Award |url=https://drexel.edu/medicine/about/departments/neurobiology-anatomy/funding-opportunities/christopher-reeve/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119024013/https://drexel.edu/medicine/about/departments/neurobiology-anatomy/funding-opportunities/christopher-reeve/ |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |access-date=January 22, 2025 |website=Drexel University}}</ref>

In March 2009, President [[Barack Obama]] signed the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act that aims "to enhance and further research into paralysis and to improve rehabilitation and the quality of life for persons living with paralysis and other physical disabilities."<ref>{{cite web |title=Statement by the President |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/realitycheck/the-press-office/statement-presidents-signing-statements-hr-146-omnibus-public-lands-management-act |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241230165703/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/realitycheck/the-press-office/statement-presidents-signing-statements-hr-146-omnibus-public-lands-management-act |archive-date=December 30, 2024 |access-date=November 16, 2024 |website=The White House}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=H.R.307 - Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/307 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707125241/https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/307 |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |access-date=November 16, 2024 |website=Library of Congress|date=March 23, 2009 }}</ref>

[[Alexander Newley]]'s portrait of Reeve is in the collection of the [[National Portrait Gallery (United States)|National Portrait Gallery]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Christopher Reeve |url=https://www.si.edu/object/christopher-reeve%3Anpg_NPG.2005.52.3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250112075438/https://www.si.edu/object/christopher-reeve:npg_NPG.2005.52.3 |archive-date=January 12, 2025 |access-date=December 2, 2024 |website=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>

On September 25, 2021, Google celebrated Reeve's 69th birthday with a [[Google Doodle]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Christopher Reeve's 69th Birthday|url=https://doodles.google/doodle/christopher-reeves-69th-birthday/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203052102/https://doodles.google/doodle/christopher-reeves-69th-birthday/|archive-date=December 3, 2024|access-date=November 10, 2024|publisher=Google Doodles}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Bjornson|first=Greta|date=September 24, 2021|title=Google Honors Late Superman Actor Christopher Reeve with Doodle Commemorating His Birthday|url=https://people.com/movies/google-honors-christopher-reeve-birthday-with-doodle/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828133447/https://people.com/movies/google-honors-christopher-reeve-birthday-with-doodle/|archive-date=August 28, 2024|access-date=September 25, 2021|website=People}}</ref>

A documentary about Reeve's life and the aftermath of his accident titled ''[[Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story]]'' premiered at the [[2024 Sundance Film Festival|Sundance Film Festival]] on January 19, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|last=Carey|first=Matthew|url=https://deadline.com/video/super-man-the-christopher-reeve-story-sundance-documentary-matthew-reeve-alexandra-reeve-will-reeve-interview/|title=Christopher Reeve's Children "Bear Their Soul On Screen" In Touching Documentary 'Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story' – Sundance Studio|date=January 21, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216002413/https://deadline.com/video/super-man-the-christopher-reeve-story-sundance-documentary-matthew-reeve-alexandra-reeve-will-reeve-interview/|archive-date=December 16, 2024|access-date=January 13, 2025|publisher=Deadline}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Brooks |first1=Xan |title=Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story review – respectful documentary gives the full picture |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/nov/03/superman-the-christopher-reeve-story-review-respectful-documentary-gives-the-full-picture |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227082204/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/nov/03/superman-the-christopher-reeve-story-review-respectful-documentary-gives-the-full-picture |archive-date=December 27, 2024 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |work=The Observer |date=November 3, 2024}}</ref> On the 20th anniversary of Reeve's death, the [[Empire State Building]] was lit in blue, yellow, red, and orange colors in honor of the foundation's work and the wide release of the documentary.<ref>{{cite web |title=Celebrating our Super/Man at the Empire State Building |url=https://blog.christopherreeve.org/en/celebrating-our-super/man-at-the-empire-state-building |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203210511/https://blog.christopherreeve.org/en/celebrating-our-super/man-at-the-empire-state-building |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |access-date=November 14, 2024 |website=Reeve Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Tower Lights Calendar |url=https://www.esbnyc.com/about/tower-lights/calendar/202410 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121091533/https://www.esbnyc.com/about/tower-lights/calendar/202410 |archive-date=November 21, 2024 |access-date=November 14, 2024 |website=[[Empire State Building]]}}</ref> On October 25, 2024, a French documentary about Reeve titled ''Christopher Reeve: The Eternal Superman'' was released on TCM Cinéma.<ref>{{cite web |title=Christopher Reeve, The Eternal Superman |url=https://en.unifrance.org/movie/59666/christopher-reeve-the-eternal-superman |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219143639/https://en.unifrance.org/movie/59666/christopher-reeve-the-eternal-superman |archive-date=December 19, 2024 |access-date=December 22, 2024 |website=[[Unifrance]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=October 25, 2024 |title="Christopher Reeve: The Eternal Superman" – A Tribute Documentary on TCM Cinema |url=https://www.supermanhomepage.com/christopher-reeve-the-eternal-superman-a-tribute-documentary-on-tcm-cinma/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124122022/https://www.supermanhomepage.com/christopher-reeve-the-eternal-superman-a-tribute-documentary-on-tcm-cinma/ |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Superman Homepage}}</ref>

==Acting credits==
{{Main|Christopher Reeve on stage and screen}}

==Awards and honors==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|-
! scope="col" | Award
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Category
! scope="col" | Nominated work
! scope="col" | Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{refh}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=2| [[Audie Awards]]
| rowspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 1999
| Inspirational
| rowspan=3| ''[[Still Me]]''
| {{won}}
| rowspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Audie"/>
|-
| [[Audie Award for Narration by the Author|Solo Narration by the Author]]
| {{won}}
|-
! scope="row" | [[AudioFile (magazine)|AudioFile Earphones Award]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 1998
| {{n/a}}
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="AudioFile"/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[British Academy Film Award]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[32nd British Academy Film Awards|1978]]
| [[BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles|Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles]]
| ''[[Superman (1978 film)|Superman]]''
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=Film / Most Promising Newcomer To Leading Film Roles |url=https://www.bafta.org/awards/film/most-promising-newcomer-to-leading-film-roles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124203746/https://www.bafta.org/awards/film/most-promising-newcomer-to-leading-film-roles |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |access-date=January 26, 2025 |website=BAFTA}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[CableACE Award]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[19th CableACE Awards|1997]]
| Directing a Dramatic Special or Series
| ''[[In the Gloaming (film)|In the Gloaming]]''
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |date=September 24, 1997 |title=CableAce Nominations |url=https://variety.com/1997/tv/news/cableace-nominations-111662390/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125230345/https://variety.com/1997/tv/news/cableace-nominations-111662390/ |archive-date=January 25, 2025 |access-date=January 26, 2025 |website=Variety}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Directors Guild of America Awards]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[57th Directors Guild of America Awards|2004]]
| [[Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing – Miniseries or TV Film|Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Miniseries or Movies for Television]]
| ''The Brooke Ellison Story''
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |date=January 10, 2005 |title=Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television for the Year 2004 |url=https://www.dga.org/News/PressReleases/2005/0110-Nominees-for-Outstanding-Directorial-Achievement-in-Movies-for-Television-for-the-Year-2004.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211121011/https://www.dga.org/News/PressReleases/2005/0110-Nominees-for-Outstanding-Directorial-Achievement-in-Movies-for-Television-for-the-Year-2004.aspx |archive-date=December 11, 2024 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=DGA}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=4| [[Primetime Emmy Awards|Emmy Awards]]
| rowspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| [[49th Primetime Emmy Awards|1997]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie|Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries or Special]]
| ''In the Gloaming''
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=In The Gloaming |url=https://www.televisionacademy.com/shows/gloaming |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250122093405/https://www.televisionacademy.com/shows/gloaming |archive-date=January 22, 2025 |access-date=January 22, 2025 |website=Television Academy}}</ref>
|-
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special|Outstanding Informational Special]]
| ''[[Without Pity: A Film About Abilities]]''
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=Without Pity: A Film About Abilities |url=https://www.televisionacademy.com/shows/without-pity-film-about-abilities |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250124200339/https://www.televisionacademy.com/shows/without-pity-film-about-abilities |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Television Academy}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| [[50th Primetime Emmy Awards|1998]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)|Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special]]
| ''Christopher Reeve: A Celebration of Hope''
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=Christopher Reeve: A Celebration of Hope |url=https://www.televisionacademy.com/awards/nominees-winners/1998/outstanding-variety-music-or-comedy-special |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250124200747/https://www.televisionacademy.com/awards/nominees-winners/1998/outstanding-variety-music-or-comedy-special |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Television Academy}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| [[55th Primetime Emmy Awards|2003]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special|Outstanding Nonfiction Special]]
| ''Christopher Reeve: Courageous Steps''
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=Christopher Reeve: Courageous Steps |url=https://www.televisionacademy.com/shows/christopher-reeve-courageous-steps |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250124201128/https://www.televisionacademy.com/shows/christopher-reeve-courageous-steps |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Television Academy}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Fantafestival]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 1981
| Best Actor
| ''[[Somewhere in Time (film)|Somewhere in Time]]''
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=Albo d'oro |url=https://www.fanta-festival.it/albo-doro/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214224046/https://www.fanta-festival.it/albo-doro/ |archive-date=December 14, 2024 |access-date=January 26, 2025 |website=Fantafestival}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Golden Globe Awards]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[56th Golden Globe Awards|1998]]
| [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film|Best Actor – Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television]]
| ''[[Rear Window (1998 film)|Rear Window]]''
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=Christopher Reeve |url=https://goldenglobes.com/person/christopher-reeve/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250125235602/https://goldenglobes.com/person/christopher-reeve/ |archive-date=January 25, 2025 |access-date=January 26, 2025 |website=Golden Globe}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=2| [[Grammy Awards]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[41st Annual Grammy Awards|1998]]
| rowspan=2| [[Best Spoken Word Album]]
| ''Still Me''
| {{won}}
| rowspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="Grammy"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| [[45th Annual Grammy Awards|2002]]
|''Nothing Is Impossible''
| {{nom}}
|-
! scope="row" | [[Jupiter Award (film award)|Jupiter Award]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 1979
| Best International Actor
| ''Superman''
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;"|
|-
! scope="row" | Online Film and Television Association
| style="text-align:center;"| 1997
| Best Direction of a Motion Picture or Miniseries
| ''In the Gloaming''
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |date=January 10, 2005 |title=1st Annual TV Awards (1996-97) |url=https://www.oftaawards.com/television-awards/1st-annual-tv-awards-1996-97/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124163457/https://www.oftaawards.com/television-awards/1st-annual-tv-awards-1996-97/ |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=OFTA}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=5| [[Saturn Awards]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[6th Saturn Awards|1978]]
| rowspan=5| [[Saturn Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
| ''Superman''
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;"|
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| [[8th Saturn Awards|1980]]
| ''Somewhere in Time''
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;"|
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| [[9th Saturn Awards|1981]]
| ''[[Superman II]]''
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;"|
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| [[10th Saturn Awards|1982]]
| ''[[Deathtrap (film)|Deathtrap]]''
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |date=June 7, 1983 |title='E.T' and 'Star Trek' top science fiction film nominees |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/06/07/ET-and-Star-Trek-top-science-fiction-film-nominees/7170423806400/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815215748/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/06/07/ET-and-Star-Trek-top-science-fiction-film-nominees/7170423806400/ |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |access-date=January 30, 2025 |work=United Press International}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| [[11th Saturn Awards|1983]]
| ''[[Superman III]]''
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;"|
|-
! scope="row" | [[Screen Actors Guild Awards]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[5th Screen Actors Guild Awards|1998]]
| [[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie|Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie]]
| ''Rear Window''
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=NOMINEES & RECIPIENTS |url=https://www.sagawards.org/awards/nominees-and-recipients/5th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203184342/https://www.sagawards.org/awards/nominees-and-recipients/5th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=SAG Awards}}</ref>
|}

===Honorary awards===
{|class= "wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
! Organizations
! scope="col"| Year
! scope="col"| Award
! scope="col"| Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{refh}}
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Obie Awards]]
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| 1988
| Special Citation
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=Obie Awards |url=https://www.obieawards.com/events/1980s/year-88/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250109001533/https://www.obieawards.com/events/1980s/year-88/ |archive-date=January 9, 2025 |access-date=November 12, 2024 |website=Obie Awards}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | Walter Briehl Human Rights Foundation
| {{n/a}}
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="CDRF"/>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Princeton Day School]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 1990
| The Alumni Award
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite journal |title=Princeton Day School Journal Fall 1990 |url=https://www.digifind-it.com/princetonday/data/pds-journals/journals/1990%20Fall.pdf#page=23 |journal=Princeton Day School Journal |volume=26 |pages=23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231025927/https://www.digifind-it.com/princetonday/data/pds-journals/journals/1990%20Fall.pdf#page=23 |archive-date=December 31, 2024 |access-date=December 27, 2024}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | Courage Center
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 1996
| National Courage Award
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |date=May 26, 2020 |title=Christopher Reeve, 1952-2004 |url=https://www.pennlive.com/galleries/MYE6ACDOVFGMJPGNHIOJBARRLE/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502134937/https://www.pennlive.com/galleries/MYE6ACDOVFGMJPGNHIOJBARRLE/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=January 26, 2025 |website=PennLive}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | Paralysed Veterans of America
| Promise of Progress
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite video |date=December 15, 1996 |title=USA: WASHINGTON: CHRISTOPHER REEVE RECEIVES AWARD |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QnqTE3rkFw |publisher=AP Archive |access-date=January 22, 2025}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Young Artist Award]]
| [[17th Youth in Film Awards#Youth In Film's Special Awards|The Jackie Coogan Award]]
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=Seventeenth Annual Youth in Film Awards |url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/pastnoms17.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313065600/http://www.youngartistawards.org/pastnoms17.htm |archive-date=March 13, 2016 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Young Artist Awards}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]]
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 1997
| Motion Picture Star
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=Christopher Reeve |url=https://walkoffame.com/christopher-reeve/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420165810/https://walkoffame.com/christopher-reeve/ |archive-date=April 20, 2024 |access-date=January 22, 2025 |website=Hollywood Walk of Fame |date=October 25, 2019 }}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation
| Helen Hayes MacArthur Award
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=About Helen Hayes MacArthur |url=https://helenhayeshospitalfoundation.com/helen-hayes-macarthur/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129214409/https://helenhayeshospitalfoundation.com/helen-hayes-macarthur/ |archive-date=January 29, 2025 |access-date=January 30, 2025 |website=Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[GQ#Men of the Year|GQ Men of the Year]]
| Man of Courage
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |date=October 15, 1997 |title=GQ Magazine 1997 "MEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS" |url=https://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/upi/f816d3833eb0f464b467d7f120a35e36/GQ-Magazine-1997-MEN-OF-THE-YEAR-AWARDS/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250124222631/https://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/upi/f816d3833eb0f464b467d7f120a35e36/GQ-Magazine-1997-MEN-OF-THE-YEAR-AWARDS/ |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |access-date=January 25, 2025 |work=United Press International}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Society for Neuroscience]]
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| 2000
| Special Achievement
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=A History Of The Society for Neuroscience |url=https://www.sfn.org/-/media/SfN/Documents/NEW-SfN/About/HofSfN/SfN_50YearBook.pdf#page=126 |pages=126 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918034026/https://www.sfn.org/-/media/SfN/Documents/NEW-SfN/About/HofSfN/SfN_50YearBook.pdf#page=126 |archive-date=September 18, 2024 |access-date=January 22, 2025 |website=Society for Neuroscience}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | Heart of America Foundation
| Heroes of the Heart
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=Heart of America |url=http://www.heartofamerica.org/our-programs/#scholar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208123056/http://www.heartofamerica.org/our-programs/#scholar |archive-date=December 8, 2016 |access-date=February 5, 2025 |website=HOA}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Italian Americans#Organizations|National Italian American Foundation]]
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| 2001
| One America
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |date=September 13, 2001 |title=Christopher Reeve & Dana Morosini Reeve To Receive "One America Award" at Italian American Gala in Washington, DC |url=https://www.niaf.org/niaf_event/christopher-reeve-dana-morosini-reeve-to-receive-one-america-awardat-italian-american-gala-in-washington-dc/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916063640/https://www.niaf.org/niaf_event/christopher-reeve-dana-morosini-reeve-to-receive-one-america-awardat-italian-american-gala-in-washington-dc/ |archive-date=September 16, 2015 |access-date=January 22, 2025 |website=NIAF}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[American Society for Cell Biology]]
| [[ASCB Public Service Award|Public Service Award]]
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="ASCB"/>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Lasker Award]]
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| 2003
| [[Lasker–Bloomberg Public Service Award|Public Service Award]]
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Lasker"/>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | World Awards
| Lifetime Achievement Award
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |date=October 2, 2003 |title=WORLD AWARDS: Die Preisträger 2003 stehen fest |url=https://www.ots.at/presseaussendung/OTS_20031002_OTS0220/world-awards-die-preistraeger-2003-stehen-fest |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124133604/https://www.ots.at/presseaussendung/OTS_20031002_OTS0220/world-awards-die-preistraeger-2003-stehen-fest |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=OTS}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Order of Bernardo O'Higgins]]
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| 2004
| Grand Cross
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Chile"/>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[PNC Financial Services]]
| Common Wealth Awards of Distinguished Service
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite press release |date=March 10, 2004 |title=PNC Honors Five Renowned Achievers Who Have Enriched The World With Their Uncommon Gifts |url=https://pnc.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=3473&item=74073 |agency=PR Newswire |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250214094247/https://pnc.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=3473&item=74073 |archive-date=February 14, 2025 |access-date=February 14, 2025}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Jules Verne Awards]]
| Jules Verne Achievement Award
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=The Jules Verne Awards |url=https://julesverne.org/jules-verne-award/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105201857/https://julesverne.org/jules-verne-award/ |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |access-date=November 24, 2024 |website=Jules Verne Adventures |date=March 25, 2013 }}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 2007
| Heroes' Hero
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |date=December 7, 2007 |title=CNN Live Event/Special |url=https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/se/date/2007-12-07/segment/01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929191438/https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/se/date/2007-12-07/segment/01 |archive-date=September 29, 2024 |access-date=January 26, 2025 |publisher=CNN}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[New Jersey Hall of Fame]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 2012
| Inductee
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |date=February 10, 2012 |title=Christopher Reeve Among New Inductees To New Jersey Hall Of Fame |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/christopher-reeve-among-new-inductees-to-new-jersey-hall-of-fame/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113112104/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/christopher-reeve-among-new-inductees-to-new-jersey-hall-of-fame/ |archive-date=January 13, 2025 |access-date=November 15, 2024 |publisher=CBC News}}</ref>
|}

===Honorary degrees===
{|class= "wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
! Organizations
! scope="col"| Year
! scope="col"| Award
! scope="col"| Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{refh}}
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Juilliard School]]
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| 1997
| Honorary [[Doctor of Fine Arts]]
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Juilliard"/>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Boston University School of Medicine]]
| Honorary [[Doctor of Laws]]
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=Past Honorary Degree Recipients |url=https://www.bu.edu/president/about-the-office/honorary-degrees/past-hds/past-hds-alpha/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124173557/https://www.bu.edu/president/about-the-office/honorary-degrees/past-hds/past-hds-alpha/ |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Boston University}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Pace University]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 1998
| rowspan="2" | Honorary [[Doctor of Humane Letters]]
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |date=May 21, 1998 |title=REEVE TELLS '98 GRADS HE HAD NO CAREER BACKUP PLAN |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/05/21/reeve-tells-98-grads-he-had-no-career-backup-plan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125214601/https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/05/21/reeve-tells-98-grads-he-had-no-career-backup-plan/ |archive-date=January 25, 2025 |access-date=January 25, 2025 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Williams College]]
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| 1999
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=Christopher Reeve's Address to the Williams College Class of 1999 |url=https://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/sp-wc1999.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922092557/https://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/sp-wc1999.html |archive-date=September 22, 2023 |access-date=November 24, 2024 |website=Christopher Reeve Homepage}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Drew University]]
| Honorary degree
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=Past Commencement Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients |url=https://drew.edu/campus-life/commencement/past-commencement-speakers-and-honorary-degree-recipients/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620212739/https://drew.edu/campus-life/commencement/past-commencement-speakers-and-honorary-degree-recipients/ |archive-date=June 20, 2024 |access-date=January 25, 2025 |website=Drew University}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Middlebury College]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 2004
| rowspan="3" | Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |date=December 3, 2003 |title=Commencement 2004: The words of Christopher and Dana Morosini Reeve Research |url=https://www.middlebury.edu/announcements/2003/12/commencement-2004-words-christopher-and-dana-morosini-reeve |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918034802/https://www.middlebury.edu/announcements/2003/12/commencement-2004-words-christopher-and-dana-morosini-reeve |archive-date=September 18, 2024 |access-date=November 24, 2024 |website=Middlebury}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Stony Brook University]]
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| 2005
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |date=May 10, 2005 |title=Posthumous degree for Reeve |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-may-10-et-quick10.3-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122112617/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-may-10-et-quick10.3-story.html |archive-date=January 22, 2025 |access-date=November 24, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="row" | [[Rutgers University]]
| {{won|Honored}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient Nominations |url=https://governingboards.rutgers.edu/about-office-secretary/commencement-speaker-and-honorary-degree-recipient-nominations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121052006/https://governingboards.rutgers.edu/about-office-secretary/commencement-speaker-and-honorary-degree-recipient-nominations |archive-date=January 21, 2025 |access-date=December 22, 2024 |website=Rutgers}}</ref>
|}

==See also==
* {{anl|Superman curse}}

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{Reflist|22em}}

==Bibliography==
* Reeve, Christopher (1998). ''Still Me''. Random House. {{ISBN|0-679-45235-4}}.
* Reeve, Christopher (2002). ''Nothing Is Impossible''. Random House. {{ISBN|0-375-50778-7}}.

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{AFI person | 251806-Christopher-Reeve }}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{Tcmdb name | 159333%7C0 }}
* {{IBDB name}}
* {{Iobdb name}}
* [https://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/11/arts/11WIRE-REEVE.html "Christopher Reeve, 'Superman' and Crusader for Stem Cells, Dies"]. ''The New York Times''. October 11, 2004
* [http://www.christopherreeve.org/ Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation]
* [https://archive.today/20130102040637/http://cagle.com/news/ChristopherReeve/1.asp Political Cartoons Honoring Reeve]
* [http://www.paulbrunton.org/christopher-reeve.php Christopher Reeve reads from "Discover Yourself" and "The Secret Path"]
* [https://texasarchive.org/2015_01506 Christopher Reeve Interview] at [[Texas Archive of the Moving Image]]

{{Christopher Reeve}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Christopher Reeve
|list =
{{Bafta Award for Most Promising Newcomer}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album 1990s}}
{{ScreenActorsGuildAward MaleTVMiniseriesMovie 1994-2009}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Reeve, Christopher}}
[[Category:1952 births]]
[[Category:2004 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century American male actors]]
[[Category:20th-century American memoirists]]
[[Category:20th-century Unitarians]]
[[Category:21st-century American male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century American memoirists]]
[[Category:21st-century Unitarians]]
[[Category:Actors with tetraplegia]]
[[Category:American activists with disabilities]]
[[Category:American actors with disabilities]]
[[Category:American disability rights activists]]
[[Category:American environmentalists]]
[[Category:American glider pilots]]
[[Category:American male equestrians]]
[[Category:American male film actors]]
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[[Category:American male stage actors]]
[[Category:American people of English descent]]
[[Category:American people of French descent]]
[[Category:American Unitarian Universalists]]
[[Category:American wheelchair users]]
[[Category:Audiobook narrators]]
[[Category:Burials at Ferncliff Cemetery]]
[[Category:Cornell University alumni]]
[[Category:Critics of Scientology]]
[[Category:DC Comics people]]
[[Category:Deaths from sepsis in the United States]]
[[Category:Former Presbyterians]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Horse-related accidents and incidents]]
[[Category:Infectious disease deaths in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Juilliard School alumni]]
[[Category:Male actors from Bedford, New York]]
[[Category:Male actors from New York City]]
[[Category:Male actors from Princeton, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles BAFTA Award winners]]
[[Category:New York (state) Democrats]]
[[Category:Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie Screen Actors Guild Award winners]]
[[Category:Primetime Emmy Award winners]]
[[Category:Princeton Day School alumni]]
[[Category:Winthrop family]]
[[Category:Woolsey family]]