Challenges in the Life of Christopher Reeve in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Christopher Reeve. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Christopher Reeve was an American actor, director, and activist best known for portraying Superman in the film series from 1978-1987. Reeve achieved critical acclaim and recognition for his acting career, earning several prestigious awards including a British Academy Film Award, an Emmy Award, a Grammy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Beyond acting, he dedicated himself to activism, advocating for spinal cord injury research and disability rights, further solidifying his legacy as a multifaceted and influential figure.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

June 1986: Emergency Appendectomy

In June 1986, Christopher Reeve had an emergency appendectomy, which impacted his ability to work out as much for "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace".

1988: Began Estrangement from Father

In 1988, Christopher Reeve and his father began a period of estrangement, during which they barely spoke to each other.

1993: Contracted Malaria in Kenya

While scouting filming locations in Kenya in 1993, Christopher Reeve contracted malaria, and he later discovered at Kessler Rehabilitation Center that he hadn't fully recovered from it.

May 27, 1995: Reeve's Horse Riding Accident

On May 27, 1995, Christopher Reeve's horse refused a jump, causing Reeve to fall headfirst and shatter his first and second vertebrae. This accident resulted in a cervical spinal injury, paralyzing him from the neck down and halting his breathing. He was immediately taken to a local hospital and then flown to the University of Virginia Medical Center.

June 1995: Spine Stabilization Operation and Robin Williams' Visit

In June 1995, Reeve faced a spine stabilization operation with only a fifty-fifty chance of survival. Robin Williams visited him in the ICU, reprising his character from the film Nine Months, which helped Reeve laugh and feel optimistic. Reeve also received over 400,000 letters from people around the world.

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1995: Plans for Kidnapped and Tell Me True Cancelled

In 1995, Christopher Reeve was offered the lead in the film Kidnapped and planned to direct his first film, Tell Me True, but both plans were cancelled due to his horse riding accident.

1995: Paralyzed in Equestrian Accident

In 1995, Christopher Reeve was paralyzed from the neck down after being thrown from a horse during an equestrian competition in Culpeper, Virginia. This event significantly altered his life and led to his activism.

1996: Hospitalized for Various Ailments

During 1996, Christopher Reeve was frequently hospitalized for dysreflexia, pneumonia, a collapsed lung, and two blood clots.

1997: Health Challenges and Ankle Infection

In 1997, Christopher Reeve faced multiple health challenges, including an ankle infection that threatened amputation, however specialists at Albany Medical Center treated his leg with antibiotics and removed dead tissue.

1997: Support of Insurance Cap Bill

In 1997, Christopher Reeve supported a bill to raise the lifetime "cap" on insurance payments from $1 million to $10 million per person, arguing against the excessive CEO incomes of insurance companies. The bill was narrowly defeated.

October 9, 2004: Attended Son's Hockey Game and Cardiac Arrest

On October 9, 2004, Christopher Reeve attended his son Will's hockey game. Later that night, he experienced cardiac arrest after receiving an antibiotic for an infection and fell into a coma.