Childhood and Education Journey of Christopher Reeve in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Christopher Reeve. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

1944: Mention of historical event depicted in The Great Escape II

In 1988, Christopher Reeve starred in The Great Escape II: The Untold Story, which tells the story of the mass escape of Allied POWs from a German camp in 1944.

September 25, 1952: Christopher Reeve's Birth

On September 25, 1952, Christopher Reeve was born. He would later become an American actor, activist, director, and author known for playing Superman.

1956: Parents' Divorce

In 1956, Christopher Reeve's parents, Franklin and Barbara, divorced, leading to Barbara moving with Christopher and his younger brother Benjamin to Princeton, New Jersey.

1962: First Acting Role

In 1962, at the age of nine, Christopher Reeve found his passion for acting when he was cast in an amateur version of the operetta "The Yeomen of the Guard".

1968: Campaigning for Robert F. Kennedy

In 1968, at the age of 15, Christopher Reeve conducted a door-to-door campaign on behalf of Robert F. Kennedy.

June 1970: Graduation from PDS

In June 1970, Christopher Reeve graduated from Princeton Day School (PDS).

1970: Protesting the Invasion of Cambodia

In 1970, Christopher Reeve participated in protests against the invasion of Cambodia.

1973: Accepted into Juilliard

In 1973, Christopher Reeve chose to focus solely on acting and was accepted into Juilliard (Group 4, 1973–1975) in New York City.

1973: Juilliard's Advanced Program

In 1973, Christopher Reeve was selected for Juilliard's Advanced Program, along with Robin Williams. He and Williams were the only students selected, marking a significant step in his acting education.

1974: Auditioned for Love of Life

In 1974, Christopher Reeve auditioned for the soap opera "Love of Life" to finance his tuition at Juilliard.

1975: Exploration of Scientology

In 1975, Christopher Reeve briefly explored Scientology but chose not to become a member and later voiced criticism of the organization.

1975: Juilliard Enrollment

In 1975, Christopher Reeve was still a student at Juilliard.

1976: Purchased First Aircraft

In 1976, Christopher Reeve purchased his first aircraft, a second-hand Cherokee 140, and fondly recalled sleeping under its wings during a solo trip across Canada.

December 20, 1979: Birth of Matthew Exton Reeve

On December 20, 1979, Christopher Reeve's son, Matthew Exton Reeve, was born in London to Gae Exton.

1979: Special Olympics Coach

In 1979, Christopher Reeve served as a track and field coach at the Special Olympics.

November 25, 1983: Birth of Alexandra Reeve

On November 25, 1983, Christopher Reeve's daughter, Alexandra, was born in London to Gae Exton.

1983: Election to Actors' Equity Association Council

In 1983, Christopher Reeve was elected to Actors' Equity Association Council.

1985: Began Horse Riding

In 1985, Christopher Reeve began horse riding after learning to ride for the film Anna Karenina. He initially took antihistamines due to horse allergies.

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".

February 1987: Separation from Gae Exton after Superman IV filming

In February 1987, after the filming of Superman IV, Christopher Reeve and Gae Exton separated. Reeve then returned to New York.

1987: Protest in Chile and Award

In late 1987, Christopher Reeve flew to Santiago, Chile, and helped lead a protest march to save 77 actors threatened by Augusto Pinochet. He received the Grand Cross of the Order of Bernardo O'Higgins, an Obie Award, and the Annual Walter Briehl Human Rights Foundation award for his contribution.

1989: Began Eventing

By 1989, Christopher Reeve began eventing after training on Martha's Vineyard, and his allergies soon disappeared.

1989: Purchased the Sea Angel

In 1989, Christopher Reeve sold his Swan 40, Chandelle, and bought a sloop sailboat, Cambria 46, which he named the Sea Angel.

1989: Founding of the Creative Coalition

In 1989, Christopher Reeve was an early member of the Creative Coalition (TCC), founded by Ron Silver, which aimed to teach celebrities about political issues. Reeve was involved in environmental issues and defending the National Endowment of the Arts.

1991: Criticism of Donald Trump

In 1991, Christopher Reeve spoke out against Donald Trump's projects on West End Avenue. Reeve's critical speech was featured in the documentary Trump: What's the Deal?.

June 7, 1992: Birth of William Elliot "Will" Reeve

On June 7, 1992, Christopher Reeve and Dana Morosini welcomed their son, William Elliot "Will" Reeve.

1992: Reeve's Wedding

In 1992, Christopher Reeve described his wedding as his "first act of faith".

1993: Forum on Censorship in Tucson, Arizona

In 1993, Christopher Reeve participated in a forum on censorship in Tucson, Arizona, held by People for the American Way. Reeve and other actors performed an impromptu reading of a play with homosexual themes, which led to a standing ovation. Reeve defended tolerance and diversity in response to heckling parents.

1993: Sale of Superman rights to Warner Bros.

In 1993, two years before Reeve's accident, the Salkinds sold the rights to the character of Superman to Warner Bros. A fifth Superman movie titled Superman Reborn was planned, but it was ultimately cancelled due to studio shifts, the failure of Superman IV, and Reeve's accident.

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.

1994: Trained with Eastern Express

In 1994, Christopher Reeve trained with his horse Eastern Express, nicknamed "Buck", and planned to do Training Level events.

1994: Co-Presidency of The Creative Coalition

In 1994, Christopher Reeve was elected as a co-president of the Creative Coalition (TCC).

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.

Loading Video...

December 1995: Return Home to Bedford, New York

In December 1995, Christopher Reeve moved back to his home in Bedford, New York, and two years after the accident, he expressed gladness to be alive. He required round-the-clock care with a team of nurses and aides.

1995: Planned Training Level Events

In 1995, Christopher Reeve had plans to compete in Training Level events with his horse Eastern Express, nicknamed "Buck".

1995: Reconciliation with Father

In 1995, Christopher Reeve reconciled with his father after his paralyzing accident.

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.

1995: "Black Fox" Released After Reeve's Accident

In 1995, two months after Christopher Reeve's accident, CBS released the miniseries "Black Fox" as three films, heavily featuring scenes of Reeve riding. Reeve's children, Matthew and Alexandra, also made brief appearances in the background of the first film.

August 26, 1996: Time Magazine Cover

Christopher Reeve was featured on the cover of Time on August 26, 1996, for his efforts in advocating for spinal cord injuries and hosting the Paralympic Games.

1996: Hospitalized for Various Ailments

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

1996: Appearance at the 68th Academy Awards

In 1996, 10 months after his injury, Christopher Reeve appeared at the 68th Academy Awards to a long standing ovation. He encouraged Hollywood to make more films on social issues.

1996: Establishment of Reeve's Foundation

In 1996, Christopher Reeve established his own foundation, which later merged with the American Paralysis Association, to speed up research and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

1996: Planned Preliminary Events

In 1996, Christopher Reeve planned to move up to Preliminary events with his horse Eastern Express, nicknamed "Buck".

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.

1998: Reeve's Reflections on Life

In 1998, Christopher Reeve stated in an interview that he was making the best of his new life with a busy schedule of activism, film work, writing, public speaking, and parenting after his accident.

1999: Support of Work Incentives Improvement Act

In 1999, Christopher Reeve supported the Work Incentives Improvement Act, which allowed people to continue receiving disability benefits after they returned to work. This bill passed.

1999: Merger into Christopher Reeve Foundation

In 1999, the American Paralysis Association and Christopher Reeve's own foundation, established in 1996, were merged into the Christopher Reeve Foundation to accelerate research and enhance the lives of people with disabilities.

2000: Regaining Movement

Beginning in 2000, Christopher Reeve started to regain the ability to make small movements with his fingers and other parts of his body.

August 9, 2001: President Bush's Stem Cell Research Policy

On August 9, 2001, President George W. Bush limited federal funding to research only on human embryonic stem cell lines created on or before this day. Reeve initially called this "a step in the right direction".

2002: Improved Sensation and Muscle Movement

By 2002, Reeve could feel the prick of a needle and sense hot and cold temperatures on 65% of his body. His ASIA Impairment Scale grade changed to C, indicating some muscle movement and sensation. His doctors attributed the improvements to his intensive exercise regimen.

2002: Matthew Reeve Graduates from Brown University

In 2002, Christopher Reeve's son Matthew graduated from Brown University and is now a writer, director, and producer.

2002: Reflections on a New Life

In his 2002 book, Nothing is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life, Christopher Reeve mentioned that he and his wife regularly attended Unitarian services, starting in his late 40s.

February 2003: Experimental Diaphragm Procedure

In February 2003, Reeve underwent an experimental procedure to implant electrodes in his diaphragm to help him breathe without a ventilator. The device initially allowed him to breathe for 15 minutes an hour, but this later increased.

July 2003: Visit to Israel for Stem Cell Research

In July 2003, Christopher Reeve visited Israel to explore stem cell research due to his frustration with the pace of research in the US. During the visit, Reeve called the experience "a privilege", praising Israel's proactive rehab facilities, medical schools, teaching hospitals, and research infrastructure.

November 2003: Public Appearance Without Ventilator

In November 2003, Christopher Reeve appeared in public without a ventilator for the first time since his accident, thanks to the diaphragm pacing device.

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.

August 9, 2005: Dana Reeve Diagnosed with Lung Cancer

On August 9, 2005, Christopher Reeve's widow, Dana Reeve, who was a non-smoker, was diagnosed with lung cancer.

2005: Alexandra Reeve Graduates from Yale University

In 2005, Christopher Reeve's daughter Alexandra graduated from Yale University.

2006: Plaque Dedication and Scholarship at Cornell University

In 2006, Cornell University dedicated a plaque to Christopher Reeve at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts and established the Christopher Reeve '74 Scholarship, providing support to students majoring in theater, film, music, and English.