History of Christopher Reeve in Timeline

Christopher Reeve was a multifaceted American figure, best known as the iconic Superman in the film series (1978-1987). Beyond his successful 34-year acting career, marked by a BAFTA, Emmy, Grammy, and SAG Award, Reeve dedicated himself to activism. He also worked as a director and author, showcasing his diverse talents and commitment to various causes.

Sections (6)

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

1944: The Great Escape History

The Great Escape II is based on the mass escape of Allied POWs from a German camp in 1944

September 25, 1952: Christopher Reeve Born

On September 25, 1952, Christopher Reeve was born. He later became an American actor, activist, director, and author.

1954: Original "Rear Window" Film Release

In 1954, the original Hitchcock film "Rear Window" was released, which was later remade by Christopher Reeve in 1998.

1956: Parents' Divorce and Relocation

In 1956, Franklin and Barbara divorced, and Barbara moved with Christopher and his brother Benjamin to Princeton, New Jersey.

1957: Publication of "The Midwich Cuckoos"

In 1957, John Wyndham's novel "The Midwich Cuckoos" was published, upon which the films "Village of the Damned" (1960 and 1995) were based.

1960: "Village of the Damned" Original Release

In 1960, the original British movie "Village of the Damned" was released, which was later remade in 1995 starring Christopher Reeve.

1962: First Acting Role

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

1963: The Great Escape Film

The Great Escape II, unlike the 1963 film, depicts the search and prosecution of those responsible for the murder of 50 escapees

1968: Campaign for Robert F. Kennedy

In 1968, at the age of 15, Christopher Reeve demonstrated his early interest in political causes by conducting a door-to-door campaign on behalf of Robert F. Kennedy.

June 1970: Graduation and Summer Acting

In June 1970, Christopher Reeve graduated from Princeton Day School and acted in plays in Boothbay, Maine.

1970: Protest against the invasion of Cambodia

In 1970, Christopher Reeve participated in protests against the invasion of Cambodia, showcasing his commitment to political and social issues at a young age.

1973: Started at Juilliard

In 1973, Reeve started studying at Juilliard in New York City, after convincing Cornell to count his first year at Juilliard as his senior year at Cornell.

1973: Accepted into Juilliard's Advanced Program

In 1973, Reeve was accepted into Juilliard's Advanced Program, where he became close friends with Robin Williams. They were the only students selected.

1973: Director Split on The Three Musketeers

In 1973, Richard Lester directed The Three Musketeers.

1974: Auditioned for Soap Opera

In 1974, Reeve auditioned for the soap opera "Love of Life" to pay for Juilliard tuition fees.

1974: Director Split on The Four Musketeers

In 1974, Richard Lester directed The Four Musketeers.

1974: Graduated from Cornell

In 1974, after completing his first year at Juilliard, Reeve graduated from Cornell as a double major in English and music theory.

1974: Touring with Juilliard

In early 1974, Reeve and other Juilliard students toured the New York City junior high school system and performed "The Love Cure".

1975: Exploration of Scientology

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

1975: Left Juilliard

In 1975, Reeve had to leave Juilliard to fulfill his contract with CBS.

1975: Cast in "A Matter of Gravity"

In late 1975, Reeve was cast by Katharine Hepburn in the Broadway play "A Matter of Gravity", leading to a demanding schedule balancing the play and the soap opera.

June 1976: Dropped out of "A Matter of Gravity" in LA

In June 1976, Reeve dropped out of "A Matter of Gravity" when it moved to Los Angeles, disappointing Katharine Hepburn.

1976: Broadway Debut

In 1976, Christopher Reeve made his Broadway debut, marking an early milestone in his acting career.

1976: Purchased first aircraft

In 1976, Reeve purchased his first aircraft, a second-hand Cherokee 140.

1978: Superman Film Series Begins

In 1978, Christopher Reeve began playing the title character in the Superman film series, launching his career.

1978: First Role After Superman

In 1978, Christopher Reeve's first role after Superman was in Somewhere in Time. The film tells the story of Richard Collier, played by Reeve, who romances a stage actress.

1978: "Superman" music in "Smallville"

In 1978, John Williams composed music cues for Superman, which were then arranged by Mark Snow and used in the Smallville episode "Rosetta" featuring Christopher Reeve in 2003.

1978: Breakthrough Role in Superman

In 1978, Reeve's breakthrough came with playing the title character in Superman. It was the start of his most iconic role.

1978: First Hollywood Film Role

In 1978, Reeve's first Hollywood film role was a small part in "Gray Lady Down". He was also in the play "My Life".

December 20, 1979: Birth of Son Matthew Exton Reeve

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

1979: Special Olympics coach

In 1979, following the release of Superman, Christopher Reeve served as a track and field coach at the Special Olympics, using his celebrity to support philanthropic causes.

1979: Filming of Somewhere in Time

In mid-1979, Christopher Reeve filmed Somewhere in Time on Mackinac Island, using the Grand Hotel as a location. He considered it his favorite film to shoot.

1980: Appearance in "Somewhere in Time"

In 1980, Christopher Reeve appeared in "Somewhere in Time", furthering his career beyond the Superman franchise.

1980: Release and Initial Reception of Somewhere in Time

In 1980, Somewhere in Time had a wide release after favorable test screenings, but it received negative reviews and an actors' strike prevented publicity. Jean-Pierre Dorléac was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Costume Design.

1980: Somewhere in Time Release

In 1980, Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, was released. The film is a time-travel mystery/romantic fantasy.

1981: Return to Williamstown Theatre Festival

In 1981, Christopher Reeve returned to the Williamstown Theatre Festival to play Achilles in The Greeks, a two-part, six-hour production.

1982: Starring in Deathtrap and Monsignor

In 1982, Christopher Reeve starred in Sidney Lumet's Deathtrap and Frank Perry's Monsignor, exploring more complex characters. Deathtrap received good reviews, while Reeve blamed poor editing for the failure of Monsignor.

1982: Appearance in "Deathtrap"

In 1982, Reeve was in the film "Deathtrap". It was one of the successful films he appeared in after Superman.

November 25, 1983: Birth of Daughter Alexandra Reeve

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

1983: Release of Superman III

In 1983, "Superman III" was released, directed by Richard Lester. Reeve felt the film's credibility was diminished due to its comedic elements.

1983: Roles in Faerie Tale Theatre and The Aviator

In 1983, Christopher Reeve appeared in Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre and began working on the film The Aviator, where he did his own piloting.

1983: Elected to Actors' Equity Association Council

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

1983: Gained weight for Superman III

In 1983, Reeve gained weight for Superman III. It was his largest gain for any of the Superman movies.

1984: Reeve Reunites with Redgrave in The Aspern Papers

In 1984, Christopher Reeve reunited with Vanessa Redgrave in the play The Aspern Papers in London's West End and played the title role in Richard Cory in Williamstown.

1984: Starring in The Bostonians

In 1984, Christopher Reeve starred in The Bostonians alongside Vanessa Redgrave. Reeve accepted a significantly reduced salary for the role. The film was well-received.

March 1985: Starring in Anna Karenina and Daughter's Appearance

In March 1985, Christopher Reeve starred in the television film Anna Karenina, alongside Jacqueline Bisset. His daughter, Alexandra, made her first appearance in the film.

March 1985: Release of The Aviator

In March 1985, the film The Aviator, starring Christopher Reeve, was released. Reeve, who could fly a Stearman, did his own piloting in the film.

1985: Began Horse Riding

In 1985, Christopher Reeve began his involvement in horse riding after learning to ride for the film "Anna Karenina".

1985: Starring in Anna Karenina

In 1985, Christopher Reeve starred in Anna Karenina. Katherine Hepburn advised against the role.

June 1986: Emergency Appendectomy

In June 1986, Reeve had an emergency appendectomy, affecting his ability to work out as much for "Superman IV".

1986: Starring in Street Smart

In 1986, Christopher Reeve starred in Street Smart opposite Morgan Freeman. The film received excellent reviews but had poor box office performance.

February 1987: Separation from Gae Exton

In February 1987, Christopher Reeve and Gae Exton separated amicably, with joint custody of their children.

February 1987: Filming of Superman IV and Separation from Exton

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

June 1987: Met Dana Morosini

In June 1987, Christopher Reeve met his future wife, Dana Morosini, a singer and actress.

1987: Release of Superman IV

In 1987, "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" was released. Reeve had partial creative control, but the film was a critical and box-office disappointment.

1987: Appearance in "Street Smart"

In 1987, Christopher Reeve appeared in the critically successful film, "Street Smart", where he portrayed a complex character.

1987: Superman Film Series Ends

In 1987, Christopher Reeve concluded his role as Superman in the film series, marking the end of an era.

1987: Focused on Cardiovascular Workouts

In 1987, Reeve was in Superman IV and decided to focus on cardiovascular workouts because it would be healthier.

1987: Chile protest against Augusto Pinochet

In late 1987, Christopher Reeve flew to Chile to help lead a protest march against dictator Augusto Pinochet's threat to execute 77 actors, and was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Bernardo O'Higgins for his contribution.

1988: Estrangement From Father

Between 1988 and 1995, Christopher Reeve and his father barely spoke to each other, marking a period of estrangement.

1988: Starring in The Great Escape II

In 1988, Christopher Reeve played Major Johnnie Dodge in The Great Escape II: The Untold Story, a two-part television film.

1989: Started Eventing

By 1989, Christopher Reeve had begun eventing in horse riding.

1989: Stage Work and Summer and Smoke

In 1989, Christopher Reeve continued stage work. Also, for most of 1988 and 1989 Reeve worked onstage.

1989: Off-Broadway and Williamstown Roles

In 1989, Christopher Reeve played Polixenes in The Winter's Tale Off-Broadway and starred in John Brown's Body in Williamstown, where Dana Morosini also had a role.

1989: Sold Chandelle and bought 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: Co-founding of the Creative Coalition

In 1989, Christopher Reeve was an early member of the Creative Coalition (TCC), an organization that aimed to teach celebrities how to speak knowledgeably about political issues.

1990: Living Together Before Marriage

By 1990, Christopher Reeve and Dana Morosini were living together but Reeve hesitated to commit to marriage due to past family experiences.

1990: Love Letters Performances

In 1989 and 1990, Christopher Reeve performed in Love Letters with Julie Hagerty in various locations, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boston.

1990: Starring in The Rose and the Jackal

In 1990, Christopher Reeve starred in The Rose and the Jackal as Allan Pinkerton, head of President Lincoln's Secret Service, and played Death/Prince Nikolai Sirki in Death Takes a Holiday in Williamstown.

1991: Guest Appearance in "Carol & Company"

In 1991, Christopher Reeve made a guest appearance in the television show "Carol & Company".

1991: Roles in Bump in the Night and Death Dreams

In 1991, Christopher Reeve played a villain in Bump in the Night and Death Dreams, television films. The movie received fair to positive reviews.

1991: Criticism of Donald Trump's projects

In 1991, Christopher Reeve spoke out against Donald Trump's development projects on West End Avenue, as featured in the documentary "Trump: What's the Deal?"

April 1992: Marriage to Dana Morosini

In April 1992, Christopher Reeve married Dana Morosini.

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

On June 7, 1992, Christopher Reeve and Dana Morosini's son, William Elliot "Will" Reeve, was born.

1992: Wedding

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

1992: Guest Appearances in "Road to Avonlea" and "Tales from the Crypt"

In 1992, Christopher Reeve made guest appearances in the television shows "Road to Avonlea" and "Tales from the Crypt".

1992: Starring in Noises Off

In 1992, Christopher Reeve played a lead role in Peter Bogdanovich's comedy Noises Off. He also played a Catholic priest in Mortal Sins and acted in the short film Last Ferry Home. His last performance in a proper stage production was The Guardsman in Williamstown that year.

1992: Role in Nightmare in the Daylight

In 1992, Christopher Reeve played a villain in Nightmare in the Daylight.

1992: Meeting Ivory and Getting Offered Role in The Remains of the Day

In the spring of 1992, Christopher Reeve attended the US premiere of Howards End and met Ivory again, who offered him a role in The Remains of the Day.

1993: Appearance in "The Remains of the Day"

In 1993, Christopher Reeve appeared in "The Remains of the Day", adding to his diverse filmography.

1993: Starring in The Sea Wolf and Black Fox

In 1993, Christopher Reeve starred in The Sea Wolf with Charles Bronson and filmed the miniseries Black Fox in Canada.

1993: Guest Caller on "Frasier"

In 1993, Christopher Reeve was one of the celebrity guest callers on the television show "Frasier".

1993: Reviews for Morning Glory

In 1993, a critic wrote that Christopher Reeve's role in Morning Glory showed depth and subtlety, suggesting a reversal of perception was coming.

1993: Salkinds Sell Superman Rights to Warner Bros.

In 1993, the Salkinds sold the rights to the Superman character to Warner Bros. A fifth Superman movie, titled "Superman Reborn", was planned but never materialized due to studio shifts, poor box office performance of previous films, and Reeve's accident.

1993: Contracted Malaria in Kenya

In 1993, while scouting filming locations in Kenya, Christopher Reeve contracted malaria.

1994: Final Onstage Performances

In 1994, Christopher Reeve performed a reading of Love Letters in Williamstown and narrated a concert version of the musical Allegro in New York City, marking his last performances onstage.

1994: Training with Eastern Express

In 1994, Christopher Reeve trained with his horse Eastern Express, nicknamed "Buck", in preparation for eventing.

1994: Elected as co-president of the Creative Coalition

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

1994: Reviews for Speechless

In 1994, a review for Speechless noted that Christopher Reeve had evolved into a versatile character actor and was due for rediscovery and celebration.

May 27, 1995: Horse Riding Accident

On May 27, 1995, Christopher Reeve suffered a horse riding accident during a competition, resulting in a cervical spinal injury that paralyzed him from the neck down.

June 1995: Spine Stabilization Surgery

In June 1995, Christopher Reeve underwent surgery to stabilize his spine after his horse riding accident. He also received a visit from his friend Robin Williams.

December 1995: Moved Back Home

In December 1995, Christopher Reeve moved back to his home in Bedford, New York, and began to adjust to his new life.

1995: Planned Training Level Events

In 1995, Christopher Reeve planned to participate in Training Level events with his horse, Buck.

1995: Starred in "Village of the Damned"

In 1995, Christopher Reeve starred in John Carpenter's "Village of the Damned", a remake of the 1960 British movie of the same name. It was his final feature film to be released in theaters. He also played a paralyzed police officer in the HBO movie "Above Suspicion" shortly before his accident.

1995: Paralyzing Accident

In 1995, Christopher Reeve was paralyzed from the neck down after being thrown from a horse during an equestrian competition. He used a wheelchair and ventilator for the remainder of his life.

1995: Seymour Names Son in Reeve's Honor

In 1995, Jane Seymour, a friend of Reeve's, named one of her twin sons Kristopher in his honor, and Reeve became his godfather.

1995: Reconciliation with Father

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

1995: Offered Lead Role in "Kidnapped" and Plans to Direct "Tell Me True"

In 1995, before his injury, Christopher Reeve was offered the lead role in the film "Kidnapped" and planned to direct his first film, "Tell Me True". These plans were cancelled due to his accident.

1995: Release of Black Fox After Reeve's Accident

Two months after Christopher Reeve's accident in 1995, CBS released Black Fox as three films, featuring scenes of Reeve riding.

August 26, 1996: Time Magazine Cover

On August 26, 1996, Christopher Reeve was featured on the cover of Time magazine for his efforts in raising awareness about spinal cord injuries, hosting the 1996 Summer Paralympic Games in Atlanta and speaking at the Democratic National Convention.

1996: Established the Christopher Reeve Foundation

In 1996, Christopher Reeve established his own foundation, which aimed to speed up research and to use grants to improve the quality of lives of people with disabilities.

1996: Narrated "Without Pity" and Acted in "A Step Toward Tomorrow"

In 1996, Christopher Reeve narrated the HBO film "Without Pity: A Film About Abilities", which won an Emmy Award. He also had a small role in the film "A Step Toward Tomorrow".

1996: Plans to Move to Preliminary Eventing

In 1996, Christopher Reeve planned to move up to Preliminary eventing with his horse, Buck.

1996: Hospitalizations for dysreflexia, pneumonia, collapsed lung, and blood clots

In 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, ten months after his injury, Christopher Reeve appeared at the 68th Academy Awards, encouraging Hollywood to make more films on social issues.

1997: Infected ulcer on left ankle

In 1997, Christopher Reeve had a small ulcer on his left ankle become infected, eventually spreading to the bone and threatening amputation.

1997: Directorial Debut with "In the Gloaming"

In 1997, Christopher Reeve made his directorial debut with the HBO film "In the Gloaming". The film won four Cable Ace Awards and was nominated for five Emmy Awards.

1997: Support for insurance payment bill

In 1997, Christopher Reeve supported a bill to raise the lifetime "cap" on insurance payments from $1 million to $10 million per person, though it was narrowly defeated.

1997: Fundraising for Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

In 1997, INSITE raised over $20,000 for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, to sponsor a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Reeve.

1997: Directed "In the Gloaming"

In 1997, Reeve directed "In the Gloaming", demonstrating his talents behind the camera.

1997: Honorary Doctorate from Juilliard

In 1997, Reeve received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard.

1997: Christopher Reeve First Amendment Award established

In 1997, the Creative Coalition (TCC) established the Christopher Reeve First Amendment Award.

April 25, 1998: Publication of "Still Me" Autobiography

On April 25, 1998, Christopher Reeve's autobiography, "Still Me", was published by Random House and spent 11 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list.

1998: Interview on new life

In 1998, Christopher Reeve gave an interview where he discussed making the best of his new life following his accident, highlighting his busy schedule involving activism, film work, writing, public speaking, and parenting.

1998: Acted in "Rear Window" Remake

In 1998, Reeve acted in the television remake of "Rear Window", showcasing his continued dedication to acting.

1998: Wrote About Relationship with Father

In 1998, Reeve wrote about his difficult relationship with his father, Franklin, detailing the pressures he felt to perform.

1999: Support for Work Incentives Improvement Act

In 1999, Christopher Reeve supported the Work Incentives Improvement Act, which allows people to continue to receive disability benefits after they return to work, and the bill passed.

1999: Merger to form the Christopher Reeve Foundation

In 1999, the American Paralysis Association and Christopher Reeve's foundation were merged into the Christopher Reeve Foundation.

2000: Regained Small Movements

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

2000: Guest Appearances on "Sesame Street"

In 2000, Christopher Reeve made guest appearances on the PBS series "Sesame Street".

August 9, 2001: Bush's Stem Cell Policy Announcement

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, a policy that Christopher Reeve initially called "a step in the right direction" before further evaluating its implications.

2001: Public Service Award from the American Society for Cell Biology

In 2001, Christopher Reeve received the Public Service Award from the American Society for Cell Biology for "outstanding public service in support of biomedical research."

September 2002: Publication of "Nothing Is Impossible"

In September 2002, Christopher Reeve's second book, "Nothing Is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life", was published by Random House.

2002: Improved Sensory Function

By 2002, Christopher Reeve could feel the prick of a needle and sense hot and cold temperatures on 65% of his body and his ASIA Impairment Scale was changed to C.

2002: Lobbying for Human Cloning Prohibition Act

In 2002, Christopher Reeve lobbied for the Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001, which would allow somatic cell nuclear transfer research but ban reproductive cloning, arguing stem cell implantation is unsafe unless the stem cells contain the patient's own DNA.

2002: Matthew Exton Reeve graduates from Brown University

In 2002, Matthew Exton Reeve graduated from Brown University.

2002: Published "Nothing Is Impossible"

In 2002, Reeve wrote "Nothing Is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life", sharing his experiences and insights.

2002: Publication of "Nothing is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life"

In his 2002 book, "Nothing is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life", Christopher Reeve wrote that he and his wife had regularly attended Unitarian services starting in his late 40s, marking a shift in his spiritual beliefs.

February 2003: Underwent Diaphragm Pacing Procedure

In February 2003, Christopher Reeve underwent an experimental procedure to implant electrodes in his diaphragm, helping him breathe without a ventilator.

February 25, 2003: Appearance in "Smallville" Episode "Rosetta"

On February 25, 2003, Christopher Reeve appeared in the "Smallville" episode "Rosetta" as Dr. Virgil Swann, informing Clark Kent about his origins.

July 2003: Visit to Israel

In July 2003, Christopher Reeve, frustrated with the pace of stem cell research in the US, visited Israel to seek out the best treatment for his condition.

September 2003: Lasker Public Service Award

In September 2003, Christopher Reeve was awarded the Lasker Public Service Award "for his perceptive, sustained and heroic advocacy for medical research in general and victims of disability in particular."

November 2003: Public Appearance Without Ventilator

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

2003: Guest-Starred in "The Practice"

In 2003, Christopher Reeve guest-starred in an episode of "The Practice", submitting a story treatment that was used for the episode.

2003: Appearances in "Smallville"

In 2003, Christopher Reeve made two appearances in the Superman-themed television series "Smallville", connecting with a new generation of Superman fans.

2003: Recognition of impact

In 2003, Jerome Groopman commented on Christopher Reeve's impact stating Reeve acted as a catalyst in society. 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.

June 2004: Videotaped message to the United Nations

In June 2004, Christopher 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.

October 4, 2004: Last public appearance

On October 4, 2004, Christopher Reeve made his last reported public appearance, speaking at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago on behalf of the institute's work.

October 9, 2004: Attended son's hockey game

On October 9, 2004, Christopher Reeve attended his son Will's hockey game before experiencing cardiac arrest later that night.

October 10, 2004: Christopher Reeve's Death

On October 10, 2004, Christopher Reeve passed away. He was known for his acting career, activism, and directing.

October 2004: Death

In October 2004, Christopher Reeve died at the age of 52 after going into cardiac arrest following an adverse reaction to an antibiotic, succumbing to complications from an infected pressure ulcer.

2004: Heart of America Foundation Awards Christopher Reeve Award

From 2004, the Heart of America Foundation awarded the Christopher Reeve Award, an annual scholarship funded by Merriam-Webster, Inc., to a student demonstrating outstanding compassion and community service.

2004: Death of Christopher Reeve

In 2004, Christopher Reeve died from heart failure near his home in Westchester County, New York.

2004: Directed "The Brooke Ellison Story"

In 2004, Christopher Reeve directed the A&E film "The Brooke Ellison Story", based on the true story of Brooke Ellison. He was also directing "Everyone's Hero" during this time.

August 9, 2005: Dana Reeve diagnosed with lung cancer

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

2005: Alexandra Reeve graduates from Yale University

In 2005, Alexandra Reeve graduated from Yale University.

2005: Christopher Reeve '70 Sportsmanship Award Established

In 2005, Princeton Day School established the Christopher Reeve '70 Sportsmanship Award, which is awarded during the Invitational Ice Hockey Tournament.

2005: Williamstown Theatre Festival Dedicates Performance and Establishes Fund

In 2005, the Williamstown Theatre Festival, where Reeve often performed, announced it would dedicate the final performance of every season to his memory and establish a fund to support artists with disabilities.

2005: James Ivory Interview on Reeve's Role in The Bostonians

In a 2005 interview, James Ivory mentioned that Christopher Reeve "brokered" arrangements with the CAA for Merchant Ivory Productions.

March 6, 2006: Dana Reeve's Death

On March 6, 2006, Dana Reeve, Christopher Reeve's widow, died at age 44. Following her death, the Christopher Reeve Foundation was renamed the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

November 2006: Release of "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut"

In November 2006, "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut" was released on DVD. It was dedicated in memory of Reeve.

2006: Cornell University Dedicates Plaque and Establishes Scholarship

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

2008: Alexandra Reeve receives a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School

In 2008, Alexandra Reeve received a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School.

2008: Diaphragm Pacing Device Approved by FDA

In 2008, the diaphragm pacing device Christopher Reeve used was approved by the FDA under a Humanitarian Device Exemption.

2008: Turner's Memoir on Switching Channels

In her 2008 memoir, Kathleen Turner wrote about the difficult filming experience of Switching Channels due to a feud with Burt Reynolds, noting Christopher Reeve's kindness.

March 2009: Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act Signed into Law

In March 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act, aimed at enhancing research into paralysis and improving rehabilitation and the quality of life for people with paralysis and other physical disabilities.

2014: Will Reeve graduates from Middlebury College

In 2014, Will Reeve graduated from Middlebury College.

2015: Princeton Public Library Creates Christopher Reeve Collection

In 2015, the Princeton Public Library created the Christopher Reeve Theater and Dramatic Arts Collection, consisting of books on acting, screenwriting, theater, filmmaking, cinema studies, music, and Broadway, including Reeve's books.

2016: Heart of America Foundation Awards Christopher Reeve Award

In 2016, the Heart of America Foundation awarded the Christopher Reeve Award, an annual scholarship funded by Merriam-Webster, Inc., to a student demonstrating outstanding compassion and community service.

2018: Drexel University Establishes Christopher Reeve Endowment Award

In 2018, Drexel University College of Medicine established the Christopher Reeve Endowment Award as a scholarship fund for research and training in spinal cord and brain injury research.

2018: Jane Seymour reveals relationship with Reeve

In 2018, Jane Seymour revealed that Reeve and Exton had broken up prior to filming Somewhere in Time, and during production, Reeve and Seymour fell in love.

2020: Christopher Reeve "Hot Topics" in Stem Cell Biology Symposium not held

In 2020, the Annual Christopher Reeve "Hot Topics" in Stem Cell Biology symposium, dedicated to stem cell research, was not held.

2020: Bogdanovich's Book on Reeve's Role in Noises Off

In a 2020 book Picturing Peter Bogdanovich: My Conversations with the New Hollywood Director, Bogdanovich praised Reeve's performance.

September 25, 2021: Google Celebrates Reeve's Birthday with a Doodle

On September 25, 2021, Google celebrated Christopher Reeve's 69th birthday with a Google Doodle.

2021: Christopher Reeve "Hot Topics" in Stem Cell Biology Symposium not held

In 2021, the Annual Christopher Reeve "Hot Topics" in Stem Cell Biology symposium, dedicated to stem cell research, was not held.

2023: Christopher Reeve Acting Award

In 2023, the Christopher Reeve Acting Scholarship, established in the mid-1990s, was renamed the Christopher Reeve Acting Award.

2023: Diaphragm Pacing Device Receives FDA premarket approval

In 2023, the diaphragm pacing device Christopher Reeve used received FDA premarket approval.

January 19, 2024: Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story Premieres at Sundance Film Festival

On January 19, 2024, the documentary about Christopher Reeve's life and the aftermath of his accident titled Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

October 25, 2024: Christopher Reeve: The Eternal Superman Documentary Released in France

On October 25, 2024, a French documentary about Christopher Reeve titled Christopher Reeve: The Eternal Superman was released on TCM Cinéma.

2024: Ivory Praises Reeve's Performance in The Remains of the Day

At the 2024 screening of The Remains of the Day, Ivory praised Christopher Reeve's performance, noting his talent was overshadowed by his role as Superman.