History of Christopher Reeve in Timeline
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.
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.
1954: Release of Rear Window
In 1954, Alfred Hitchcock's film Rear Window was originally released; Christopher Reeve starred in a remake of the film in 1998.
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.
1957: Publication of The Midwich Cuckoos
In 1957, The Midwich Cuckoos by John Wyndham was published, which served as the basis for both the 1960 film Village of the Damned and its 1995 remake starring Christopher Reeve.
1960: Release of original Village of the Damned
In 1960, the original British movie Village of the Damned was released, later remade in 1995 starring Christopher Reeve.
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".
1963: Reference to The Great Escape film
In 1988, Christopher Reeve starred in The Great Escape II: The Untold Story, which references the 1963 film, The Great Escape.
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.
1973: The Three Musketeers Release
In 1973, Richard Lester worked with the producers on the two-parter "The Three Musketeers".
1974: Auditioned for Love of Life
In 1974, Christopher Reeve auditioned for the soap opera "Love of Life" to finance his tuition at Juilliard.
1974: The Four Musketeers Release
In 1974, Richard Lester worked with the producers on the two-parter "The Four Musketeers".
1974: Performed The Love Cure
In early 1974, Christopher Reeve, as a Juilliard student, 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 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.
1975: Auditioned for A Matter of Gravity
In late 1975, Christopher Reeve auditioned for the Broadway play "A Matter of Gravity", which led to him being cast by Katharine Hepburn.
June 1976: Dropped Out of A Matter of Gravity
In June 1976, Christopher Reeve dropped out of the play "A Matter of Gravity" when it moved to Los Angeles, to Katharine Hepburn's disappointment.
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.
1978: Breakthrough Role in Superman
In 1978, Christopher Reeve achieved his breakthrough role as the title character in the movie "Superman".
1978: Auditioned for Superman
In 1978, Christopher Reeve auditioned for the leading role in the film "Superman" after being suggested by Stark Hesseltine.
1978: Superman Film Series Begins
In 1978, Christopher Reeve began his portrayal of the title character in the "Superman" film series, a role that would define much of his career.
1978: First Hollywood Role in Gray Lady Down
In 1978, Christopher Reeve's first role in a Hollywood film was a small part as a junior officer in the naval submarine disaster movie "Gray Lady Down".
1978: Release of Superman Movie
In 1978, the movie Superman was released, and music cues from it were used in Christopher Reeve's 2003 appearance on Smallville.
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.
1979: Filming Somewhere in Time
In mid-1979, Christopher Reeve filmed "Somewhere in Time" on Mackinac Island, using the Grand Hotel as a location.
1980: Appeared in Somewhere in Time
In 1980, Christopher Reeve appeared in the critically acclaimed film "Somewhere in Time".
1980: Initial reviews and Academy Award Nomination for Somewhere in Time
In 1980, early reviews savaged the film Somewhere in Time, but Jean-Pierre Dorléac was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Costume Design. The film later became a cult classic.
1981: Return to Williamstown Theatre Festival and Broadway Debut
In 1981, Christopher Reeve returned to the Williamstown Theatre Festival to play Achilles in The Greeks. Later in the year, he played a disabled Vietnam veteran in Fifth of July on Broadway, receiving excellent reviews.
1982: Appeared in Deathtrap
In 1982, Christopher Reeve appeared in the critically successful film "Deathtrap".
1982: Roles in Deathtrap and Monsignor
In 1982, Christopher Reeve starred in Deathtrap as a devious playwright, and in Monsignor as a corrupt Catholic priest during World War II. Reeve felt Monsignor gave him the opportunity to play a morally ambiguous character.
November 25, 1983: Birth of Alexandra Reeve
On November 25, 1983, Christopher Reeve's daughter, Alexandra, was born in London to Gae Exton.
1983: Superman III
In 1983, Christopher Reeve starred in "Superman III". He later expressed disappointment with the film's comedic direction.
1983: Election to Actors' Equity Association Council
In 1983, Christopher Reeve was elected to Actors' Equity Association Council.
1983: Appearance in Faerie Tale Theatre and filming of The Aviator
In 1983, Reeve appeared in Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre and acted in the play Holiday in Williamstown. He also began working on the film The Aviator in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia.
1984: Reeve stars in 'The Bostonians' and 'The Aspern Papers'
In 1984, Christopher Reeve appeared in 'The Bostonians', and reunited with Vanessa Redgrave in the play 'The Aspern Papers' during its run in London's West End. He also played the title role in Richard Cory in Williamstown.
1984: Appeared in The Bostonians
In 1984, Christopher Reeve appeared in the critically acclaimed film "The Bostonians".
1984: Role in The Bostonians and Stage Performance in London
In 1984, Christopher Reeve played Basil Ransom in The Bostonians, accepting a significantly reduced salary. He also reunited with Vanessa Redgrave in The Aspern Papers in London's West End.
March 1985: Anna Karenina release and Saturday Night Live appearance
In March 1985, Christopher Reeve starred in the television film Anna Karenina. His daughter Alexandra also appeared in the film. Reeve also hosted Saturday Night Live in April.
March 1985: Release of The Aviator
In March 1985, the film The Aviator, starring Christopher Reeve, was released. Reeve volunteered to do his own piloting in the film for a more realistic look.
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.
1985: Filming Anna Karenina
In 1985, Christopher Reeve shot the film Anna Karenina, with Katharine Hepburn advising him that it was a terrible mistake.
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".
1986: Starring in Street Smart
In 1986, Christopher Reeve starred in Street Smart, which was produced by Cannon Films. The film received excellent reviews but performed poorly at the box office. He also starred in Summer and Smoke in Williamstown.
February 1987: Separation from Gae Exton
In February 1987, Christopher Reeve and Gae Exton separated amicably, sharing joint custody of their children, with Reeve returning to New York.
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.
June 1987: Met Dana Morosini
In June 1987, Christopher Reeve met his future wife, Dana Morosini, who was a singer and actress.
1987: Appeared in Street Smart
In 1987, Christopher Reeve appeared in the critically successful film "Street Smart".
1987: Superman Film Series Ends
In 1987, Christopher Reeve concluded his role as Superman in the Superman film series.
1987: Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
In 1987, Christopher Reeve starred in "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace", for which he focused more on cardiovascular workouts due to health considerations.
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.
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.
1988: Starring in The Great Escape II: The Untold Story
In 1988, Christopher Reeve played Major Johnnie Dodge in the two-part television film The Great Escape II: The Untold Story. He also worked onstage in various productions, including Summer and Smoke.
1989: Began Eventing
By 1989, Christopher Reeve began eventing after training on Martha's Vineyard, and his allergies soon disappeared.
1989: Stage work in Summer and Smoke and Mesmer
For most of 1989, Christopher Reeve worked onstage. He starred in another production of Summer and Smoke and reunited with Madeleine Potter in Joel Gross' new play, Mesmer.
1989: Roles in The Winter's Tale, John Brown's Body, and Love Letters
In 1989, Christopher Reeve played Polixenes in The Winter's Tale and the lead in John Brown's Body. He was also part of a rotating cast in Love Letters.
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.
1990: Living together but not committed
By 1990, Christopher Reeve and Dana Morosini were living together, but Reeve had fears of commitment.
1990: Starring in The Rose and the Jackal and Death Takes a Holiday
In 1990, Christopher Reeve starred in The Rose and the Jackal and played Death/Prince Nikolai Sirki in Death Takes a Holiday.
1990: Performances in Love Letters
In 1990, Reeve performed in Love Letters with Julie Hagerty in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boston, continuing from his performances in 1989.
1991: Guest Appearance in Carol & Company
In 1991, Christopher Reeve made a guest appearance in the television show Carol & Company.
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?.
1991: Roles in Bump in the Night and Death Dreams
In 1991, Christopher Reeve was cast as a villain in Bump in the Night and Death Dreams. Bump in the Night received fair to positive reviews and Reeve played a child molester.
April 1992: Marriage to Dana Morosini
In April 1992, Christopher Reeve married Dana Morosini after a year of therapy to overcome his fears about marriage.
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".
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. His episode in Tales from the Crypt, "What's Cookin'", is considered one of the best in the series.
1992: Role in Nightmare in the Daylight
In 1992, Christopher Reeve played a villain in the television film Nightmare in the Daylight.
1992: Roles in Noises Off, Mortal Sins, and Last Ferry Home
In 1992, Christopher Reeve played one of the leads in Noises Off and also played a Catholic priest in Mortal Sins. He also acted in the short film Last Ferry Home.
1992: Meeting Ivory at US Premiere of Howards End and Offered Role
In the spring of 1992, Christopher Reeve attended the US premiere of 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 (1993).
1993: Appeared in The Remains of the Day
In 1993, Christopher Reeve appeared in the critically successful film "The Remains of the Day".
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: Review for Morning Glory
In 1993, Christopher Reeve starred in Morning Glory, with one critic noting that those who couldn't take Reeve seriously unless he was wearing a blue suit and a red cape would be pleasantly surprised by the heft and subtlety he brings to his role.
1993: Guest Caller on Frasier
In 1993, Christopher Reeve was one of the celebrity guest callers on Frasier.
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: Performances in Love Letters and Allegro
In 1994, Christopher Reeve performed a reading of Love Letters in Williamstown and narrated a concert version of the musical Allegro at the New York City Center, marking his last appearances onstage.
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).
1994: Review for Speechless
In 1994, in a review for Speechless, a critic noted that Mr. Reeve had quietly evolved into a versatile character actor and that it was only a matter of time before he was 'officially' rediscovered and celebrated, like John Travolta in Pulp Fiction.
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.
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: 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. Village of the Damned was Reeve's final feature film to be released in theaters.
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: Jane Seymour Names Son Kristopher after Reeve
In 1995, Jane Seymour named one of her twin sons Kristopher in Christopher Reeve's honor, and Reeve became his godfather.
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: Narrated Without Pity
In 1996, Christopher Reeve narrated the HBO documentary Without Pity: A Film About Abilities, which won an Emmy Award. He also acted in a small role in the film A Step Toward Tomorrow.
1996: Planned Preliminary Events
In 1996, Christopher Reeve planned to move up to Preliminary events with his horse Eastern Express, nicknamed "Buck".
1997: Directed In the Gloaming
In 1997, Christopher Reeve directed the movie "In the Gloaming".
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: Honorary Degree from Juilliard
In 1997, Christopher Reeve received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard.
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.
1997: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star sponsored by INSITE
In 1997, INSITE sponsored a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Christopher Reeve and raised over $20,000 for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.
1997: Establishment of the Christopher Reeve First Amendment Award
In 1997, the Creative Coalition (TCC) established the Christopher Reeve First Amendment Award.
April 25, 1998: Publication of Still Me
On April 25, 1998, Random House published Christopher Reeve's autobiography, Still Me, which became a New York Times Best Seller for 11 weeks. Reeve's audiobook narration won a Grammy Award, an Audie Award, and an Earphones Award.
1998: Acted in Rear Window Remake
In 1998, Christopher Reeve acted in the television remake of "Rear Window".
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.
1998: Wrote About Father Relationship
In 1998, Christopher Reeve wrote about his difficult relationship with his father, Franklin, noting that his father's love seemed tied to performance.
1998: Organized Spinal Cord Research Fundraiser on ABC
In early 1998, Christopher Reeve persuaded Michael Eisner of Disney to dedicate a two-hour prime-time slot on ABC for a spinal cord research fundraiser. The special, "A Celebration of Hope", featured inspiring stories and performances and received an Emmy nomination.
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.
2000: Guest Appearance on Sesame Street
In 2000, Christopher Reeve made a guest appearance on the PBS series Sesame Street.
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".
2001: Receives Public Service Award
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."
2001: Filming of Hope in Motion Started
In 2001, Christopher Reeve's son, Matthew, began filming a three-part series detailing Reeve's recovery and advocacy for spinal cord injury research.
September 2002: Publication of Nothing Is Impossible
In September 2002, Random House published Christopher Reeve's second book, Nothing Is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life. The book spent three weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list and Reeve narrated an unabridged audiobook, receiving his second Grammy nomination.
September 2002: Hope in Motion Aired on ABC
In September 2002, the first film in the series, Hope in Motion, aired on ABC under the title Courageous Steps and received an Emmy nomination.
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: Lobbies for the Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001
In 2002, Christopher Reeve lobbied for the Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001, advocating for somatic cell nuclear transfer research while banning reproductive cloning. He argued that stem cell implantation is unsafe without using the patient's own DNA and that somatic cell nuclear transfer can be fully regulated since it doesn't involve fertilizing an egg.
2002: Published Nothing Is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life
In 2002, Christopher Reeve wrote and published his autobiographical book "Nothing Is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life".
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: Hope in Motion Broadcast on BBC One
In February 2003, Hope in Motion was broadcast on BBC One under its original title.
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.
February 25, 2003: Appearance in Smallville's "Rosetta" Episode
On February 25, 2003, Christopher Reeve appeared in the Smallville episode "Rosetta" as Dr. Virgil Swann, informing Clark Kent about his origins. The episode featured music from 1978's Superman and received rave reviews.
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.
September 2003: Awarded the 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, thanks to the diaphragm pacing device.
2003: Guest-Starred in The Practice
In 2003, Christopher Reeve guest-starred in an episode of The Practice. He submitted a story treatment that addressed the issues of health insurance policy and caregiver burnout, which was used as the basis for the episode.
2003: Appearances in Smallville
In 2003, Christopher Reeve made two appearances in the Superman-themed television series "Smallville".
2003: Impact on Spinal Cord Research Funding
In 2003, Jerome Groopman commented on Christopher Reeve's impact, stating that Reeve acted as a catalyst in society, which resulted in a substantial funding in spinal-cord research, which was non-existent before his injury. UC Irvine said in 2003 that Reeve promoted research on spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders.
June 2004: Videotaped Message to United Nations
In June 2004, Christopher Reeve provided a videotaped message to the United Nations delegates on behalf of the Genetics Policy Institute. The message defended somatic cell nuclear transfer, which was being considered for a global ban.
October 4, 2004: Last Public Appearance
On October 4, 2004, Christopher Reeve spoke at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago on behalf of the institute's work.
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.
October 10, 2004: Christopher Reeve's Death
On October 10, 2004, Christopher Reeve passed away after a multifaceted career as an actor, activist, director, and author.
October 2004: Death at Age 52
In October 2004, Christopher Reeve was being treated for an infected pressure ulcer. On October 10, 2004, he died at the age of 52, eighteen hours after falling into a coma due to cardiac arrest. His wife and doctor believed it was an adverse reaction to a drug that caused his death.
2004: Death of Reeve
Following Christopher Reeve's death in 2004, a third film in the series by his son Matthew was never made.
2004: Christopher Reeve Award Established by Heart of America Foundation
From 2004, Heart of America Foundation awarded the Christopher Reeve Award, an annual scholarship funded by Merriam-Webster, Inc., to a student demonstrating compassion and community service.
2004: Death from Heart Failure
In 2004, Christopher Reeve died from heart failure at a hospital 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 life of Brooke Ellison. He was also directing the animated film Everyone's Hero at the time of his death, which his wife and son helped complete.
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.
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 Dedication
In 2005, the Williamstown Theatre Festival, where Reeve often performed, announced a tradition of dedicating the final performance of each season to his memory and establishing a fund for artists with disabilities.
2005: James Ivory Interview
In a 2005 interview, James Ivory mentioned that Reeve brokered the arrangements with the CAA to get Merchant Ivory Productions into the agency.
March 6, 2006: Dana Reeve's Death
On March 6, 2006, Dana Reeve, Christopher Reeve's widow, died at age 44. Subsequently, 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 and dedicated in memory of Christopher Reeve.
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.
2007: DVD Release of Documentaries
In 2007, Hope in Motion and its follow-up, Choosing Hope, were released on DVD.
2008: Alexandra Reeve Graduates from Columbia Law School
In 2008, Christopher Reeve's daughter Alexandra received a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School.
2008: Kathleen Turner's memoir release
In 2008, Kathleen Turner's memoir was released, where she mentioned her feud with Burt Reynolds during the filming of Switching Channels and how Christopher Reeve was very nice during the difficult time.
2008: FDA Approval of Diaphragm Pacing Device
In 2008, the diaphragm pacing device Christopher Reeve used was approved by the FDA under a Humanitarian Device Exemption.
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, aiming to enhance research into paralysis and improve rehabilitation and quality of life for individuals with paralysis and physical disabilities.
2014: Will Reeve graduated from Middlebury College
In 2014, Will Reeve, Christopher and Dana Reeve's son, graduated from Middlebury College.
2015: Christopher Reeve Theater and Dramatic Arts Collection Created
In 2015, 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. Reeve's books are also included.
2016: Christopher Reeve Award Established by Heart of America Foundation
Until 2016, Heart of America Foundation awarded the Christopher Reeve Award, an annual scholarship funded by Merriam-Webster, Inc., to a student demonstrating compassion and community service.
2018: Christopher Reeve Endowment Award Established at Drexel University
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: Seymour reveals Reeve and Exton broke up before Somewhere in Time
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, however Reeve returned to Exton when he learned she was pregnant.
2020: Bogdanovich Book Release
In 2020, Peter Bogdanovich released a book, Picturing Peter Bogdanovich: My Conversations with the New Hollywood Director, where he praised Christopher Reeve's comedic talent.
2020: No Annual Christopher Reeve "Hot Topics" in Stem Cell Biology
In 2020, the Annual Christopher Reeve "Hot Topics" in Stem Cell Biology was not held.
September 25, 2021: Google Doodle Celebrates Reeve's 69th Birthday
On September 25, 2021, Google celebrated Christopher Reeve's 69th birthday with a Google Doodle.
2021: No Annual Christopher Reeve "Hot Topics" in Stem Cell Biology
In 2021, the Annual Christopher Reeve "Hot Topics" in Stem Cell Biology was not held.
2023: Name Change to Christopher Reeve Acting Award
In 2023, the Christopher Reeve Acting Scholarship, established by Christopher Reeve in the mid-1990s, was renamed the Christopher Reeve Acting Award.
2023: Premarket Approval of Diaphragm Pacing Device
In 2023, the diaphragm pacing device used by Christopher Reeve received premarket approval by the FDA.
January 19, 2024: "Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story" Premieres
On January 19, 2024, the documentary about Christopher Reeve's life and accident aftermath, titled "Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story," premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
October 25, 2024: "Christopher Reeve: The Eternal Superman" Released on TCM Cinéma
On October 25, 2024, the 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 screening.
At the 2024 screening of the film "The Remains of the Day", Ivory praised Christopher Reeve's performance, saying he was a very good actor who got trapped in Superman.
2024: No Annual Christopher Reeve "Hot Topics" in Stem Cell Biology
In 2024, the Annual Christopher Reeve "Hot Topics" in Stem Cell Biology was not held.
2025: Will Reeve reports for ABC News
As of 2025, Will Reeve, Christopher and Dana Reeve's son, reports for ABC News.
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