History of Christopher Reeve in Timeline
Christopher Reeve was an American actor, director, and activist. He is most famous for portraying Superman in the film series (1978-1987). Beyond his acting career, which earned him a British Academy Film Award, an Emmy Award, a Grammy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award, Reeve was also known for his advocacy work.
1913: Maternal Great-Grandfather Appointed Justice
In 1913, Christopher Reeve's maternal great-grandfather, Mahlon Pitney, became an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
1922: End of Supreme Court Justice Term
In 1922, Mahlon Pitney's term as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court ended.
1944: Escape of Allied POWs from German camp
In 1944, the first part of the Great Escape II retells the story of the escape of Allied POWs from a German Camp.
September 25, 1952: Christopher Reeve Born
On September 25, 1952, Christopher Reeve was born in New York City to Barbara Pitney Lamb and Franklin D'Olier Reeve.
1954: Original Rear Window Film
Alfred Hitchcock's film, 'Rear Window' was released in 1954. The film was later remade in 1998 starring Christopher Reeve.
1956: Parents' Divorce
In 1956, Franklin and Barbara divorced, and she moved with Christopher and his younger brother Benjamin to Princeton, New Jersey.
1957: The Midwich Cuckoos published
In 1957, John Wyndham's novel 'The Midwich Cuckoos' was published, which served as the basis for the films 'Village of the Damned'.
1960: Original Village of the Damned film
In 1960, the original British movie 'Village of the Damned' was released, which was later remade in 1995 with Christopher Reeve.
1962: Passion for Acting Discovered
In 1962, at age 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: Release of The Great Escape Film
The Great Escape movie, first part of The Great Escape II, was released in 1963.
1968: Campaign 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: Graduated from PDS
In June 1970, Christopher Reeve graduated from Princeton Day School (PDS).
1970: Protests Against Cambodia Invasion
In 1970, Christopher Reeve participated in protests against the invasion of Cambodia.
1973: The Three Musketeers
In 1973 the two-parter The Three Musketeers was filmed.
1973: Accepted into Juilliard's Advanced Program
In 1973, Christopher Reeve was accepted into Juilliard's Advanced Program along with Robin Williams, being the only two students selected. They subsequently became close friends.
1974: The Four Musketeers
In 1974 the two-parter The Four Musketeers was filmed.
1974: Auditioned for Love of Life
In 1974, Christopher Reeve auditioned for the soap opera 'Love of Life' to pay tuition fees at Juilliard, leading to increased screen time and scheduling conflicts.
1974: Graduated from Cornell
In 1974, after completing his first year at Juilliard, Reeve graduated from Cornell in the Class of 1974 as a double major in English and music theory.
1975: Juilliard end
In 1975 Reeve left Juilliard to fulfill his contract with CBS.
1975: Exploration of Scientology
In 1975, Christopher Reeve briefly explored Scientology but chose not to become a member. He later voiced criticism of the organization.
1975: Cast in A Matter of Gravity
In late 1975, Christopher Reeve auditioned for and was cast by Katharine Hepburn in the Broadway play 'A Matter of Gravity'.
June 1976: Dropped out of Play in Los Angeles
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, a licensed pilot, purchased his first aircraft, a second-hand Cherokee 140.
1978: Superman Film Series (1978-1987)
In 1978 Christopher Reeve played the title character in the Superman film series which would continue until 1987.
1978: Auditioned for Superman
In 1978, Christopher Reeve auditioned for the leading role of Clark Kent/Superman in the film 'Superman'.
1978: Breakthrough Role in Superman
In 1978, Christopher Reeve had his breakthrough role playing the title character in the movie Superman.
1978: First Hollywood Role
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: Christopher Reeve's first role after Superman
In 1978, after playing Superman Christopher Reeve's landed a role in Somewhere in Time released later in 1980.
December 20, 1979: Birth of Matthew Exton Reeve
On December 20, 1979, Christopher Reeve and Gae Exton's son, Matthew Exton Reeve, was born in London.
1979: Special Olympics Coach
In 1979, Christopher Reeve served as a track and field coach at the Special Olympics.
1979: Filming of Somewhere in Time
In mid-1979, Christopher Reeve filmed Somewhere in Time on Mackinac Island at the Grand Hotel.
1980: Superman Sequels and Somewhere in Time
In 1980, Christopher Reeve acted in the sequel to Superman and also appeared in the film Somewhere in Time.
1980: Release of Somewhere in Time
In 1980, Christopher Reeve starred in the time-travel romance film Somewhere in Time as Richard Collier. The film was shot in 1979 and was Reeve's favorite film to make.
1981: Reeve returns to Williamstown Theatre Festival
In 1981, Christopher Reeve returned to the Williamstown Theatre Festival to play Achilles in The Greeks. Earlier, after Superman II, Reeve joined the Williamstown Theatre Festival and starred in The Front Page and The Cherry Orchard. He also played a disabled Vietnam veteran in Fifth of July on Broadway, which was nominated for five Tony Awards.
1982: Deathtrap
In 1982, Christopher Reeve appeared in the critically successful film Deathtrap.
1982: Reeve stars in Deathtrap and Monsignor
In 1982, Christopher Reeve played a devious playwright in Deathtrap and a corrupt Catholic priest in Monsignor. While Deathtrap was well-received but affected by a plot twist spoiler, Reeve felt that Monsignor allowed him to play a morally ambiguous character, though he blamed its failure on poor editing.
November 25, 1983: Birth of Alexandra Reeve
On November 25, 1983, Christopher Reeve and Gae Exton's daughter, Alexandra Reeve, was born in London.
1983: Reeve appears in Faerie Tale Theatre and The Aviator
In 1983, Christopher Reeve appeared in Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre and starred in the film The Aviator. Reeve readily accepted the role in The Aviator and volunteered to do his own piloting of the vintage biplane.
1983: Higher Gains for Superman III
In 1983, Christopher Reeve made even higher gains for Superman III
1983: Election to Actors' Equity Association Council
In 1983, Christopher Reeve was elected to Actors' Equity Association Council.
1983: Release of Superman III and Reeve's critique
In 1983, Superman III, directed by Lester, was released. Christopher Reeve felt the film's credibility was diminished by its comedic approach, particularly the inclusion of Richard Pryor. Reeve praised the automobile junkyard scene but criticized the overall direction, lamenting the absence of Donner's influence. While the film received negative reviews, Reeve's portrayal of the Evil Superman garnered praise.
1984: The Bostonians
In 1984, Christopher Reeve appeared in the critically successful film The Bostonians.
1984: Reeve reunites with Redgrave in The Aspern Papers
In 1984, Christopher Reeve reunited with Vanessa Redgrave in The Aspern Papers in London. Reeve also played the title role in Richard Cory in Williamstown. Hepburn praised his performance in The Bostonians.
1984: Reeve stars in The Bostonians
In 1984, Christopher Reeve starred in The Bostonians alongside Vanessa Redgrave. Despite taking a significant pay cut, Reeve was happy to participate in the film, which was critically acclaimed. Reeve helped brokered arrangements with the CAA for Merchant Ivory Productions.
March 1985: Reeve stars in Anna Karenina and daughter's appearance
In March 1985, Christopher Reeve starred in Anna Karenina, where his daughter Alexandra made her first on-screen appearance. Reeve learned to ride horses for the film and took up the sport seriously afterward. He also hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live.
March 1985: Release of The Aviator
The film The Aviator, starring Christopher Reeve was released in March 1985.
1985: Involvement in horse riding began
Christopher Reeve began his involvement in horse riding in 1985 after learning to ride for the film Anna Karenina. He took antihistamines due to his initial allergy to horses.
1985: Reeve shoots Anna Karenina
In 1985, Christopher Reeve was shooting Anna Karenina.
June 1986: Emergency Appendectomy
In June 1986, Christopher Reeve had an emergency appendectomy, which affected his workout regimen for Superman IV.
1986: Reeve stars in Street Smart and Summer and Smoke
In 1986, Christopher Reeve starred in Street Smart, produced by Cannon Films, opposite Morgan Freeman. He agreed to appear in Superman again for them. He also starred in Summer and Smoke in Williamstown.
February 1987: Reeve and Exton separated
In February 1987, Christopher Reeve and Gae Exton separated amicably, with joint custody of their children.
February 1987: Reeve and Exton separate; Reeve stars in Switching Channels
In February 1987, after filming Superman IV, Christopher Reeve and Gae Exton separated. Reeve starred in Switching Channels, which was an unpleasant experience due to feuds between Burt Reynolds and Kathleen Turner.
June 1987: Met Dana Morosini
In June 1987, Christopher Reeve met his future wife, Dana Morosini, a singer and actress.
1987: End of Superman Film Series
Christopher Reeve's time playing the title character in the Superman film series ended in 1987.
1987: Street Smart
In 1987, Christopher Reeve appeared in the critically successful film Street Smart.
1987: Workout Focus for Superman IV
In 1987, Christopher Reeve decided it would be healthier to focus more on cardiovascular workouts for Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.
1987: Release of Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
In 1987, Superman IV: The Quest for Peace was released. After his disappointment with Superman III, Christopher Reeve initially refused to reprise his role but agreed on the condition that he have creative control over the script and that the movie would focus on nuclear disarmament. The film was a critical and commercial failure, and Reeve later regretted his involvement. His children had uncredited roles in a deleted scene.
1987: Protest in Chile
In late 1987, Christopher Reeve flew to Santiago, Chile, and helped lead a protest march against dictator Augusto Pinochet, who threatened to execute 77 actors. He was later awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Bernardo O'Higgins.
1988: Estrangement from Father
Between 1988 and 1995, Christopher Reeve barely spoke to his father, Franklin.
1988: Reeve stars in The Great Escape II and Summer and Smoke
In 1988, Christopher Reeve played Major Johnnie Dodge in The Great Escape II. He also starred in Summer and Smoke with Christine Lahti at the Ahmanson Theatre.
1989: Began eventing
By 1989, Christopher Reeve began eventing, and his allergies to horses soon disappeared.
1989: Onstage performances
For most of 1988 and 1989, Christopher Reeve worked on stage. In Williamstown, he reunited with Madeleine Potter in Joel Gross' play, Mesmer, and performed in a stage reading of the same play on Broadway.
1989: Joining the Creative Coalition
In 1989, Christopher Reeve joined the Creative Coalition (TCC), a liberal organization founded by Ron Silver, aiming to teach celebrities how to speak knowledgeably about political issues.
1989: Performances in The Winter's Tale and John Brown's Body
In 1989, Christopher Reeve played Polixenes in The Winter's Tale and starred in John Brown's Body, where Dana Morosini also had a small role. Reeve auditioned for Pretty Woman, but walked out after an unprofessional experience.
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.
1990: Reeve and Morosini were living together
By 1990, Christopher Reeve and Dana Morosini were living together, but Reeve could not bring himself to commit to marriage due to his parents' painful divorce and other failed marriages in his family.
1990: Performances in Love Letters
In 1989 and 1990, Christopher Reeve performed in Love Letters with Julie Hagerty in multiple cities.
1990: Reeve stars in The Rose and the Jackal and Death Takes a Holiday
In 1990, Christopher Reeve starred in The Rose and the Jackal as Allan Pinkerton 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: Criticism of Donald Trump
In 1991, Christopher Reeve spoke out against Donald Trump's developing projects on West End Avenue. He was featured in the documentary "Trump: What's the Deal?", where he delivered a critical speech on the topic.
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, where he played a child molester, received fair reviews.
April 1992: Married Dana Morosini
After therapy and overcoming his fears about marriage, Christopher Reeve married Dana Morosini in April 1992.
June 7, 1992: Birth of William Elliot Reeve
On June 7, 1992, Christopher Reeve and Dana Morosini had their son, William Elliot Reeve.
1992: Attended US premiere of Howards End
In 1992, Christopher Reeve attended the US premiere of Howards End and met Ivory, who later offered him a role in The Remains of the Day.
1992: Wedding as an Act of Faith
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 'Road to Avonlea' and 'Tales from the Crypt'.
1992: Roles in Noises Off, Mortal Sins, and Last Ferry Home
In 1992, Christopher Reeve played a lead role in Peter Bogdanovich's comedy Noises Off and starred in Mortal Sins, where he played a Catholic priest. His last performance in a stage production was The Guardsman in Williamstown. He also acted in the short film Last Ferry Home.
1992: Role in Nightmare in the Daylight
In 1992, Christopher Reeve was cast as a villain in Nightmare in the Daylight.
1993: The Remains of the Day
In 1993, Christopher Reeve appeared in the critically successful film The Remains of the Day.
1993: Reeve contracts malaria
In 1993, Christopher Reeve contracted malaria while scouting filming locations in Kenya.
1993: Forum on Censorship in Tucson
In 1993, Christopher Reeve participated in a forum on censorship in Tucson, Arizona, held by People for the American Way. He and other actors performed a reading of a play that had led to a teacher's firing.
1993: Guest Caller on Frasier
In 1993, Christopher Reeve was one of the celebrity guest callers on 'Frasier'.
1993: Review of Morning Glory
In 1993, a review for 'Morning Glory' noted Christopher Reeve's performance, suggesting a reversal of perception of him as an actor beyond Superman.
1993: Sale of Superman rights to Warner Bros.
In 1993, two years before his 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 never produced due to studio shifts, the failure of Superman IV, and Christopher Reeve's accident.
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 at the New York City Center, marking his last performances onstage.
1994: Purchasing Eastern Express
In 1994, Christopher Reeve purchased a 12-year-old American thoroughbred horse named Eastern Express, nicknamed "Buck", while filming Village of the Damned and started training with the horse.
1994: Co-President of TCC
In 1994, Christopher Reeve was elected as a co-president of the Creative Coalition (TCC).
1994: Review of Speechless
In 1994, a critic praised Christopher Reeve's evolution into a versatile character actor in a review for 'Speechless'.
May 27, 1995: Equestrian 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 resulted in a cervical spinal injury, paralyzing him from the neck down and halting his breathing.
June 1995: Spine Stabilization Surgery
In June 1995, Christopher Reeve was scheduled for an operation to stabilize his spine, which he knew had a fifty-fifty chance of survival. He experienced a moment of levity when Robin Williams visited him in character from the film "Nine Months", helping him laugh for the first time since the accident.
December 1995: Return Home to Bedford, New York
In December 1995, Christopher Reeve moved back to his home in Bedford, New York after his accident.
1995: Training Level Events
In 1995, Christopher Reeve planned to do 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, and played a paralyzed police officer in the HBO movie 'Above Suspicion'.
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.
1995: Jane Seymour names son after Reeve
In 1995, Jane Seymour, a friend of Reeve, named one of her twin sons Kristopher in his honor, and Reeve became his godfather.
1995: Plans cancelled due to accident
In 1995, before his injury, Christopher Reeve was offered the lead in the film Kidnapped and planned to direct 'Tell Me True', but these plans were cancelled due to a horse riding accident.
1995: CBS released Black Fox
Two months after Christopher Reeve's accident, in 1995, CBS released the miniseries 'Black Fox' as three films. The films feature Reeve riding horses.
August 26, 1996: Time Cover Appearance
On August 26, 1996, Christopher Reeve was placed on the cover of Time for his activism, hosting the 1996 Summer Paralympic Games, and speaking at the Democratic National Convention.
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, encouraging Hollywood to make more films on social issues.
1996: Establishment of the Christopher Reeve Foundation
In 1996, Christopher Reeve established his own foundation, which later merged with the American Paralysis Association in 1999 to form the Christopher Reeve Foundation. The foundation aims to speed up research through funding and 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 documentary 'Without Pity: A Film About Abilities', which won an Emmy Award, and acted in the film 'A Step Toward Tomorrow'.
1996: Preliminary Training
In 1996, Christopher Reeve planned to move up to Preliminary training with his horse Eastern Express, nicknamed "Buck".
1996: Reeve hospitalized for various health issues
In 1996, Christopher Reeve was frequently hospitalized for dysreflexia, pneumonia, a collapsed lung, and two blood clots.
1997: Reeve battles a severe ankle infection
In 1997, Christopher Reeve battled a severe infection in a small ulcer on his left ankle, which eventually spread to the bone, but was healed with specialist care at Albany Medical Center.
1997: Directed 'In the Gloaming'
In 1997, Christopher Reeve directed the movie 'In the Gloaming'.
1997: Received Honorary Doctorate from Juilliard
In 1997, Christopher Reeve received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard.
1997: Support for 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, but the bill was narrowly defeated.
1997: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In 1997, INSITE (International Network of Somewhere in Time Enthusiasts) sponsored Christopher Reeve's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, raising over $20,000 for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
1997: 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. The audiobook version won a Grammy Award.
1998: Acted in Rear Window Remake and Published Still Me
In 1998, Christopher Reeve acted in the television remake of Rear Window and also wrote his autobiographical book 'Still Me'.
1998: Starred in Rear Window remake
In 1998, Christopher Reeve starred in and served as executive producer of 'Rear Window', a remake of Hitchcock's 1954 film. He was nominated for a Golden Globe and won a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance.
1998: Interview on Life's Worth
In 1998, Christopher Reeve stated in an interview that he was "glad to be alive, not out of obligation to others, but because life was worth living."
1998: Wrote about Father Relationship
In 1998, Christopher Reeve wrote about his difficult relationship with his father, Franklin, stating his love seemed tied to performance.
1998: Spinal Cord Research Fundraiser
In early 1998, Christopher Reeve persuaded Michael Eisner to give a prime-time slot on ABC to a spinal cord research fundraiser called A Celebration of Hope, which received an Emmy nomination.
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 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.
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 guest appearances on the PBS series 'Sesame Street'.
August 9, 2001: President Bush limits federal funding on stem cell research
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 date, and allotted approximately $100 million for it. Christopher Reeve initially called this "a step in the right direction".
2001: Reeve lobbied for the Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001
In 2001, Christopher Reeve lobbied for the Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001, advocating for somatic cell nuclear transfer research while opposing reproductive cloning.
2001: Reeve 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: Matthew Reeve began filming documentary
In 2001, Christopher Reeve's son Matthew began filming a three-part series detailing Reeve's recovery process 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', which became a New York Times Best Seller. He narrated an audiobook for which he received his second Grammy nomination.
September 2002: Hope in Motion aired on ABC
In September 2002, the first film, 'Hope in Motion', aired on ABC under the title 'Courageous Steps' and received an Emmy nomination.
2002: Improved Sensory and Muscle Function
By 2002, Christopher 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 degree of muscle movement and sensation.
2002: Reeve lobbied for somatic cell nuclear transfer research
In 2002, Christopher Reeve continued to advocate for somatic cell nuclear transfer research, emphasizing its importance for safe stem cell implantation.
2002: Published 'Nothing Is Impossible'
In 2002, Christopher Reeve wrote the autobiographical book 'Nothing Is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life'.
2002: Matthew graduated from Brown University
In 2002, Matthew Reeve graduated from Brown University.
2002: Unitarian Service Attendance
In his 2002 book, "Nothing Is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life", Christopher Reeve said that he and his wife had 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, Christopher 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.
February 25, 2003: Appearance in Smallville
On February 25, 2003, Christopher Reeve appeared in the Smallville episode "Rosetta" as Dr. Virgil Swann, informing Clark Kent about his origins. This episode set ratings history for The WB.
July 2003: Reeve visits Israel to seek stem cell research advancements
In July 2003, Christopher Reeve visited Israel to explore stem cell research advancements, praising the country's proactive rehab facilities, medical schools, and research infrastructure.
September 2003: Reeve awarded the Lasker Public Service Award
In September 2003, Christopher Reeve was awarded the Lasker Public Service Award for his advocacy for medical research and victims of disability.
November 2003: Public Appearance Without Ventilator
In November 2003, Christopher Reeve appeared in public without a ventilator for the first time since his accident, due to a diaphragm pacing device.
2003: Guest-starred in The Practice
In 2003, Christopher Reeve guest-starred in an episode of 'The Practice', based on a story treatment he submitted that addressed health insurance policy and caregiver burnout.
2003: Appearances in Smallville
In 2003, Christopher Reeve made two appearances in the Superman-themed television series Smallville.
2003: Impact of Reeve's Advocacy
In 2003, Jerome Groopman commented on Christopher Reeve's impact, noting his role as a catalyst in society and the significant increase in funding for spinal-cord research following Reeve's injury. UC Irvine recognized Reeve's unparalleled contributions to promoting research on spinal cord injury and neurological disorders.
June 2004: Reeve defends somatic cell nuclear transfer at the United Nations
In June 2004, Christopher Reeve provided a videotaped message to the United Nations, defending somatic cell nuclear transfer research.
October 10, 2004: Christopher Reeve's Death
On October 10, 2004, Christopher Reeve died from heart failure at a hospital near his home in Westchester County, New York.
October 2004: Reeve's final days and death
In early October 2004, Christopher Reeve was treated for an infected pressure ulcer causing sepsis. On October 4, he made his last public appearance. On October 9, Reeve attended his son's hockey game and later went into cardiac arrest. He died on October 10, 2004, at the age of 52, with his death possibly linked to an adverse drug reaction.
2004: Death
Christopher Reeve died in 2004 from heart failure at a hospital near his home in Westchester County, New York.
2004: Third film was never made
Following Christopher Reeve's death in 2004, a third film was never made.
2004: Heart of America Foundation presents the Christopher Reeve Award
From 2004, the Heart of America Foundation presented the Christopher Reeve Award, an annual scholarship funded by Merriam-Webster, Inc., to a student demonstrating outstanding compassion and community service.
2004: Directed The Brooke Ellison Story
In 2004, Christopher Reeve directed 'The Brooke Ellison Story'. He also started directing the animated film 'Everyone's Hero' and died during its production, with his wife Dana and son Will contributing to the film.
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 graduated from Yale University
In 2005, Alexandra Reeve graduated from Yale University.
2005: Princeton Day School establishes Christopher Reeve Sportsmanship Award
In 2005, Princeton Day School established the Christopher Reeve '70 Sportsmanship Award to be awarded during the Invitational Ice Hockey Tournament.
2005: Williamstown Theatre Festival dedication to Reeve
In 2005, the Williamstown Theatre Festival announced it would dedicate the final performance of every season to Christopher Reeve's memory and establish a fund for artists with disabilities.
2005: James Ivory interview
In a 2005 interview, James Ivory said that Reeve "brokered" the arrangements with the CAA to get them into the agency.
March 6, 2006: Death of Dana Reeve
On March 6, 2006, Dana Reeve died at the age of 44. Subsequently, the Christopher Reeve Foundation was renamed the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
November 2006: Release of Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
In November 2006, 'Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut', Donner's version of 'Superman II', was released on DVD and dedicated in memory of Christopher Reeve.
2006: Cornell University honors Reeve with plaque and scholarship
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.
2007: DVD release of documentaries
In 2007, 'Hope in Motion' and its follow-up, 'Choosing Hope', were released on DVD.
2008: Alexandra received Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School
In 2008, Alexandra Reeve received a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School.
2008: Device Approved by FDA
In 2008, the diaphragm pacing device, which allowed Christopher Reeve to breathe without a ventilator, was approved by the FDA under a Humanitarian Device Exemption.
2008: Kathleen Turner's memoir
In her 2008 memoir, Kathleen Turner described the unpleasant experience of filming Switching Channels due to her feud with Burt Reynolds, and noted Christopher Reeve's kindness during that time.
March 2009: President Obama signs the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act
In March 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act, aiming to enhance paralysis research, improve rehabilitation, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with paralysis and other physical disabilities.
2014: Will graduated from Middlebury College
In 2014, Will Reeve graduated from Middlebury College.
2015: Princeton Public Library creates Christopher Reeve Theater and Dramatic Arts Collection
In 2015, Princeton Public Library created the Christopher Reeve Theater and Dramatic Arts Collection, comprising books on acting, screenwriting, theater, filmmaking, cinema studies, music and Broadway, including Reeve's books.
2016: Heart of America Foundation presents the Christopher Reeve Award
In 2016, the Heart of America Foundation continued to present the Christopher Reeve Award, an annual scholarship funded by Merriam-Webster, Inc., to a student demonstrating outstanding compassion and community service.
2018: Drexel University College of Medicine establishes Christopher Reeve Endowment Award
In 2018, Drexel University College of Medicine established the Christopher Reeve Endowment Award, a scholarship fund supporting research and training in spinal cord and brain injury research.
2018: Jane Seymour revealed Reeve and Exton breakup
In 2018, Jane Seymour revealed that Christopher Reeve and Gae Exton had broken up prior to filming Somewhere in Time, and Reeve and Seymour fell in love, but Reeve returned to Exton upon learning she was pregnant with their son Matthew.
2020: Annual Christopher Reeve 'Hot Topics' in Stem Cell Biology not held
In 2020, the Annual Christopher Reeve "Hot Topics" in Stem Cell Biology was not held.
2020: Peter Bogdanovich's book release
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."
September 25, 2021: Google celebrates Reeve's birthday with a Google Doodle
On September 25, 2021, Google celebrated Christopher Reeve's 69th birthday with a Google Doodle.
2021: Annual Christopher Reeve 'Hot Topics' in Stem Cell Biology not held
In 2021, the Annual Christopher Reeve "Hot Topics" in Stem Cell Biology was not held.
2023: Christopher Reeve Acting Award
In 2023, the Christopher Reeve Acting Scholarship, established in the mid-1990s, changed its name to the Christopher Reeve Acting Award.
2023: Device Receives Approval
In 2023, the diaphragm pacing device that Christopher Reeve used to help him breathe without a ventilator received premarket approval.
January 19, 2024: Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story premieres at Sundance Film Festival
On January 19, 2024, a documentary about Reeve's life, "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, a French documentary about Christopher Reeve titled "Christopher Reeve: The Eternal Superman" was released on TCM Cinéma.
2024: Screening of The Remains of the Day
In 2024, at a screening of 'The Remains of the Day', Ivory praised Christopher Reeve's performance, acknowledging him as a great actor.
2024: Annual Christopher Reeve 'Hot Topics' in Stem Cell Biology not held
In 2024, the Annual Christopher Reeve "Hot Topics" in Stem Cell Biology was not held.
2025: Will reports for ABC News
As of 2025, Will Reeve reports for ABC News.
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