How Christopher Reeve Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Christopher Reeve across different fields.

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.

Sections (6)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

February 2003: Hope in Motion broadcast on BBC One

In February 2003, 'Hope in Motion' was broadcast on BBC One under its original title.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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