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 best known for portraying Superman in the film series from 1978-1987. Reeve achieved critical acclaim and recognition for his acting career, earning several prestigious awards including a British Academy Film Award, an Emmy Award, a Grammy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Beyond acting, he dedicated himself to activism, advocating for spinal cord injury research and disability rights, further solidifying his legacy as a multifaceted and influential figure.

Sections (6)

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

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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