Christopher Reeve's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Christopher Reeve. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

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: 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'.

1997: Received Honorary Doctorate from Juilliard

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

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: 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: 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.

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.

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."

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.

Nothing is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.