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 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

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.

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.

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.

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1995: Reconciliation with Father

In 1995, Christopher Reeve reconciled with his father after his paralyzing accident.

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: 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.

1997: Honorary Degree from Juilliard

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

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: 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.

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: 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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.