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 a multifaceted American figure, best known as the iconic Superman in the film series (1978-1987). Beyond his successful 34-year acting career, marked by a BAFTA, Emmy, Grammy, and SAG Award, Reeve dedicated himself to activism. He also worked as a director and author, showcasing his diverse talents and commitment to various causes.

Sections (6)

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

1980: Release and Initial Reception of Somewhere in Time

In 1980, Somewhere in Time had a wide release after favorable test screenings, but it received negative reviews and an actors' strike prevented publicity. Jean-Pierre Dorléac was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Costume Design.

1987: Chile protest against Augusto Pinochet

In late 1987, Christopher Reeve flew to Chile to help lead a protest march against dictator Augusto Pinochet's threat to execute 77 actors, and was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Bernardo O'Higgins for his contribution.

June 1995: Spine Stabilization Surgery

In June 1995, Christopher Reeve underwent surgery to stabilize his spine after his horse riding accident. He also received a visit from his friend Robin Williams.

1996: Narrated "Without Pity" and Acted in "A Step Toward Tomorrow"

In 1996, Christopher Reeve narrated the HBO film "Without Pity: A Film About Abilities", which won an Emmy Award. He also had a small role in the film "A Step Toward Tomorrow".

1997: Directorial Debut with "In the Gloaming"

In 1997, Christopher Reeve made his directorial debut with the HBO film "In the Gloaming". The film won four Cable Ace Awards and was nominated for five Emmy Awards.

1997: Fundraising for Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

In 1997, INSITE raised over $20,000 for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, to sponsor a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Reeve.

1997: Honorary Doctorate from Juilliard

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

1997: Christopher Reeve First Amendment Award established

In 1997, the Creative Coalition (TCC) established the Christopher Reeve First Amendment Award.

1998: Interview on new life

In 1998, Christopher Reeve gave an interview where he discussed making the best of his new life following his accident, highlighting his busy schedule involving activism, film work, writing, public speaking, and parenting.

2000: Regained Small Movements

Beginning in 2000, Christopher Reeve started to regain the ability to make small movements with his fingers and other parts of his body.

2001: Public Service Award from the American Society for Cell Biology

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."

2002: Improved Sensory Function

By 2002, Christopher Reeve could feel the prick of a needle and sense hot and cold temperatures on 65% of his body and his ASIA Impairment Scale was changed to C.

February 2003: Underwent Diaphragm Pacing Procedure

In February 2003, Christopher Reeve underwent an experimental procedure to implant electrodes in his diaphragm, helping him breathe without a ventilator.

September 2003: 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.

2004: Heart of America Foundation Awards Christopher Reeve Award

From 2004, the Heart of America Foundation awarded the Christopher Reeve Award, an annual scholarship funded by Merriam-Webster, Inc., to a student demonstrating outstanding 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: Cornell University Dedicates Plaque and Establishes Scholarship

In 2006, Cornell University dedicated a plaque to Reeve at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts and established the Christopher Reeve '74 Scholarship to support students in theater, film, music, and English.

2016: Heart of America Foundation Awards Christopher Reeve Award

In 2016, the Heart of America Foundation awarded the Christopher Reeve Award, an annual scholarship funded by Merriam-Webster, Inc., to a student demonstrating outstanding compassion and community service.

2018: Drexel University Establishes Christopher Reeve Endowment Award

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.