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Background[]
The late Christopher Reeve ( b. 25 September 1952 - d. 10 October 2004 ) was an American actor, director, author, and activist. He has appeared in live action stage theater, television and cinematic roles; and voice acting performances.
Reeve is best known for his extended role as Clark Kent/Superman having appeared in four consecutive Superman films from 1978 to 1987―a role that immediately catapulted him into international stardom and fame.
Reeve was also equally remembered for his social conscience and political activism as he would parlay his celebrity status for numerous philanthropic causes and charities afterwards from Make-A-Wish Foundation, Special Olympics, Amnesty International, and various other environmental and social issues.
He subsequently suffered a catastrophic spinal injury in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down and forced him to use a ventilator for the rest of his life but would continue to push for increased medical research and funding for improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Biography[]
Personal Life[]
Filmography[]
- Great Performances (1974) 1 episode
- Love of Life (1974-76) ? episodes
- The Wide World of Mystery (1975) 1 episode
- Gray Lady Down (1978)
- Superman (1978)
- Somewhere in Time (1980)
- Superman II (1980)
- Deathtrap (1982)
- Monsignor (1982)
- Superman III (1983)
- Faerie Tale Theatre (1983) 1 episode
- The Bostonians (1984)
- The Aviator (1985)
- Anna Karenina (1985)
- Street Smart (1987)
- Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
- Switching Channels (1988)
- The Great Escape II: The Untold Story (1988)
- The Rose and the Jackal (1990)
- Earthday Birthday (1990)
- Bump in the Night (1991)
- Carol & Company (1991) 1 episodes
- Death Dreams (1991)
- Avonlea (1992) 1 episode
- Noises Off... (1992)
- Tales from the Crypt (1992) 1 episode
- Mortal Sins (1992)
- Nightmare in the Daylight (1992)
- The Sea Wolf (1993)
- Morning Glory (1993)
- Frasier (1993) 1 episode
- The Remains of the Day (1993)
- Speechless (1994)
- Village of the Damned (1995)
- Above Suspicion (1995)
- Black Fox (1995)
- Black Fox: The Price of Peace (1995)
- Black Fox: Good Men and Bad (1995)
- The Lion and the Lamb (1996)
- A Step Toward Tomorrow (1996)
- Without Pity: A Film About Abilities (1996)
- Rear Window (1998)
- The Practice (2003) 1 episode
- Smallville (2003-04) 2 episodes
Trivia[]
- Was roommates with Robin Williams at Julliard and were best friends throughout their lives. Williams would help with Reeve's medical bills and further dedicated his Cecil DeMille's Lifetime Achievement Award to him in 2005.
Quotes[]
- "A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."
- "Even though I don't personally believe in the Lord, I try to behave as though He was watching."
- "Don't give up. Don't lose hope. Don't sell out."
- "Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the pool or you go out in the ocean."
- "Success is finding satisfaction in giving a little more than you take."
- "So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable."
- "A hero is someone who, in spite of weakness, doubt or not always knowing the answers, goes ahead and overcomes anyway."
- "I've still never had a dream that I'm disabled. Never."
- "Your body is not who you are. The mind and spirit transcend the body."
- "Some people are walking around with full use of their bodies and they're more paralyzed than I am."