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Farewell to a Hero — Remembering Christopher Reeve

NEW YORK — Christopher D’Olier Reeve, the actor immortalised by his portrayal of Superman in the 1978 feature film and its sequels, remains one of cinema’s most iconic and beloved figures.

Born in New York City and raised in Princeton, New Jersey, Reeve discovered a passion for theatre at the age of nine. He later trained at Cornell University and the Juilliard School, making his Broadway debut in 1976. Although global fame arrived swiftly with Superman, Reeve eschewed typecasting, favouring roles that offered depth and dramatic complexity. His later work included critically acclaimed performances in The Bostonians (1984), Street Smart (1987), and The Remains of the Day (1993), as well as notable stage appearances on Broadway and London’s West End.

Tragedy struck in 1995, when Reeve was paralysed following a riding accident during an equestrian competition in Virginia. Despite life-altering injuries, he continued to work in film and television, directing In the Gloaming (1997) and starring in a television adaptation of Rear Window (1998). He also made memorable guest appearances in the series Smallville, connecting a new generation of viewers to his enduring legacy.

Beyond acting, Reeve was a tireless campaigner for medical research and disability rights, advocating for spinal cord injury research and promoting access to healthcare. He co-founded the Reeve-Irvine Research Center and led the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, becoming a global symbol of resilience and advocacy. He documented his journey in two memoirs: Still Me and Nothing Is Impossible.

Reeve died on 10 October 2004, aged 52. His influence on the world of cinema and disability rights continues to resonate.

Superman: The Movie — A Cinematic Milestone

Released in 1978, Superman (also known as Superman: The Movie) marked a turning point in the superhero genre. An ambitious international co-production, the film was helmed by director Richard Donner and based on the DC Comics character. With a screenplay by Mario Puzo and an ensemble cast featuring Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, and Margot Kidder, the film introduced the world to Christopher Reeve’s definitive Superman.

The story follows the journey of Kal-El from the doomed planet Krypton to rural Kansas, and ultimately, to the bustling metropolis where he hides in plain sight as the mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent. The film combines epic storytelling, cutting-edge visual effects, and a soaring score by John Williams.

With a then-record budget of $55 million, Superman grossed over $300 million worldwide and was nominated for three Academy Awards. It remains a landmark achievement in film history and a cultural touchstone for generations of fans.