Margaret Chrystall
Updated on: October 12, 2024 1:51 am GMT
Christopher Reeve’s legacy is being revisited with a new documentary that not only highlights his remarkable career as Superman but also his enduring impact as a father and advocate for spinal cord injury research. The film, titled “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” features intimate memories shared by Reeve’s three children—Matthew, Alexandra, and Will Reeve—who reflect on their father’s life and their experiences growing up in a family shaped by both celebration and adversity.
Remembering a Beloved Father
For many, Christopher Reeve is synonymous with his role as Superman. However, to his children, he was simply “Dad.” Reeve’s journey took a devastating turn in 1995 when a horse riding accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. He transformed his life’s trajectory from a Hollywood icon to a tireless advocate for research on spinal cord injuries. The documentary aims to provide a deeper understanding of his life beyond the silver screen, featuring candid details from his children about their personal experiences.
Will Reeve, the youngest of the trio and now a correspondent for ABC News, detailed the intense family moments following the accident. At only two years old at the time of his father’s injury, Will reflects on how his family managed to maintain love and support despite their challenges. “I think no matter the contours of a family, as long as it’s rooted in love, it doesn’t matter what your family looks like,” he remarked during an interview with ABC’s Diane Sawyer.
Facing Tragedy Together
The Reeve siblings, who were older when the accident occurred, shared how they adjusted to their father’s new reality. Alexandra recalled their mother, Dana Reeve, reassuring them prior to their first visit with Christopher after the accident. “It’s gonna look really scary, but he’s still there. Just talk to him,” she remembered Dana telling them. This moment, filled with fear and love, showcased the resilience that would define their family’s future.
Matthew Reeve spoke about their attempts to create joy in a challenging situation. His memories were filled with an atmosphere of love and support, where family dinners remained a priority. “Dinner was family time,” he explained. “We had friends dropping by. It was a very happy, robust, loud… everything you would want from a family dinner.”
Despite the gravity of their father’s condition, laughter permeated their home. The siblings reminisced about their creative efforts to make their father laugh. Alexandra shared a humorous incident where Matthew gifted their dad an “eject button” to attach to his wheelchair, which delighted Christopher and provided a lighthearted moment during serious meetings.
A Mother’s Legacy
Tragedy struck again when Dana Reeve, a talented singer and dedicated caregiver, was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer less than a year after her husband’s passing. The loss of both parents within two years left a void in the Reeve siblings’ lives, but they also found strength in reviewing their mother’s legacy.
In the documentary, Will reads from Dana’s journals, revealing the deep emotional turmoil and isolation she faced as a caregiver. “I miss most even now his hands. The expressive grace and heft of them,” he reads, encapsulating the poignant love that permeated their family life despite the challenges they faced.
A Commitment to Advocacy
Following his father’s accident, the Reeve family became instrumental in advancing spinal cord injury research and disability rights. They established the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which has since invested more than $140 million in innovative research to improve the lives of those affected by similar injuries.
The documentary emphasizes how Christopher Reeve’s activism inspired not just his family but millions of individuals globally, reinforcing a message of hope and determination through difficult times. The Reeve family’s narrative is a testament to resilience, showing how adversity can bind people together.
A Timely Tribute
“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and will see a limited theatrical release in U.S. theaters on September 21 and 25. This documentary is an opportunity for audiences to reflect on the life of a man who was much more than a superhero on screen. It sheds light on the human experience behind the public persona, emphasizing themes of love, family bonds, and relentless hope.
As the world remembers Christopher Reeve, his children continue to celebrate his joyous life while honoring the complexities of their family story. Their reflections serve as both a tribute to their father’s enduring legacy and an invitation for audiences to understand the powerful love that shaped their lives, even amid profound loss.
To learn more about their memories and the documentary, watch Diane Sawyer’s interview with the Reeve siblings on “Good Morning America.” It will be on September 17 at 7 am EDT.
