Super/Man

Christopher Reeve and the Hero We Adore

We made it! It is officially Superman Week! The long-awaited Superman movie written and directed by James Gunn releases on Friday July 11th. I have been spending a lot of time with Superman over the past month. I read three of the most essential Superman comics: For All Seasons, All-Star, and Birthright. Most dear to my heart, I hope everyone enjoyed my conversation with Dave of Legend Comics & Coffee. It really meant a lot to sit down with someone so passionate about comics, heroes, Superman, and the community.

After the conversation with Dave, I could not shake this need to spend time with Christopher Reeve’s Superman. Reeve’s portrayal is the definitive Superman. What struck me most from both Superman and its immediate sequel, was having a Superman that smiled. Reeve’s smile is impactful. His smile while donning the blue and red suit is a moment of hope. A smile is such an easy gesture, but it can be a strong form of communication. You face this traumatic emergency. You almost lose your life. Superman flies in to save you. Then, he gives you a kind word or a joke and a smile. From that moment forward you remember that moment with Superman then you do the emergency.

There is obviously more to Christopher Reeve the person than just Superman. His life story has even more of a positive impact than his portrayal of the Son the Krypton. DC Studios and CNN Films released Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve story last year. It is a phenomenal documentary that made me emotional at times. I highly suggest watching it on HBO Max if you haven’t yet. Very rarely do we get this in-depth look at the person behind the hero.

We get to learn about Reeve from those closest to him. His three kids and his dear friends, including Susan Sarandon, Glenn Close, and Whoopi Goldberg, gave the best insight. I had no idea that Reeve was only 24 when he first starred as Superman and it was his first lead role in a movie. That is a heavy weight on the shoulders of a young man, but it is now the most iconic superhero portrayal in cinematic history.

Throughout the documentary, we see moments of when Reeve was interviewed. As he was handling the newfound fame, he would often say, “I am not Superman. I’m just an actor that plays Superman.” We live in an era that has taken humility for granted. Having someone that insists on his humanity and not using his stardom for self-elevation is quite refreshing.

I was also not aware that Christopher Reeve and Robin Williams were very close friends. They were roommates in acting school. Two men that have tragedy as part of their stories, but they made the lives of millions of people better when they were here. These two carried each other at times when they needed carrying.

There are three enduring images of Christopher Reeve: Superman, Clark Kent, and Reeve in the wheelchair. The moment that Superman fell off the horse and was paralyzed from the neck down sent shockwaves throughout the world. The documentary is very transparent about Reeve’s struggles after his accident. Not just the physical struggles, but also the mental and emotional toll that it took on him.

His family and his friends, including Robin Williams, were integral in helping Christopher Reeve find life despite the pain of having his world changed forever. We see his work in therapy to regain some of his physical abilities. We learn about how he befriended others in the disabled community and advocated for them. Reeve would make his famous appearance at the 68th Academy Awards, speak at the 1996 DNC, and would even direct a film and act again. Reeve became an inspiration in a new way and it changed his perspective on what a hero is:

"What is a hero? My answer was that a hero is someone who commits a courageous action without considering the consequences. Now my definition is completely different. I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to preserve and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."

Next to Christopher Reeve, was his incredible wife, Dana. She saved his life and devoted hers to caring for him. She also became a strong advocate for those with paralysis. I was inspired by Dana’s story and actions as much as I was inspired by Christopher’s. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is still active today in being an active voice on behalf of those in the disabled community. You can learn about the Foundation here.

I kept thinking about this quote below while watching the documentary. It is from All-Star Superman. It really embodies the life that Christopher Reeve lived. I know he tried to deflect his fame by saying that he’s just an actor that played Superman, but he will forever be OUR Superman.

“Always one more. Your work is done. You have shown them the face of the Man of Tomorrow. You have given the, an idea to aspire to, embodied their highest aspirations. They will race and stumble, and fall and crawl…and curse…and finally…they join you in the sun, Kal-El.”