Christopher Reeve's look-alike eldest son Matthew has emotionally reflected on the star's first public appearance at the 1996 Oscars since he was left paralyzed after a horse-riding accident.
In 1995, at age 42, Superman star Reeve was paralyzed from the neck down after being thrown from a horse during an equestrian competition in Culpeper, Virginia. He was dependent on a wheelchair and a ventilator for the rest of his life.
Reeve moved stars to tears a year later during his appearance at the Oscars – in which he introduced a powerful film montage celebrating how Hollywood tackles social issues.
Matthew Exton Reeve, now 44, is the first child of Reeve – who died in 2004 aged 52 – and his long-term partner Gae Exton. The couple also welcomed daughter Alexandra Reeve Givens, now 40, during their nine-year on-off romance from 1978 to 1987.
Reeve shared youngest son Will, now 31, with his wife Dana, who died of lung cancer in 2006 at the age of 44 – just 17 months after Reeve's death from heart failure.
Christopher Reeve's look-alike eldest son Matthew emotionally reflected on the star's first public appearance at the 1996 Oscars since he was left paralyzed after a horse-riding accident (Matthew in January 2024). Reeve is best known for his role as Superman in four iconic films (pictured). (in 1978's Superman), Matthew is the spitting image of his late father. Reeve brought stars to tears during his appearance at the 1996 Oscars – a year after he was left paralyzed
Speaking to people at the Sundance premiere of the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story – and ahead of the 20th anniversary of Reeve's death. Matthew said: “I remember being in London, it was a school night and we stayed up until three or four in the morning watching it.” And it was absolutely incredible.
“And what I remember most, after that incredibly warm welcome and the very long ovation he received, was his introduction – he followed with a wonderful speech about how cinema and films are at their best, if not only “inform and educate them and address problems.”
“So that always sticks with me.” And that’s why I feel like that’s what they do and live for here at Sundance.”
“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” – directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui – elicited tears at its Sundance premiere.
The documentary, narrated largely by Reeve thanks to the two audiobook versions of his memoir, begins on New Year's Eve 1994, when Reeve said his life was “perfectly balanced, but suddenly everything changed.” Less than five months later, he was paralyzed.
The film features home video footage of the star and interviews with his children and actor friends – showing fans how he rose to fame as one of Hollywood's most popular stars.
It shows Reeve's struggle with the “darkest thoughts” after his paralysis – as he tells his wife Dana: “Maybe we should let me go; and Dana replied, “You’re still you and I love you.”
He later said, “When Dana whispered those life-saving words to me… it meant more to me than just a personal declaration of faith and commitment.”
Matthew, now 44, is the first child of Reeve – who died in 2004 aged 52 – and Gae Exton. The couple also welcomed daughter Alexandra, 40, with Reeve's father and son Will, now 31, from his marriage to the late Dana Reeve (pictured together in January 2024). Superman star Reeve was a real superhero. Reeve is pictured aged circa 1977. In 1995, Superman star Reeve was paralyzed from the neck down after being thrown from a horse during an equestrian competition in Culpeper, Virginia. He was dependent on a wheelchair and a ventilator for the rest of his life (pictured with Matthew in 2002). Will was orphaned when his beloved mother Dana died of lung cancer in 2006, aged just 44 – 17 months after Reeves' death at age 52 (the couple is pictured). in 2003)
“In a way, it was an affirmation that marriage and family were at the center of everything, and if both were intact, so was your universe.”
Reeve notably had a close friendship with the late actor Robin Williams, and the two were roommates while studying at Juilliard in the 1970s.
Glenn Close tells how Reeve was “terribly afraid that he could die at any moment” after his accident and how his close friendship with Williams gave him strength.
Close said: “I always thought if Chris was still there, Robin would still be alive.”
His son Will also talks about losing both parents within 18 months and says: “That was the moment, I’ve been alone ever since.”
Will, now a successful sports journalist, was raised by neighbors and close family friends.
All three children work with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, whose goal is to cure spinal cord injuries by advancing innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by paralysis.
He also appeared in other projects throughout his career, for example alongside Jane Seymour in Somewhere In Time (1980). Reeve is best known for his role as the hero Superman, but he used his fame to help others (pictured in 1986) Reeve is pictured with Matthew and Alexandra and ex-partner Gae Exton
The film celebrates the foundation's legacy and ends with a quote from Reeve about what he believes a hero is.
He said, “A hero is an ordinary person who finds the strength to persevere and persevere despite overwhelming odds.”
Reeve notably portrayed the legendary superhero Superman in the films Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983) and Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987).
He also appeared in other projects throughout his career, for example alongside Jane Seymour in Somewhere In Time (1980).