For a generation of film fans, Christopher Reeve simply was Superman. His story found a new audience when Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story won Best Documentary at the BAFTA Film Awards in February 2025, celebrating both the actor and the advocate he became.
From Juilliard to the Fortress of Solitude, here is the career of a true Hollywood hero. Explore more legends in our Hollywood icons collection.
Christopher Reeve Fact File
| Full name | Christopher D'Olier Reeve |
| Date of birth | 25 September 1952 |
| Place of birth | New York City, USA |
| Died | 10 October 2004, Mount Kisco, New York (aged 52) |
| Height | Widely reported as 6ft 4in (193cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actor, director, author, activist |
| Years active | 1970-2004 |
| Education | Cornell University; Juilliard |
| Signature role | Clark Kent / Superman |
Career History
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Superman | Clark Kent / Superman |
| 1980 | Superman II | Clark Kent / Superman |
| 1980 | Somewhere in Time | Richard Collier |
| 1982 | Deathtrap | Clifford Anderson |
| 1983 | Superman III | Clark Kent / Superman |
| 1984 | The Bostonians | Basil Ransom |
| 1987 | Superman IV: The Quest for Peace | Clark Kent / Superman |
| 1993 | The Remains of the Day | Jack Lewis |
| 1997 | In the Gloaming (TV) | Director |
| 1998 | Rear Window (TV) | Jason Kemp |
| 2003 | Smallville (TV) | Dr. Virgil Swann |
Key film and television credits by year, including his work as a director.
Early Years and Juilliard
Born in New York City in 1952, Reeve caught the acting bug as a boy and was performing professionally while still a teenager. He studied English and music theory at Cornell University and then joined the advanced programme at Juilliard, where his classmates included Robin Williams, who became a lifelong friend.
Believe a man can fly in our Christopher Reeve Men's Hoodie.
Becoming Superman
Reeve was cast as the Man of Steel in Richard Donner's Superman (1978). His gentle, bumbling Clark Kent and confident Superman made audiences believe a man could fly, and the role won him the BAFTA for Most Promising Newcomer. He played the part four times, in Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983) and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987).
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Beyond the Cape
Reeve worked hard to show his range. The romantic fantasy Somewhere in Time (1980) became a cult favourite, and he was praised in Deathtrap (1982), The Bostonians (1984) and Merchant Ivory's The Remains of the Day (1993). He also appeared regularly on stage.
In 1995 he was paralysed in a riding accident in Virginia. He returned to work as a director with HBO's In the Gloaming (1997), earning an Emmy nomination, starred in a 1998 TV version of Rear Window, and appeared in Smallville in 2003.
Awards
Film and Television
- BAFTA, Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles - Superman (1979)
- Emmy Award - Without Pity: A Film About Abilities (1997)
- Golden Globe nomination - Rear Window (1999)
Music and Writing
- Grammy Award, Best Spoken Word Album - Still Me (1999)
Legacy
- Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story won Best Documentary at the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards
Away From the Spotlight
After his accident Reeve became one of the world's best-known advocates for spinal cord injury research and people living with paralysis. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation continues that work today, funding research and supporting families through its National Paralysis Resource Center.
FAQs
How old was Christopher Reeve when he died?
He was 52. He died on 10 October 2004 in Mount Kisco, New York.
Where was Christopher Reeve born?
New York City, on 25 September 1952.
How many Superman films did Christopher Reeve make?
Four: Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983) and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987).
How tall was Christopher Reeve?
He is widely reported to have been 6ft 4in (193cm).
Did Christopher Reeve win a BAFTA?
Yes. He won Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles for Superman.
What is the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation?
A US charity that funds spinal cord injury research and supports people living with paralysis and their families.
Shop the Christopher Reeve Collection
Wear a tribute to the original Man of Steel - both designs are made to order in the UK.
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Part of our Icon Profiles series. Read next: Robin Williams Career Story and Harrison Ford Career Story.
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