Starring as one of the first proper live-action feature-length leads of a Superman movie, Christopher Reeve left behind an unmatched legacy. A role that he held onto for nine years saw his popularity sky-rocket and his persona greatly amplified. Additionally, his off-screen life also largely mirrored his on-screen role as every day brought with it new adventures and the fearless star had no hesitation in trying out exploring something he had never done before, almost on a daily basis.
Despite all such highs, tragedy struck him in the first half of the 1990s. An unforeseen situation not only crippled him but also left him in deep psychological pain. Almost losing out on the will to live, the actor found strength in his wife, Dana Reeve. The actress presented an act of bravery and hope that still stands tall as one of the most emotional stories ever told.
The start and end of the Reeves’ love story
First meeting each other at the Williamson Theater Festival, the duo quickly fell in love and started a life together. In his book, Somewhere In Heaven, author Christopher Anderson chose the two as his subjects, and in a 2008 interview with The Early Show (via CBS News) opened up on the lesser-known side of their love. Showcasing photographs from their early times, the writer went on to describe how “It was love at first sight for Chris”.
Right after being smitten with love at the very first sight, Christopher Reeve quickly “charmed” Dana Reeve, as described by Anderson in his book. Initially, the star did not know how to approach her but knew that “she had to be persuaded”. Soon enough, a love story brewed, and the two spent four years together, and the actress-singer now wished to marry or at least demanded a commitment.
Her parents had been married 45 years. His family was shattered. His parents divorced, remarried. He had siblings and half siblings. He didn’t believe in marriage. She said, ‘look, we’re going to call it off.’ He said, ‘no, no let me go through therapy’ and he got over his fear of marriage. She became pregnant with their son Will and got married right after that.
The story continued ahead until it witnessed a massive roadblock, which was overcome with nothing but pure love.
How Dana Reeve saved Christopher Reeve
Anderson proceeded to shed light on a harrowing accident in 1995 that left the Superman actor with two crushed vertebrae and paralyzed. The crisis took such a toll on him that he contemplated suicide and “wanted to end it right then”. Bringing him out with hope was Dana Reeve, whose words kept him going and motivated.
She said, ‘I still love you.’ Then she made a pact with him. ‘Hold on for two years, if you still feel this way two years for now we will reconsider this question.’
Anderson described that the pact was just a “sales ploy” by the singer to keep Reeve alive. Fortunately, her words worked like magic, and the actor soon made a recovery sufficient to carry on with his life. Additionally, his legacy as Superman gave him a larger-than-life role in everyday life.
Additionally, his wife’s words gave him ten extra years to live until his eventual death due to heart failure in 2004. Soon after, in 2006, Dana Reeve also passed away, bringing an end to a touching saga.
