Christopher and Dana Reeve passed away tragically, leaving their only child together orphaned. Now an adult, their son honors their legacies, and many have noted his striking resemblance to his beloved father in numerous photos.
Christopher Reeve was an American actor best known for portraying the title character in the movie “Superman” and its three sequels. He also starred in other films, including, “Speechless” and “The Remains of the Day.”
Besides his noteworthy career, Christopher was also a family man. He married actress and singer Dana Reeve in April 1992 and they welcomed their only child together, son Will Reeve, two months later in June of that year.
Despite the joy of becoming a parent, Christopher’s life took a dramatic turn in 1995. While participating in a cross-country horse competition, he was involved in a freak accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down.
Christopher developed suicidal thoughts after waking up in the hospital. With his wife beside him, he asked her to “let him go.” The film director recalled that powerful moment in an interview.
“Without missing a beat, she looked me right in the eye and said, ‘But you’re still you and I love you,'” he remembered. From that point forward, he dedicated his time to gain full recovery so that he could walk again one day.
Through his political work, the New York native turned his focus to reformed healthcare and increasing research money for the study of the spinal cord and central nervous system.
Together, Christopher and Dana founded the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with paralysis.
Tragically, the Reeve family faced a devastating loss when Christopher passed away from heart failure in October 2004 at the age of 52, leaving behind his wife and their then 12-year-old son.
Barely two years later, young Will suffered another heartbreaking loss when his mother, Dana, succumbed to lung cancer in March 2006 at the age of 44.
Despite being orphaned at the age of 13, Will had fond memories of a normal upbringing with his parents. He recalled them reminding him to turn off the television, eat his vegetables, and go to bed—just like any other kid.
Although he would often see his father on magazine aisles while at the grocery store growing up, Will emphasized that he had a “totally normal childhood.”
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