20 years after the death of Christopher Reeves, documentary reveals the real -Superman-

The recent documentary, “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” takes an in-depth look at the life of Christopher Reeve, who famously brought the beloved superhero to life in the classic 1978 film “Superman.” Tragically, Reeve became paralyzed from the neck down in 1995 due to an equestrian accident and passed away in 2004. This documentary features interviews with friends and family and includes previously unreleased home videos, offering an intimate exploration of this real-life hero’s journey.

Reeve kicked off his acting career on stage after studying at the esteemed Juilliard School, where he shared a room with the late comedy icon Robin Williams. Reflecting on their unique bond, Reeve’s son, Matthew, describes their relationship as being like “brothers” rather than just friends. While audiences admired Reeve as Superman, it was his connection with Williams that profoundly shaped his life.

For Matthew, his father was simply “just Dad.” The documentary captures the experience of growing up watching his dad embody Superman from the perspective of both him and his sister, Alexandra Reeve Givens. It also reveals the heartbreaking story of their parents’ separation and the joy that emerged from their father’s later remarriage.

In 1992, Reeve married Dana Reeve, and together they welcomed their son, William. However, their lives took a devastating turn in 1995 when Reeve’s accident left him paralyzed. The film offers a first-hand account of the aftermath of this tragedy, highlighting Reeve’s feelings of having shattered not only his own life but also the lives of those around him. Yet, amidst the darkness, hope emerged when Robin Williams visited him in the hospital.

Alexandra shares, “Robin told him, ‘Hey, you’re still you. You still have friendships and people who love you, and you’ll find joy in life again.’” The unwavering support from friends and family revived Reeve’s fighting spirit, leading him to attend the Oscars in 1996. Matthew recalls that witnessing his father speak before his film industry peers was one of the proudest moments of his life.

In his quest to help others, Reeve founded the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, dedicated to advancing research in spinal cord injuries and providing support for those affected by paralysis and their families.