History Creator / ChristopherReeve

* ''Series/{{Smallville}}'' (2 episodes, 2003–04) as Dr. Virgil Swann

Originally from New York City, he initially studied at Juilliard's theatrical arts program with his roommate Creator/RobinWilliams (with whom he became lifelong friends), but eventually graduated from Cornell. His major professional gigs were simultaneously in the SoapOpera ''Series/LoveOfLife'' and in the Broadway play, ''A Matter of Gravity''. In the latter, he became a close enough friend to the play's star Creator/KatharineHepburn to get the gossip columns fluttering (despite the fact that she was old enough to be his mother). Eventually, he left and eventually appeared in his first Hollywood film, ''Film/GrayLadyDown''.

In the film, Reeve proved a more valuable asset than anyone could have guessed: as a hobby, Reeve piloted a glider; this made his "flying" scenes feel realistic. Even more amazingly, Reeve demonstrated the plausibility of ClarkKenting when practiced by a good-enough actor. Both skills, as well as general acting prowess, allowed Reeve to instantly eclipse his top-billed co-stars Creator/MarlonBrando and Creator/GeneHackman as the true star of ''Film/{{Superman}}''. Overnight, he became the leading light of the rise of the modern fantasy film. For instance, after the ''Series/TheMuppetShow'' did their gloriously wacky ''Franchise/StarWars'' episode, the only way to follow up on that classic was to have the other contemporary fantasy superstar, Reeve, do the next one.

** ''Film/SupermanVTheQuestForPeace'' (1987)

Christopher D'Olier Reeve (September 25, 1952 - October 10, 2004) was an American actor best-known for portraying [[Franchise/{{Superman}} Clark Kent[=/=]Superman]] [[Film/SupermanFilmSeries on film]]. In a professional sense, he showed that brilliant acting always has its place -- even in special-effect-heavy films like those of the {{superhero}} genre -- but also left behind an awesome personal legacy of perseverance and advocacy.

* TallDarkAndHandsome: He stood at 6'4 and still holds the record of being the tallest actor to play Superman.

* StarDerailingRole: In his autobiography, ''Still Me'', Reeve claims that the failure of ''Switching Channels'', along with ''Film/SupermanIVTheQuestForPeace'', ''The Aviator'', and ''Street Smart'' (which he in part agreed to do ''Superman IV'' under the condition that he was allowed to star in this long time "pet project" of his), knocked him off the A-list in Hollywood and he would have to audition for major roles for the rest of his career.

Christopher D'Olier Reeve (September 25, 1952 - October 10, 2004) was an American actor best-known for portraying [[Franchise/{{Superman}} Clark Kent[=/=]Superman]]. In a professional sense, he showed that brilliant acting always has its place -- even in special-effect-heavy films like those of the {{superhero}} genre -- but also left behind an awesome personal legacy of perseverance and advocacy.

On May 27, 1995, Reeve had a serious horseriding accident. This accident led to a catastrophic spinal cord injury, rendering him quadriplegic. However, with the support of his wife and long-time friends like Williams, Reeve refused to surrender to his despair and instead went on to become a universally hailed advocate for spinal cord research and the disabled. He continued his career as a director, also starring in a remake of Creator/AlfredHitchcock's ''Film/RearWindow'' on TV and later making a guest appearances on ''Series/{{Smallville}}''.

* StarDerailingRole: In his autobiography, ''Still Me'', Reeve claims that the failure of ''Switching Channels'', along with ''Film/SupermanIVTheQuestForPeace'', ''The Aviator'', and ''Film/StreetSmart'' (which he in part agreed to do ''Superman IV'' under the condition that he was allowed to star in this long time "pet project" of his), knocked him off the A-list in Hollywood and he would have to audition for major roles for the rest of his career.

* TallDarkAndHandsome: He stood at 6'4 and is still the tallest actor to play Superman.

After the success of the first two Superman films, it appeared that Reeve was poised to become one of Hollywood's next great leading men (Creator/JohnWayne himself reportedly proclaimed him as such). However, his career unfortunately proved turbulent. His artistic standards and his desire to avoid typecasting led him to turn down roles in ''Film/AmericanGigolo'', ''Literature/TheWorldAccordingToGarp'', ''Film/{{Splash}}'', ''Film/FatalAttraction'', ''Film/PrettyWoman'', ''Film/RomancingTheStone'', ''Film/LethalWeapon'' and ''Film/BodyHeat''. Instead, he starred in a mixed bag of films like ''Film/SomewhereInTime'', ''Film/StreetSmart'', ''Film/TheRemainsOfTheDay'' and ''Film/VillageOfTheDamned1995''. At the same time, the ''Superman'' series was gradually cheapened by producers who dismissed Donner and replaced him with Creator/RichardLester; Lester's fatal contempt for the comics eventually drove the franchise into the ground. His villainous role in ''Film/{{Deathtrap}}'' is generally highlighted as Reeve's best non-Superman performance.

Christopher D'Olier Reeve (September 25, 1952 - October 10, 2004) was an American actor best-known for portraying [[Franchise/{{Superman}} Clark Kent[=/=]Superman]]. In a professional sense he showed that brilliant acting always has its place -- even in special-effect-heavy fantasy films like the {{superhero}} genre -- but also left behind an awesome personal legacy of perseverance and advocacy.

Originally from New York City, he initially studied at Juillard's theatrical arts program with his roommate Creator/RobinWilliams (with whom he became lifelong friends), but eventually graduated from Cornell. His major professional gigs were simultaneously in the SoapOpera ''Series/LoveOfLife'' and in the Broadway play, ''A Matter of Gravity''. In the latter, he became a close enough friend to the play's star Creator/KatharineHepburn to get the gossip columns fluttering (despite the fact that she was old enough to be his mother). Eventually, he left and eventually appeared in his first Hollywood film, ''Film/GrayLadyDown''.

While it would become his StarMakingRole, Reeve was rejected three times for the role of Superman during the producers' frustrating hunt for the SuperHero. It wasn't until his face-to-face meeting with director Creator/RichardDonner and producer Ilya Salkind that he was chosen. Even then, he was signed on with an exercise regime supervised by Creator/DavidProwse (better known to the world as the guy wearing the [[Franchise/StarWars Darth Vader costume]]). In the film, Reeve proved a more valuable asset than anyone could have guessed: as a hobby, Reeve piloted a glider; this made his "flying" scenes feel realistic. Even more amazingly, Reeve demonstrated the plausibility of ClarkKenting when practiced by a good enough actor. Both skills, as well as general acting prowess, allowed Reeve to instantly eclipse his top-billed co-stars Creator/MarlonBrando and Creator/GeneHackman as the true star of ''Film/{{Superman}}''. Overnight, he became the leading light of the rise of the modern fantasy film. For instance, after the ''Series/TheMuppetShow'' did their gloriously wacky ''Franchise/StarWars'' episode, the only way to follow up on that classic was to have the other contemporary fantasy superstar, Reeve, do the next one.

On May 27, 1995, Reeve had a serious horseriding accident. This accident led to a catastrophic spinal cord injury, rendering him quadriplegic. However, with the support of his wife and long-time friends like Williams, Reeve refused to surrender to his despair and instead went on to become a universally hailed advocate for spinal cord research and the disabled. He continued his career as a director, as well as starred in a remake of Creator/AlfredHitchcock's ''Film/RearWindow'' on TV and later made a guest appearances on ''Series/{{Smallville}}''.

* EverybodyWentToSchoolTogether: He and Creator/RobinWilliams were classmates at Julliard together and Reeve was nearly roommates with Creator/KevinConroy. That's right, Batman and Superman were nearly roommates.

Christopher D'Olier Reeve (September 25, 1952 - October 10, 2004) was an American actor best-known for portraying [[Franchise/{{Superman}} Clark Kent / Superman]]. In a professional sense he showed that brilliant acting always has its place -- even in special-effect-heavy fantasy films like the {{superhero}} genre -- but also left behind an awesome personal legacy of perseverance and advocacy.

* SugarWiki/HeReallyCanAct: Before Reeve's portayal, the idea no one recognized Superman was [[ClarkKenting Clark Kent without his glasses]] was a running joke. Reeve showed [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIaF0QKtY0c exactly how it could work]], and has since been incorporated into every later portrayal.

* ToughActToFollow: His portrayal of Superman is widely considered the best take on the character. To this day, many compare all of the alien's later actors to Reeve's performance to measure how well their portrayal is. Hell when asked all the actors who’ve subsequently played the role have unanimously cited Reeve as the best portrayer of the role.

* BaldOfAwesome: He struggled with Alopeca off and on since his teen years and took various measures to hide bald patches before simply shaving his head in his final years.

* SugarWiki/HeReallyCanAct: Before Reeve's portayal, the idea no one recognized Superman was [[ClarkKenting Clark Kent without his glasses]] was a running joke. Reeve showed exactly how it could work, and has since been incorporated into every later portrayal.

While it would become his StarMakingRole, Reeve was rejected three times for the role of Superman during the producers' frustrating hunt for the SuperHero. It wasn't until his face-to-face meeting with director Creator/RichardDonner and producer Ilya Salkind that he was chosen. Even then, he was signed on with an exercise regime supervised by Creator/DavidProwse (better known to the world as the guy wearing the [[Franchise/StarWars Darth Vader costume]]). In the film, Reeve proved a more valuable asset than anyone could have guessed: as a hobby, Reeve piloted a glider; this made his "flying" scenes feel realistic. Even more amazingly, Reeve demonstrated the plausibility of ClarkKenting when practiced by a good enough actor. Both skills, as well as general acting prowess, allowed Reeve to instantly eclipsed his top-billed co-stars Creator/MarlonBrando and Creator/GeneHackman as the true star of ''Film/{{Superman}}''. Overnight, he became the leading light of the rise of the modern fantasy film. For instance, after the ''Series/TheMuppetShow'' did their gloriously wacky ''Franchise/StarWars'' episode, the only way to follow up on that classic was to have the other contemporary fantasy superstar, Reeve, do the next one.

* ToughActToFollow: His portrayal of Superman is widely considered the best take on the character. To this day, many compare all of the alien's later actors to Reeve's performance to measure how well their portrayal is.

Christopher D'Olier Reeve (September 25, 1952 - October 10, 2004) was an American actor best-known for [[Franchise/{{Superman}} Clark Kent / Superman]]. In a professional sense he showed that brilliant acting always has its place -- even in special-effect-heavy fantasy films like the SuperHero genre -- but also left behind an awesome personal legacy of perseverance and advocacy.

While it would become his StarMakingRole, Reeve himself was actually rejected three times for the role of Superman during the producers' frustrating hunt for the SuperHero. It wasn't until his face-to-face meeting with director Creator/RichardDonner and producer Ilya Salkind that he was chosen. Even then, he was signed on with an exercise regime supervised by Creator/DavidProwse (better known to the world as the guy wearing the [[Franchise/StarWars Darth Vader costume]]). In the film, Reeve proved a more valuable asset than anyone could have guessed: as a hobby, Reeve piloted a glider; this made his "flying" scenes feel realistic. Even more amazingly, Reeve demonstrated the plausibility of ClarkKenting when practiced by a good enough actor. Both skills, as well as general acting prowess, allowed Reeve to instantly eclipsed his top-billed co-stars Creator/MarlonBrando and Creator/GeneHackman as the true star of ''Film/{{Superman}}''. Overnight, he became the leading light of the rise of the modern fantasy film. For instance, after the ''Series/TheMuppetShow'' did their gloriously wacky ''Franchise/StarWars'' episode, the only way to follow up on that classic was to have the other contemporary fantasy superstar, Reeve, do the next one.

While it would become his StarmakingRole, Reeve himself was actually rejected three times for the role of Superman during the producers' frustrating hunt for the SuperHero. It wasn't until his face-to-face meeting Director Creator/RichardDonner and producer Creator/IlyaSalkind had a face-to-face meeting that he was chosen. Even then, he was signed on with an exercise regime supervised by Creator/DavidProwse (better known to the world as the guy wearing the [[Franchise/StarWars Darth Vader costume]]). In the film, Reeve proved a more valuable asset than anyone could have guessed: as a hobby, Reeve piloted a glider; this made his "flying" scenes feel realistic. Even more amazingly, Reeve demonstrated the plausibility of ClarkKenting when practiced by a good enough actor. Both skills, as well as general acting prowess, allowed Reeve to instantly eclipsed his top-billed co-stars Creator/MarlonBrando and Creator/GeneHackman as the true star of ''Film/{{Superman}}''. Overnight, he became the leading light of the rise of the modern fantasy film. For instance, after the ''Series/TheMuppetShow'' did their gloriously wacky ''Franchise/StarWars'' episode, the only way to follow up on that classic was to have the other contemporary fantasy superstar, Reeve, do the next one.

Christopher D'Olier Reeve (September 25, 1952 - October 10, 2004) was an American actor whose most famous role was [[Franchise/{{Superman}} Clark Kent / Superman]], and who showed that brilliant acting has a valuable place even in special-effect-heavy fantasy films like the SuperHero genre, but ended up being much more than that.

While it would become his StarmakingRole, Reeve himself was actually rejected three times for the role of Superman during the producers' frustrating hunt for the SuperHero. It wasn't until Creator/RichardDonner and producer Creator/IlyaSalkind finally had a face-to-face meeting that he was chosen. Even then, he was signed on with an exercise regime supervised by Creator/DavidProwse (better known to the world as the guy wearing the [[Franchise/StarWars Darth Vader costume]]). In the film, Reeve proved a more valuable asset than anyone could have guessed: as a hobby, Reeve piloted a glider; this made his "flying" scenes feel realistic. Even more amazingly, Reeve demonstrated the plausibility of ClarkKenting when practiced by a good enough actor. Both skills, as well as general acting prowess, allowed Reeve to instantly eclipsed his top-billed co-stars Creator/MarlonBrando and Creator/GeneHackman as the true star of ''Film/{{Superman}}''. Overnight, he became the leading light of the rise of the modern fantasy film. For instance, after the ''Series/TheMuppetShow'' did their gloriously wacky ''Franchise/StarWars'' episode, the only way to follow up on that classic was to have the other contemporary fantasy superstar, Reeve, do the next one.

On May 27, 1995, Reeve had a serious horseriding accident. This accident led to a catastrophic spinal cord injury, rendering him quadriplegic. However, with the help of his wife and Williams, Reeve refused to surrender to his despair and became a universally hailed advocate for spinal cord research and the disabled. He continued his career as a director, as well as starred in a remake of Creator/AlfredHitchcock's ''Film/RearWindow'' on TV and later made a guest appearances on ''Series/{{Smallville}}''.

Sadly, he died on October 10, 2004 at the age of 52, a day after being treated for an infected pressure ulcer. Before and since his death, he was hailed as a hero who never even needed the cape.