Christopher Reeve's 3 Kids Came Together after Losing Dad despite Different Moms - Inside Their Family

Christopher Reeve had three children, Matthew, Alexandra, and William, who continued his legacy through his foundation. Christopher did his best to raise his kids normally despite being paralyzed for the remaining decade of his life. Through his daily efforts as a father, he inspired his kids to become optimistic amidst challenging situations.

Before Christopher Reeve found love with his wife until death, Dana Reeve, he was in a committed relationship with British modeling executive Gae Exton.

Christopher and Gae had two children together, Matthew and Alexandra. While they called it quits in 1987, the pair remained on good terms.

It wasn't until five years later that Christopher tied the knot with his wife, Dana. Christopher and Dana met in 1987 during the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts.

Dana, a singer, participated in a cabaret act and impressed young Christopher with her rendition of "The Music That Makes Me Dance."

The first time he laid eyes on her was such an unforgettable moment that he remembered her clothing. Christopher wasted no time in getting to know Dana. However, she remained skeptical and refused to fall in love so quickly with a Hollywood actor.

The couple lived in marital bliss after their wedding. In fact, Christopher would say, "Gosh, I love being married," every day during their first year as husband and wife.

Christopher invited Dana for a midnight swim ten days after sweet exchanges. Initially, she thought he would ask her to jump in the pond without clothing, but he was more upright than she realized. He intended to swim in swimsuits. Dana recalled:

"I thought that was so sweet. That night was our first kiss."

The pair became inseparable since that day. Christopher was a dedicated suitor who would gift Dana wildflowers or watch her rehearsals. The "Superman" star showed run-of-the-mill gestures, but Dana fell for his thoughtfulness.

She later realized that Christopher, despite his celebrity status, was just a regular, calm, down-to-earth guy she was lucky to have. "I realized he wasn't just this movie star," she said. "I found he was very much like me."

The couple lived in marital bliss after their wedding. In fact, Christopher would say, "Gosh, I love being married," every day during their first year as husband and wife. The pair also enjoyed being parents to their only child, William Reeve.

Christopher was a real-life hero to his children and remained grounded despite his fame. His daughter, Alexandra, recalled the Hollywood star greeting his fans at the park, especially the children that idolized him.

The doting dad was also an adventure seeker who enjoyed scuba diving, skiing, and sailing, among other activities. He was a pilot who traveled solo across the Atlantic and sometimes brought his son Matthew to the cockpit. He recalled:

"We got to the stage we would [make] certain approaches – just that. It's just the two of you. You're up 10,000, 12,000, 15,000 feet in the air. You're spending time."

Unfortunately, things changed when a horse-riding accident left Christopher paralyzed. His family dynamics had to adjust to his condition, and while their family experienced challenges, they also found happiness.

At one point, the actor's mother begged the hospital to remove the mechanical ventilation from her son.

The Reeve kids realized a family wasn't all about physical connections as years passed. Although activities had been a significant part of their lives, a family can still be felt through loving each other, being there for one another, and sharing incredible memories. "Physical ability isn't a requisite for that," Alexandra said.

Christopher Reeve Continued to Be a Great Father despite His Condition

On May 27, 1995, Christopher joined an equestrian competition and suffered a spinal cord injury after falling off his horse. He went headfirst across the barrier and was immediately brought to the hospital.

When the accident happened, Alexandra was 11 years old and living in England with her mom and brother. The phone call came in the middle of the night, and within hours, they were on a plane to see their father.

She recalled their immediate and extended family coming together and camping outside the ICU. Soon, days turned into months, but their family continued to unite and support their beloved father at the hospital.

Unfortunately, the doctors lost hope of recovery from the injury. Then 42, Christopher was left paralyzed from the neck down. His condition meant he would be in a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.

At one point, the actor's mother begged the hospital to remove the mechanical ventilation from her son. He also considered the possibility of ending his life. However, the overwhelming amount of love and support he received from family and friends changed his mind.

Christopher and his family would read letters from children across borders, sending hand-drawn photos, encouraging emails, and get-well-soon cards. They would try to reply to each one, thanking and ensuring the sender that everything would turn out well.

Soon, the famous actor found the determination to learn everything about his condition and do everything to become better for his family. Alexandra recalled:

"My dad worked so hard to make sure that, as kids, we still had a normal life [...]. After my dad's accident, he made sure that our routines stayed the same."

One of the things that she will never forget is her father's Christmas Day routine, where he would get up at 4 a.m. to be in the living room by 7 a.m., the time that Alexandra's younger brother would come downstairs.

She held her end of their vows—in sickness and in health. However, she wanted to rephrase one part of their marital promise.

Looking back, Alexandra saw her father's effort to keep the same holiday traditions even after paralysis. He tried to be present in his children's lives in any way he could.

The day before his passing, Christopher watched William's hockey game. He often made an effort to be present at most of Williams' sports events.

William was only two years old when the accident happened. As he remembered, his father did not let his condition define him. Like any dad, Christopher watched over his kids and celebrated milestones with them.

Christopher taught William how to ride a bike without physical movements. All the doting dad needed to do was instruct the young boy on how to move.

One of his favorite recollections is running and playing in their driveway while his parents watched. From an outside perspective, if William had shared his childhood story, people wouldn't think he had a disabled father.

According to his son, Matthew, the "Rear Window" star "regained a little bit of movement" because of his exercise. He could move a finger and slightly move his arm and leg.

Christopher's wife, Dana, also experienced some challenges with her husband's paralysis. However, she loved him and cared for him until the end.

She held her end of their vows—in sickness and in health. However, she wanted to rephrase one part of their marital promise. She said:

"I promised to love, honor, and cherish him till death do us part. Well, I can't do that because I will love, honor, and cherish him forever."

Besides becoming the best father and husband he could be, Christopher became an advocate of paralysis and a beacon of hope to others suffering the same fate.

In 1999, he and his wife collaborated with the American Paralysis Association to form the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Their organization's goal was to cure spinal cord injuries through research. It also aimed to help those who had paralysis and raise awareness.

Christopher's hope of finding a cure never withered. He prepared himself for the day when the paralysis would improve through research findings and even had a physical therapist and nurse help him cycle.

According to his son, Matthew, the "Rear Window" star "regained a little bit of movement" because of his exercise. He could move a finger and slightly move his arm and leg. Because he was determined to make things possible, many slowly began seeing Christopher as the superhero he was.

Christopher passed away in 2004 after a heart attack that put him in a coma. He later had a cardiac arrest and left his wife and kids.

Since Christopher's death, his children have come together multiple times to celebrate the actor's legacy. Although none of them followed as an entertainer, they often promoted his foundation.

William was only 11 when his father passed away, but his memory of Christopher lives on forever. His siblings also hold on to memories of their late dad, including how he would turn on the lights in their bedroom and laugh with them.

Seventeen months after his passing, Dana Reeve followed her husband and died of lung cancer. Dana was a non-smoker diagnosed with cancer ten months after her husband's death. At the time, she felt Christopher with her more than ever.

"As always, I look to him as the ultimate example of defying the odds with strength, courage, and hope in the face of life's adversities," she said. Dana held on to her husband's courage to fuel her own.

Before her passing, Dana made arrangements for her son, William, to live with a close friend of theirs. Although William had siblings ready to care for him, she wanted him to live in New York with the familiar faces he grew up with.

William was at the lowest point of his life then, confused, sad, and scared. However, he knew there was nowhere else to go but move forward, and so he did.

The Reeve Siblings Came Together after the Loss of Their Father

Since Christopher's death, his children have come together multiple times to celebrate the actor's legacy. Although none of them followed as an entertainer, they often promoted his foundation.

Alexandra Reeve became a litigator and adjunct professor. She also joined the Board of Directors of her father's foundation.

In 2013, the three siblings attended a gala honoring their parents' foundation. They spoke to their parents' friends and supporters, including Christopher's former co-star, Glenn Close. William said:

"I think that what my dad and my mom would be so proud of the three of us for is that we dedicate a lot of time and energy to the Reeve Foundation."

However, as their parents would have wanted, the Reeves siblings also allotted time to focus on their own careers and well-being.

William grew up as a news correspondent for ABC News. He is happily dating Lexi Henkel, a Yale graduate and investor at Maverick Ventures.

Like his father's younger self, William is also an athletic man who trained to run. In 2016, he joined the New York City Marathon to raise money for his parents' foundation. He joined as one of about 50 runners part of Team Reeve. They aimed to raise $500,000 for the foundation, while his quota was $30,000.

Although Christopher only spent a short time with William, he imparted lessons that his son carried through life. William made his life's purpose of becoming like his father. Christopher's legacy and impact on many became a privilege for William to travel and meet his parents' admirers.

He has reported from many places, including Italy, Tennessee, Iceland, Arizona, Maine, and many more. During each travel, William carried a piece of his parents with him.

Matthew and Alexandra are also doing their fair share of running the foundation. In 2007, Matthew, a producer and director who looks like his late dad, completed "Hope in Motion," a documentary focused on his father's paralysis journey.

While her brothers pursued paths surrounding film and television, Alexandra became a litigator and adjunct professor. She also joined the Board of Directors of her father's foundation. In 2020, she became the President and CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology.

The Reeves siblings undoubtedly grew up well despite losing their parents. The three have made Christopher proud and happy that they pursued great heights.