What Happened to 'Superman' Actor Christopher Reeve's 3 Children None of Whom Followed in His Footsteps

Christopher Reeve, an actor best known as Superman, showed real-life heroism during personal tragedy. But behind the scenes, he was more than just a superhero; he was a super dad to his three children, none of whom followed in his footsteps.

Christopher Reeve was born on September 25, 1952, to a writer/professor dad, Franklin D'Olier Reeve, and a journalist mom, Barbara Johnson. He spent his early years in New York, but his life changed significantly when he was just four. Following his parents' divorce, his mom moved him and his brother across the Hudson River to New Jersey, where he spent his childhood.

His first brush with acting came when he was nine, after being cast in an amateur version of the operetta "The Yeomen of the Guard," one of many student plays at his school. His interest in acting was solidified, and after graduating high school, he joined Cornell University and began appearing in films such as "Waiting for Godot," "The Winter's Tale," and "Life is a Dream," among many others.

After college, he seamlessly transitioned into acting, leaving his mark on classics such as "Love of Life" and "Gray Lady Down." However, it was his iconic portrayal of Superman in the 1978 blockbuster that cemented his place in movie history. Still, securing this role was no small feat.

Armed with nothing but black shoe polish in his hair to mimic the superhero's signature look and a makeshift concept costume that barely held together, Christopher gave it his best. After all, this wasn't just an audition; it was the moment Superman was reborn.

Beneath the unforgiving glare of audition room lights, and with the weight of the moment pressing upon him, he sweated through his audition, ultimately securing the role that would define his career.

Even as he embarked on being Superman, Christopher's personal life flourished. This period marked the beginning of a journey where Christopher not only conquered the entertainment industry as a superhero, but also embraced the joys and challenges of his off-screen roles with equal passion and commitment.

While filming the first two "Superman" films, he met modeling executive Gae Exton and welcomed his first two kids, Matthew Reeve and Alexandra Reeve Givens. He later married Dana Reeve in 1992, and the pair welcomed their son, William "Will" Reeve, the same year.

Unfortunately, Christopher suffered a strange accident that changed the course of his life forever. Although initially allergic to horses and having to load up on antihistamines when shooting the riding scenes from "Anna Karenina" in 1984, horses later became a big part of the actor's life. And it was an incident from his horse-riding adventures that left him struggling with severe injuries.

In May 1995, three years after he welcomed his youngest son, he was participating in an equestrian competition when the horse threw him off, and he landed on his head. Despite wearing a helmet and protective vest, the injury was devastating and left his life hanging in the balance.

Life post-accident was difficult for the actor because it left him paralyzed from the neck down and affected every functionality of his body, from his speech and his skin to his bowels and bladder. A close friend recalled:

"He was so terrified that he could die at any moment."

It was a harrowing journey for him, one that shook the very fabric of his being. Retelling his experience to ABC News' Barbra Walters shortly after the accident, Christopher confessed to wanting to "pull the plug" before adding:

"You look out the window, and you can't believe where you are. And the thought that keeps going through your mind is, 'This can't be my life. There's been a mistake.'"

Still, his will to live prevailed. He relied heavily on rehabilitation, which, in addition to becoming a magic place for him, brought to light how ill-fitted the world was for people with disabilities. Thus began his journey of advocacy, a path he navigated with grace and poise until his final moments.

With support from his loved ones, Christopher became a leading advocate for spinal cord injury research in America. He raised money, wrote books, testified before Congress, and gave motivational speeches all over the country.

The aftermath did not only change his outlook on life; it transformed how he connected with his children. His approach to parenting changed, and he began prioritizing activities that would engage him and his kids on a more personal level.

Tragically, nine years following his life-altering accident, Christopher succumbed to an infection in 2004, a loss that resonated far beyond his immediate circle, touching hearts across the globe.

In a poignant turn of fate, his wife passed away just a year later from lung cancer. The passing of both parents cast a dark shadow over their children's lives, leaving an indelible void. Reflecting on the enormity of this loss, their son Will notably remarked:

"That was the moment, I’ve been alone ever since then."

Amidst the wake of such immense loss, the journeys of Christopher's children have emerged as proof of his unwavering legacy. Each child, in their own right, has navigated the immense void left by their parents with grace and fortitude, carrying forward the values and lessons imparted by their remarkable father. We take a closer glimpse into the lives of his children and who they have become following their tragic loss.

Matthew Reeve: Directing with Purpose, Honoring a Superhero Legacy

Born to Christopher and his then-girlfriend, Exton, on December 20, 1979, Matthew introduced Christopher to fatherhood. At the time of Matthew's birth, his father was filming "Somewhere In Time" with Jane Seymour.

Despite growing up with Superman as a dad, Matthew admitted that he and his siblings had a "totally normal childhood." He did not think of his famous parents as that, but rather just his parents. He diverged:

"They were just my parents. They were the people who told me to turn off the TV, eat my broccoli, [and] go to bed."

The only thing that seemed different from other children's childhood was that he would see his father on magazine covers whenever they went to the grocery store. Still, their impact on his life was tremendous, and he looked up to them as role models.

He recalled how his dad would sail a boat, fly a plane, and play the piano effortlessly. These, among his other accomplishments as a beloved actor, set the bar so high that no one has been able to fill it. It has also become a source of pride, not only for Matthew but for their family in its entirety.

Matthew graduated from Brown University in 2002 and embarked on a path that, while distinct from his father's cinematic journey, is a reflection of the actor's influence on his life. Embracing the realms of writing, directing, and producing, Matthew has carved out his own niche in the film industry, with his creative footprint visible in works like "Providence," "The Land That Never Was," and various episodes of "Agent Hamilton."

Away from his producing duties, Matthew also pays homage to his dad by serving on the board of directors for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a charitable organization founded by his parents in favor of finding a cure for spinal cord injuries. And while not much is known about his personal life, he is rumored to live in Stockholm with his family, a daughter and a son.

Alexandra Reeve Givens: Championing Change in the Digital Age

Alexandra, the second of the Reeve brood, was born in December, 1983, in London. Much like her older brother, Matthew, Alexandra chose not to tread in their father's cinematic footsteps. Instead, she ventured even further afield, carving out her own distinctive path in law.

Following her graduation from Yale University and Columbia University School of Law, she assumed the role of the inaugural Executive Director at Georgetown University’s Institute for Technology Law & Policy. In this position, she oversaw the institute's public events, research initiatives, and strategic growth.

Presently, she holds the position of CEO at the Center for Democracy & Technology, a nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding civil rights and liberties online.

Leading a global team of legal and technical experts, she plays a crucial role in shaping policies, governance, and the design of technology. Additionally, she serves as the Vice Chair for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

Still, her advocacy is only one of many ways her dad's memory stays alive within her. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, where she and her siblings discussed the creation of the complicated documentary about their dad, Alexandra noted:

"Dad did not get to see all of that payoff but we get to see it now, and we get to see all of the amazing community carrying on his legacy and that makes us incredibly proud[sic]."

Beyond her achievements in the public sphere, she finds profound fulfillment in the role closest to her heart: being a mom. In line with keeping her father's legacy alive, she named her son, Christopher Russell Reeves Givens, after him.

Will Reeve: Blending Broadcasting Brilliance with a Legacy of Hope

Will Reeve, the youngest child of Christopher, has charted a unique course that both honors and extends his father's legacy. Unlike his siblings, Will has ventured into broadcasting and philanthropy, a blend of his passions and the values instilled in him by his parents.

As a correspondent for a major news network, Will has demonstrated a keen ability to connect with people, share compelling stories, and bring attention to critical issues.

In addition to his career in media, Will is deeply committed to continuing his father's work in spinal cord injury research and advocacy. He is a committed supporter of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, focusing his energy on advancing research and enhancing the quality of life for those living with spinal cord injuries.

Through this work, Will embodies the optimism that his father championed, an undeniable proof that Christopher's legacy is not only preserved in the memories of his iconic roles but also in the impactful actions of his son.

Over the years, Will has come to terms with his loss and discovered that the greatest gift and honor he could bestow upon his dad is keeping him in his heart and following it wherever it leads him.

He once confessed, "I'm 29 now and have finally started to understand what honoring my dad actually means. I thought it meant following the roads he would want me to go down, or to live my life as his proxy, making up for lost time according to his thwarted dreams. Turns out, our parents want us to find out who we are and go be that. That is the ultimate form of honor."

Will stands out as the sole offspring of Christopher, who has embraced a life in the public eye. Unique in his circumstances, he is also the only one among his siblings to have lost both parents, navigating the world as a full orphan.

Yet, amidst his journey, he is not leading his life in solace as he has found companionship and support, sharing his life with his girlfriend, Amanda Dubin.

In their own distinct ways, Christopher's children have each woven a tapestry of honor and tribute to their father's legacy. Whether through advocacy, technology policy, media, or philanthropy, they have not only carried forward the values Christopher stood for but also infused them with their passions and commitments.