Christopher Reeve's look-alike eldest son Matthew, 44, emotionally recalls actor's 1996 Oscar appearance after paralysis – as 20th anniversary of Superman star's death approaches
Christopher Reeve's look-alike eldest son Matthew has emotionally reflected on the star's first public appearance at the 1996 Oscars since he was paralyzed following a horse riding accident.
At the age of 42 in 1995, Superman star Reeve was paralyzed from the neck down after being thrown from a horse during an equestrian competition in Culpeper, Virginia. He was dependent on a wheelchair and a ventilator for the rest of his life.
Reeve brought stars to tears during his appearance at the Oscars a year later – in which he introduced a powerful film montage that acknowledged Hollywood's approach to social issues.
Matthew Exton Reeve, now 44, is the first child of Reeve – who died in 2004 aged 52 – and long-term partner Gae Exton. The couple also welcomed daughter Alexandra Reeve Givens, now 40, during their nine-year on-off romance from 1978-1987.
Reeve shared youngest son Will, now 31, with wife Dana, who died of lung cancer in 2006 at the age of 44 – just 17 months after Reeve's death from heart failure.
Christopher Reeve's look-alike eldest son Matthew has emotionally reflected on the star's first public appearance at the 1996 Oscars since he was paralyzed following a horse riding accident (Matthew pictured in January 2024)
Reeve is best known for his role as Superman in four iconic films (pictured left in 1978's Superman). Matthew (R) is the spitting image of his late father
Reeve brought stars to tears during his 1996 Oscars performance – a year after he was paralyzed
Speak with People at the Sundance premiere of the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story – and ahead of the twentieth anniversary of Reeve's death. Matthew said: “I remember I was in London, it was a school night and we stayed up until three or four in the morning watching it. And it was absolutely incredible.
'And what I remember most was after that incredibly warm welcome and that very long ovation he received, his introduction – he followed that up with a beautiful speech about how films and films are at their best when they not only entertain, but also inform and educate and tackle problems.
'So that always stuck with me. And that's why I feel like here, at Sundance, that's what they do and what they live for.”
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story – directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui – left the Sundance audience in tears at its premiere.
The documentary – largely narrated by Reeve through the two audiobook versions of his memoir – opens on New Year's Eve 1994, with Reeve saying his life was “perfectly balanced, but in an instant everything changed.” Less than five months later he became paralyzed.
The film features home video footage of the star and interviews with his children and actor friends – showing fans how he rose to fame as one of Hollywood's most beloved stars.
It shows Reeve's battle with the 'darkest thoughts' after his paralysis, telling his wife Dana: 'Maybe we should let me go; with Dana replying: 'You are still you and I love you.”
He later said, “When Dana whispered those life-saving words to me… it meant more to me than just a personal statement of faith and commitment.
Matthew, now 44, is the first child of Reeve – who died in 2004 aged 52 – and Gae Exton. The couple also welcomed daughter Alexandra, 40, with Reeve father to son Will, now 31, from his marriage to the late Dana Reeve (pictured together in January 2024).
Superman star (left) Reeve was a real-life superhero before and after the accident. He is pictured on the right around 1977
At the age of 42 in 1995, Superman star Reeve was paralyzed from the neck down after being thrown from a horse during an equestrian competition in Culpeper, Virginia. He was dependent on a wheelchair and ventilator for the rest of his life (pictured with Matthew in 2002)
Will was orphaned when his beloved mother Dana died of lung cancer in 2006 at the age of 44 – 17 months after Reeve's death at the age of 52 (the couple are pictured in 2003)
“In a way, it was an affirmation that marriage and family were at the center of everything, and if both were intact, then so was your universe.”
Reeve notably had a close friendship with the late actor Robin Williams, and the two were roommates while attending Juilliard in the 1970s.
Glenn Close tells how after his accident Reeve was 'terrified that he could die at any moment' and how his close friendship with Williams gave him strength.
Close said, “I always thought Robin would still be alive if Chris was still here.”
His son Will also talks about losing both his parents within 18 months of each other: 'That was the moment, I've been alone ever since.'
Will, now a successful sports journalist, was raised by neighbors and close family friends.
All three children work with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which aims to cure spinal cord injuries by advancing innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by paralysis.
He also starred in other projects over the course of his career, such as teaming with Jane Seymour in Somewhere In Time (1980).
Reeve is best known for his role as hero Superman, but he used his fame to help others (photo 1986)
Reeve is pictured with Matthew and Alexandra and ex-partner Gae Exton
The foundation's legacy is celebrated in the film, ending with a quote from Reeve about what he believes is a hero.
He said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and persevere in the face of overwhelming obstacles.”
Reeve most notably portrayed the iconic superhero Superman in the films Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983) and Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987).
He also starred in other projects over the course of his career, such as co-starring with Jane Seymour in Somewhere In Time (1980).