Christopher Reeve Net Worth

Christopher Reeve’s Net Worth: A Look at the Life and Legacy of Superman

Introduction: The Enduring Legacy of Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve, a name synonymous with Superman, captivated audiences with his portrayal of the iconic superhero. Beyond the cape and the tights, Reeve was a talented actor, a dedicated family man, and an unwavering advocate for spinal cord research. This article delves into the life and times of Christopher Reeve, exploring his net worth, his journey to stardom, the life-altering equestrian accident, and the legacy he left behind.

Early Life and the Genesis of an Acting Career

Born on September 25, 1952, in New York City, Christopher D’Olier Reeve’s early life was marked by a blend of intellectual curiosity and athletic prowess. His mother, Barbara Lamb, was a journalist, and his father, Franklin D’Olier Reeve, was a teacher, writer, and scholar. After his parents divorced when he was four, Christopher moved with his mother and younger brother to Princeton, New Jersey. There, he attended Princeton Country Day School, excelling both academically and athletically, participating in tennis, hockey, soccer, and baseball.

Reeve’s passion for acting ignited at a young age. He began performing in school plays at Princeton Country Day School in 1962, at the age of nine. His dedication to the craft solidified when he apprenticed at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, a summer theater camp in Williamstown, Massachusetts, at the age of 15. These early experiences laid the foundation for his future success in the world of acting.

University Days and the Path to Juilliard

After graduating high school in 1970, Reeve faced the decision of whether to immediately pursue acting or attend college. He chose the latter, gaining acceptance to several prestigious universities, including Princeton University, Columbia University, Northwestern University, Brown University, and Cornell University. He ultimately chose Cornell, partly to avoid the distractions of professional acting in New York City.

While at Cornell, Reeve continued to hone his acting skills, joining the theater department and taking on roles like Hamlet in “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” and Pozzo in “Waiting for Godot.” He also began working with New York City agent Stark Hesseltine, who had been impressed by his performance in a production of “A Month in the Country.” Hesseltine represented Reeve, and Reeve would travel to New York City once a month to make connections while still attending Cornell. This approach proved successful, as he toured in “Forty Carats” during the summer after his freshman year and signed a contract with the San Diego Shakespeare Festival after his sophomore year.

During his junior year, Reeve convinced Cornell to allow him to finish his degree at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City, allowing him to focus on acting. After a competitive audition, he was admitted to Juilliard’s Advanced Program, alongside Robin Williams. He graduated from Cornell in 1974 after spending a year at Juilliard.

From Stage to Screen: Reeve’s Rise to Stardom

In the initial years following college, Reeve gained experience acting in plays, soap operas, and movies. His breakthrough came when he landed the role of Clark Kent/Superman in the 1978 film “Superman,” directed by Richard Donner. His performance earned him a BAFTA award. Reeve reprised his role in “Superman II,” “Superman III,” and “Superman IV.” The “Superman” franchise catapulted Christopher Reeve to international fame, making him a household name.

Besides the Superman films, Reeve starred in several other movies, including “Somewhere in Time,” “Street Smart,” and “The Bostonians.” He also worked in television and returned to the theater throughout his career. Later in his professional life, he ventured into directing. In 1997, Reeve directed “In the Gloaming,” which received five Emmy Award nominations. He produced and starred in “Rear Window” in 1998, earning a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Golden Globe nomination.

Reeve’s literary contributions included two autobiographies. The first, “Still Me,” published in 1998, spent eleven weeks on the “New York Times” Best Seller list and earned him a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album. In 2004, he released his second book, “Nothing Is Impossible.”

The Man of Steel’s Paycheck: Superman’s Salary

Christopher Reeve’s salary for portraying Superman reflects the increasing success of the franchise. He received $250,000 for “Superman” (1978), $500,000 for “Superman II” (1980), and $1 million each for “Superman III” (1983) and “Superman IV” (1987).

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Love, Family, and the Bonds That Endured

While filming “Superman,” Reeve began a relationship with Gae Exton, a modeling executive. They had a son, Matthew Exton Reeve, in 1979, and a daughter, Alexandra Exton Reeve, in 1983. Reeve and Exton remained amicable, sharing joint custody of their children after their separation after a ten-year relationship. In 1987, Reeve met singer and actress Dana Morosini, whom he married in 1992. They had a son, William, that same year.

The Equestrian Accident: A Turning Point

In 1995, Reeve’s life took a dramatic turn due to a paralyzing equestrian accident. An experienced horseman, Reeve had been riding since 1985, even competing in dressage. During a jump, his horse stopped suddenly, throwing Reeve, which resulted in a shattered first and second vertebrae.

Hospitalized for several days, Reeve learned he was paralyzed from the neck down. He then underwent months of rehabilitation and physical therapy. Despite his condition, Reeve remained committed to an intensive exercise regime, regaining some finger movement and a wider range of temperature sensation.

Following the accident, Reeve received an estimated 400,000 letters from fans and well-wishers.

Life After the Accident: Advocacy and Inspiration

Inspired by his experiences in rehabilitation, Reeve became a strong advocate for disability rights and legislation. He served as Chairman of the American Paralysis Association and Vice Chairman of the National Organization on Disability. He founded the Christopher Reeve Foundation, which focuses on funding research to find cures for paralysis. He wrote both of his autobiographies during this time, and he remained devoted to his family.

Christopher Reeve passed away on October 9, 2004, after falling into a coma. Funerals were held at his Connecticut church and at the Juilliard School.

Tragically, Dana Reeve died of lung cancer in 2006.

Real Estate: The Reeve’s Home

In 1992, Christopher Reeve bought a newly-built 3-acre home in Pound Ridge, New York. The 16-room mansion was listed for sale in June 2006, a few months after Dana Reeve’s passing.

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Conclusion: Remembering Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve’s life was a testament to talent, resilience, and compassion. He transcended the role of Superman, becoming a symbol of hope and determination. His legacy lives on through his films, his advocacy, and the foundation that continues to support spinal cord research. Reeve’s impact on the world extends far beyond his net worth, as he remains an inspiration to many.