Will Reeve, the youngest son of the late Christopher Reeve, has embraced the comparisons to his famous father with pride and gratitude. At a recent “An Eve With Reeve” benefit event, Will spoke candidly about the uncanny resemblance he shares with his dad, the iconic Superman actor who passed away in 2004 at the age of 52.
Reflecting on his life, Will expressed his fortune and appreciation for the positive attention his resemblance to his father brings. “I think that if the public might find a little interest in, ‘Oh, he looks like his famous dad,’ that’s great,” Will said. “That means they’re talking about my family in a positive light and remembering our dad and our mom and our family in a way that honors them. I always take that as a compliment.”
Will also acknowledged the influence of both his parents, Christopher and Dana Reeve, who passed away in 2006. “I think that I had two beautiful parents, inside and out, and if I bear any resemblance to them physically, or temperamentally, or in my values, then I take that as a compliment every day,” he proudly stated.
Christopher Reeve, educated at Cornell University and Juilliard School, made his Broadway debut in “The Marriage of Figaro” (1976) and his film debut in “Gray Lady Down” (1978). However, it was his role in “Superman” (1978) that catapulted him to stardom. He went on to star in three Superman sequels and other notable films such as “Somewhere In Time” (1980) and “The Remains Of The Day” (1993).
Tragically, in May 1995, Christopher Reeve was paralyzed from the shoulders down after a horse-riding accident. Despite his injury, he continued to work creatively, directing the television film “In the Gloaming” (1997) and acting in the TV remake of “Rear Window” (1998). He also made several appearances in the Superman-themed television series “Smallville” and authored two autobiographical books, “Still Me” and “Nothing Is Impossible.”
Will Reeve, who had a brief stint as an actor, appeared in television films such as “In the Gloaming” (1997) and “The Brooke Ellison Story” (2004). He also voiced a character in “Everyone’s Hero” (2006). Eventually, he transitioned to journalism, working with ESPN and currently as a correspondent for “Good Morning America.”
At the “An Eve With Reeve” event, Will and his sister Alexandra Reeve Givens spoke about their efforts to raise money for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. The foundation, originally named the Stifel Paralysis Research Foundation, is dedicated to finding treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders. It also aims to improve the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information, and advocacy.
Will emphasized his passion for connecting with people and building a community through the foundation. “I love people, I love as it relates to the Reeve Foundation and the community that we are so focused on building,” he said. “Nothing makes me happier or prouder than when people who might not otherwise have known each other, or have known about us or our cause, come together and leave with something meaningful.”
Christopher Reeve’s legacy continues to inspire through the foundation’s work. Since 1982, it has distributed over $138 million to spinal cord researchers and $28 million to non-profits that support better quality-of-life for people with disabilities.
Will Reeve’s journey from acting to journalism and his dedication to his parents’ foundation highlights his commitment to honoring their legacy. His resemblance to his father serves as a constant reminder of the impact Christopher Reeve had on the world, both as an actor and an advocate for spinal cord injury research.
Will’s connection to his parents extends beyond physical resemblance. He shares their values and dedication to making a difference. “I understand how important their story is to so many people, and, of course, it’s important to me and my family,” he said. “My dad was obsessed with finding a cure for spinal cord injury so that he might walk again; he truly believed that he would. That is what sustained him.”
As Will continues to build his career and support the foundation, he remains proud of his heritage and the positive light in which his family is remembered. His journey is a testament to the enduring legacy of Christopher and Dana Reeve, and the impact they continue to have through their foundation and their son.
Source: People, Daily Mail
