Chris looked dashing in this throwback, Somewhere in Time

Real Live Superman!

In 1986 I had the honor of making my Broadway debut in the play version of the Marriage of Figaro directed by Andre Serban and co-starring with Christopher Reeve.  He had just hit is big as Superman and I was beyond thrilled.  He had the brightest blue eyes and dark hair, strapping shoulders and a sweet demeanor.  He made me smile whenever we would talk in rehearsals or backstage.  I believe he just loved being an actor and every once in a while his best friend, comedian Robin Williams would sit in the audience and watch us rehearse.  It was a magical time and I even named my daughter after the character he fell in love with Elise McKenna, played by Jane Seymour in the romantic classic film, Somewhere in Time.  Reeve also appeared in some of my favorite films such as Street Smart , Deathtrap and The Remains of the Day. He received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in the television remake of Rear Window.

On May 27, 1995, Reeve became a quadriplegic after being thrown from a horse during an equestrian competition in Culpeper, Virginia. He required a wheelchair and a portable ventilator for the rest of his life. He lobbied on behalf of people with spinal-cord injuries and for human embryonic stem cell research, founding the Christopher Reeve Foundation and co-founding the Reeve-Irvine Research Center.

Sadly he died way too young on October 10, 2004.  He will be missed but never forgotten!