Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve was a movie star best known for his performance of Superman in four films.

He was cast in the role by director Dick Donner; who was searching for an unknown for the role, rather than a famous actor that had been previously established in other movies.

His performance as Superman has in many ways became a template for later actors or writers and their portrayals of the character. For example, the Ruby-Spears-produced Superman series in 1988 cast Beau Weaver with Christopher Reeve's voice in mind. This was the goal of Ginny McSwain; to find someone who could mimic Christopher Reeve's voice and acting style.

The character design for Superman also bore more of a resemblance to Christopher Reeve than the designs of Alex Toth and José Luis García-López's work for the Superfriends (1973-1985).

Later in his life he was injured when falling off of a horse, leaving him paralyzed. He then began his work as an activist to help others who were also injured in such a way, and he thus founded the Christopher Reeve Foundation.