Christopher Reeve Wanted to Die After His Accident. He Said 7 Words from Wife Dana 'Saved My Life'

Mar. 15, 2025

Christopher Reeve (left) and wife Dana Reeve.Photo:Theo Wargo/WireImage

Theo Wargo/WireImage

Christopher Reevewas not in a place where he wanted to continue his life once he realized what it would look like following theequestrian accident that paralyzed him.

But in legacy footage that plays ina new trailerforSuper/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, the late actor revealed the seven words from his wife, Dana Reeve, that changed his outlook.

As Reeve recalled thinking at the time, " ‘I ruined my life and everybody else’s. I won’t be able to ski, sail, throw a ball toWill. Won’t be able to make love to Dana. Maybe we should let me go.’ "

“And then she said the words that saved my life: ‘You’re still you. And I love you,’ " added theSupermanactor.

On Monday, Aug. 26, DC Studios released the first trailer forSuper/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, a documentary that had its world premiere at theSundance Film Festivalback in January.

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The movie is an emotional journey that portrays the late actor and his family’s unwavering support after the1995 horseback-riding accidentthat left him paralyzed. The star died in 2004 at age 52.

Super/Manincludes intimate interviews with Reeve’s three children Matthew,Alexandra, 40, and Will, 32, as well as late wife Dana, whodied in 2006 from lung cancer.

It also features memories from Reeve’s friends includingWhoopi Goldberg,Susan Sarandon,Jeff DanielsandGlenn Close.

From left: Matthew, Alexandra, Christopher and Dana Reeve.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

“We knew … if we were ever going to do this, it had to be the right time and the right team,” Willsaid at Sundancein January, “and that we were going to give over our archive, our home movies, sit for some raw and vulnerable interviews, and then place all of our trust and faith in the team that had assembled around us and see what they came back with.”

“And the end result here is remarkable, so our trust has certainly been rewarded,” he added, as the audience broke out in applause.

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Storyis in select theaters on Sept. 21, with an “Encore Presentation” on Sept. 25, Reeve’s birthday.

source: people.com