The "Superman" character has been portrayed by many actors over the years. In 1940, "The Adventures of Superman" radio premiered with Bud Collyer as the titular character, and animated shorts by Fleischer Studios premiered the following year with Collyer continuing to star. As for live-action, Kirk Alyn, George Reeves, Brandon Routh, Henry Cavill, and many others on television and in animation have portrayed the Man of Steel. Next year, a new Superman movie is coming out starring David Corenswet.
However, for many of us, Christopher Reeve is Superman. His portrayal of Superman inspired viewers, while some even viewed the actor as a hero. This is why it was all the more devastating when Reeve was in a horse-riding accident in 1995 and became paralyzed him from the neck down. Superman would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.
Instead of giving in to the depression and grief he felt, he went to rehabilitation and exercised for hours each day. He spent the rest of his life as an activist for spinal cord related disabilities and became a hero and an inspiration to many.
A new documentary, "Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story," shows us the real Christopher Reeve through the use of interviews with his living relatives and friends, as well as clips of Reeve, his wife, his best friend (Robin Williams), and more. The film shows the viewer the reality of his life, (both happy and sad, and both good and bad) and it shows us that not only is Superman an inspiration, but this super man was equally inspiring in his own ways.
"Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story" will be only in theaters with a limited engagement of September 21 & 25 through Fathom Events.
If you want to see Reeve's Superman costume from the 1978 film, stop by the Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World! The red, blue, and yellow garment is high up in a display case overlooking the entryway.