Matthew Reeve is most famous for being the first “Superman” actor, Christopher Reeve’s son. However, he is also doing well for himself. Matthew entered this world on December 20, 1979, in London, England. He is the product of Christopher’s relationship with Gae Exton.
He is the third genetic male Reeve after his grandfather and father, to be 6’4. Despite inheriting many attributes that made his father stand out as an actor, Matthew did not choose acting as a career.
However, he did not stray far from the world of entertainment. The handsome man is a writer and producer known for “Providence,” “Agent Hamilton” (2020), and “The Land That Never Was.”
Matthew had a close bond with his father, Christopher, while he lived. Even in his death, Christopher’s impact continues to be felt by the world, thanks to Matthew.
Christopher Reeve and Matthew Reeve’s Relationship
While the world widely recognized Christopher Reeve as the first “Superman,” Matthew called him daddy. As his son, Matthew, got to see every side of the actor, his fans did not. He spoke about how everyday life was with his father when he attended 2014’s comic con.
Matthew said, “I understand how everyone sees him as Superman. To me, he was dad, and he was just awesome.” According to him, Christopher could do almost anything. He could pilot an airplane, sail a boat, and was even an accomplished piano player.
Matthew added: “Just the other day, I found some of his stuff, and it had this sheet music in it … To me, it looked like someone had just taken ink and thrown it at the page, but he minored in music theory.”
Matthew also revealed that “table manners” had been important in his household and “all the stuff that dads and kids usually go through.” He admitted that Christopher was big and intimidating because of his build but that he was “just great, really wonderful.”
Some of Matthew’s best memories of his father include the trips they would take together on his plane. The best part was that he spent time with his father in his cockpit.
Matthew said: “I can’t tell you what an avionics dashboard means to a little kid. I was sitting there, and there were just screens and buttons and hinges … ”
His dad let him lower the landing gear and flaps when he was around 9 and 11. He also said: “We got to the stage, we would do certain approaches … just that, it’s just the two of you. You’re up 10,000, 12,000, 15,000 feet in the air; you’re spending time.”
Christopher Reeve’s Accident
Christopher Reeve’s acting career was cut short following a riding accident that left him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. It was a sad incident that would have brought anyone down but not Christopher. According to his son Matthew Reeve, the star became even more impressive after the almost fatal mishap.
Matthew said: “…to take on this cause and become the voice of a whole community of people that previously didn’t have one, and embrace this role was inspiring.” Christopher’s tenacity inspired his son to continue creating awareness and seeking solutions for people like him.
At the comic con in 2014, Matthew revealed “The Big Idea” campaign, which introduced a device that greatly changed the lives of four injured individuals via epidural stimulation. The device helped the men to recover voluntary movements with their legs and even stand.
According to Matthew, “The Big Idea” treatment is technological, not biological, which gives them great control over it. As of 2014, only four people had received the treatment, but Matthew stated that his goal is to raise $15 million for 36 more patients and eventually more.
When Did Christopher Reeve Die?
Matthew Reeve’s father, Christopher, died on October 10, 2004, at 52. His demise happened about ten years after his accident.
The world has since moved on, but Matthew’s actions ensure the world will never forget his father and his legacy. He is doing this by keeping his father’s foundation, originally called the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, alive.
It is now known as the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and its function is to help fund research projects looking into cures for spinal cord injury. The foundation’s drug development breakthroughs will undoubtedly help many in the long run.