Independent.co.uk: A Chat with Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve: You Ask The Questions

Thursday, 6 February 2003

Christopher Reeve, 50, made his Broadway debut opposite Katharine Hepburn in 1976, before going on to star in Superman and its three sequels. Subsequent films include Deathtrap, The Bostonians and The Remains of the Day. In 1995 he was paralysed in a horse-riding accident; since then he has concentrated on promoting awareness of spinal-cord injuries – lobbying the US government to allow controversial stem-cell research – though he also directs (his first project was 1997's In the Gloaming). He lives in Westchester, New York, with his wife and son.

Christopher Reeve, 50, made his Broadway debut opposite Katharine Hepburn in 1976, before going on to star in Superman and its three sequels. Subsequent films include Deathtrap, The Bostonians and The Remains of the Day. In 1995 he was paralysed in a horse-riding accident; since then he has concentrated on promoting awareness of spinal-cord injuries – lobbying the US government to allow controversial stem-cell research – though he also directs (his first project was 1997's In the Gloaming). He lives in Westchester, New York, with his wife and son.

Every time you're interviewed, it seems you're able to move and feel more. What's the latest?
Seb Hayden, Blandford

In situations where gravity is removed, such as lying flat or floating in a pool, I'm able to fully extend and retract my legs and arms, and to take steps if my upper body is supported. It's a miracle that I survived the accident, but the high level of my injury left me unable to breath on my own so I've been dependent on a ventilator ever since – that requires a nurse on duty 24 hours a day. I have a fantastic team that works with me, and I really appreciate all of them. But of course my ultimate goal is to fire them all as soon as possible.

I hear a new Superman movie is in the pipeline. What tips would you give to your successor? And who would you pick to play Lois Lane?
Jo Tierney, Redhill

Superman is an enduring icon of popular mythology who must be reinvented for successive generations. Just as I was the appropriate Superman for the 1970s and 1980s, whoever is cast for the new film will represent the character for the early years of the 21st century. The one piece of advice I would offer the new Superman is to remember that, more than a hero, he is a friend. I have no idea who should play Lois, but once they choose the new Superman it will only be a question of testing actresses to find the right chemistry.

What's the first thing you'll do when you can walk again?
Harry Burrows, London

Try not to fall down.

After Superman, your choice of film roles was rather literary – The Bostonians and The Remains of the Day. I always knew there was an intellectual waiting to burst out of that red and blue jumpsuit. Who's your favourite novelist?
Elizabeth Flint, by e-mail

I don't have a particular favourite, but I do enjoy the novels and short stories of Conrad, James Joyce, Tolstoy and Hemingway.

Are you ever jealous, even for a second, of able-bodied people?
Flo Gunning, Stevenage

Yes. Most people take the ability to move, and especially the ability to breathe, for granted. Before my injury I certainly did. Now I am keenly aware that everything can change in an instant.

You've known Robin Williams since drama school. He's always inspiring people on screen. Has he helped you in real life?
Wendy Dixon, by e-mail

Robin and I have been friends for 30 years. His friendship, generosity, irreverence and ability to find humour even in dire circumstances have done more to help me and my family than I can ever quantify or repay.

Everyone remembers you as Superman. Are there any roles you're more proud of?
Robin Smith, London

I'm glad that many people remember me as Superman, but just as many seem to remember me for Somewhere in Time, Deathtrap, The Bostonians and a number of plays such as Fifth of July, A Matter of Gravity and The Aspern Papers.

Is it true that you contemplated suicide in the early days after your accident? How did you overcome it?
Dave Thomas, by e-mail

The love and support of my family and close friends gave me the will to live. My youngest son was just turning three when I was injured. I felt very guilty. But I discovered that there was no use in punishing myself and I could also tell right away that my family would rather have me around than not. Without them I might not have agreed to undergo the surgery to reattach my skull to my spinal column.

You and your Superman co-star Margot Kidder have gone through some extremely testing experiences since you made those films together. Kidder has endured – in her words – "periodic bungee jumps into craziness". Have you been of help to each other in times of crisis?
Matthew Sanderson, Birmingham

Margot and I have stayed in touch through thick and thin ever since we finished filming Superman: The Movie and much of Superman II in October of 1978.

What have you found most difficult about being paralysed?
Charlotte Barker, by e-mail

The loss of independence; I was always an incredibly independent person. For six years, I haven't once been able to be alone. To have to be washed, dressed and fed by other people is a cruel irony; I flew my aeroplane across the Atlantic alone. Now I can't even go out into the driveway myself.

Spiderman. Batman. Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Who is your favourite superhero?
Claire Hathaway, Salisbury

I have to admit that since my accident I've lost interest in superheroes. My heroes are ordinary individuals who have been forced to overcome extraordinary obstacles and have done so with minimal resources.

Who gets your vote for the world's biggest real-life villain?
Delia Forster, Luton

Every dictator alive today who enforces tyranny over people in countries around the world who should be free.

Two of your children were born and live in England and I know you approve of our stance on embryonic stem-cell research. Ever thought about coming to live here?
Lilly Curtin, Bristol

I'd certainly come to England if invited for treatment, and stay as long as necessary.

Is it true that you've taught your son to ride a bike? How did you do that?
Amanda Stevens, Doncaster

I convinced him to ride his bike without the training wheels by talking him through it, step by step. Because he was ready to listen, he was able to visualise the process of balancing and moving forward on his own.

I'm all for living in hope, but in your heart of hearts, do you truly believe that you'll walk again? And if so, just walk? Or run, skip and jump as well?
Andy Healey, by e-mail

Scientists all over the world are working on various therapies that will enable people who suffer from paralysis to walk again. How well a patient will walk, or what more might be possible, will depend on the individual's condition and response to therapy.

What makes you laugh?
Pat Tyson, Northampton

The same things that make you laugh, or practically anybody. A disability can't destroy a sense of humour. Unless you let it.