- Christopher Reeve, a.k.a Clark Kent in “Superman,” felt his imminent death being completely paralyzed and spent the last day with his son Will.
- Will Reeve became an orphan at 13 and lived with a friend.
- In his 30s, Will looks just like his dad and shows off his “lady.”
Christopher Reeve was among the most famous stars of the 1970s, beloved by many, and the heartthrob of most women. However, an unfortunate accident left him bound to a wheelchair, and he was grateful just to be alive.
Christopher’s son, Will, lost his father when he was only a boy, but he now lives a full life with his girlfriend. Fans are astounded by how similar the men look and have labeled Will as Christopher’s second edition.
Christopher Reeve in “Superman” in 1978 | Source: Getty Images
Christopher was a famous actor for two decades when his life changed in 1995. Known for his role as Clark Kent in the “Superman” movies, Christopher was used to being the tough guy.
He had many hobbies outside of his Hollywood career, including horseriding. He even took part in some equestrian competitions occasionally. On May 27, 1995, Christopher participated in an equestrian competition when his world was turned upside down.
Christopher and 300 other riders had been doing a roadblock test in which he attempted to complete a triple-pole jump on his stallion, Buck. However, as they approached, Buck stopped and threw Christopher headfirst through the barrier.
Christopher and Dana Reeve at the “Orpheus Descending” Play Opening in New York in 1989 | Source: Getty Images
The accident left him paralyzed from the neck down and confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. The actor was only 42 then and had a young son at home with his wife. The doctors ensured Christopher he would never regain mobility.
When Christopher had the accident, his son hadn’t yet turned three. Yet his wife, Dana, made it her mission to care for her son and husband through the difficult time. Christopher often talked about how grateful he was for his wife.
While Christopher was in the hospital, he said he took delight in his wife and son visiting him and talking to him, even while he was still sedated. Later on, when he was lucid, he took pleasure in watching his son climb a nearby tree over and over because it got the attention off of him
How Did Christopher Predict His Death and Spend His Last Day with Will?
While the extent of Christopher’s injuries made it so that he couldn’t spend much time with his son doing things his son loved, he seemed to feel his death was imminent and dedicated his last day alive to his son and anything little Will wanted to do.
Will, Christopher, and Dana Reeve at SuperSkate 2001 at Madison Square Garden | Source: Getty Images
Christopher attended Will’s hockey game on a Saturday morning because he tried to attend all of Will’s sporting events growing up, and then the pair headed home together to watch baseball for the rest of the day. Later that night, Christopher began to slip away.
He was home in his New York City apartment when he went into cardiac arrest. Soon after, he fell into a coma and never regained consciousness. He passed away on a Sunday at 5:30 p.m., and his death was described as “sudden.”
Will Reeve kisses Christopher Reeve on a “20/20” special interview in New Jersey in 1995 | Source: Getty Images
Will was only eleven when his father passed away, leaving him and his mother alone for the first time. It would only be a few short months before tragedy struck again, and Will was left heartbroken a second time.
How Did Will Become an Orphan at 13?
Ten months after Christopher passed, Dana announced she was battling lung cancer. At the time, she shared:
“Now, more than ever, I feel Chris with me as I face this challenge. As always, I look to him as an example of defying the odds with strength, courage, and hope in the face of life’s adversities.”
Dana Reeve at the Christopher Reeve Foundation’s “A Magical Evening” press conference in 2005 | Source: Getty Images
She also said she had married a man who did not give up when things got tough, and she channeled his energy to face her diagnosis and be there for her young son throughout.
Sadly, just seven months after she announced her diagnosis, Dana lost her battle with cancer and passed away at age 44. Will was only thirteen when he lost his mother and was left orphaned and alone.
Dana and Will Reeve at Superskate 2001 at Madison Square Garden | Source: Getty Images
Following his mother’s death, Will moved in with a childhood friend and his parents. He had two half-siblings from his father’s previous relationship, but Dana did not want to uproot him and preferred to have him stay in Bedford, New York. She made all the arrangements before her death.
Will Looks Just like His Dad Nowadays and Dates a Beautiful Lady
While Will faced immense heartbreak at a young age, he has been able to overcome all the obstacles and build a wonderful life for himself. He has a successful career and a thriving personal life, too.
A comment left under a photo of Will Reeve and his girlfriend, Amanda Dubin, in April 2023 | Source: Instagram.com/willreeve_
Will interned at “Good Morning America” for a while after graduating from Middlebury College and then landed a job on “SportsCenter” on ESPN and as a correspondent for ABC News since 2018.
Not only does he have a thriving career, but he has also become an activist, much like his mother and father. He is now a board member of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.
The foundation was founded by his parents and aims to aid in the research of spinal cord injuries and assist those who have been impacted by such injuries like his father was in his lifetime.
An Instagram story post made by Will Reeve’s girlfriend, Amanda Dubin | Source: Instagram.com/amandadubin
A comment left under a photo of Will Reeve and his girlfriend, Amanda Dubin, in April 2023 | Source: Instagram.com/willreeve_
Aside from that, Will also has a thriving relationship with his girlfriend, Amanda Dubin. The pair took to Instagram to share a photo of themselves on a trip to Paris, and fans were shocked and delighted by the snaps.
Some fans couldn’t help but talk about how much Will looked like his father, with one calling him the “Son of Superman” and another saying: “Superman 2.0 and His Lady.” Other fans remarked that Will appeared to be kind and handsome.
While many fans were commenting on how much Will looked like his father, there were just as many talking about what a beautiful couple he and his girlfriend made and how happy they appeared.
A comment left under a photo of Will Reeve and his girlfriend, Amanda Dubin, in April 2023 | Source: Instagram.com/willreeve_
Many fans said that the couple was cute and that Will deserved happiness, while others said they were happy he had found a partner and hoped they would be together forever. Another said:
“Great pic, lovely lady. Looking just like your mom and pop. They would be proud.”
A comment left under a photo of Will Reeve and his girlfriend, Amanda Dubin, in April 2023 | Source: Instagram.com/willreeve_
A comment left under a photo of Will Reeve and his girlfriend, Amanda Dubin, in April 2023 | Source: Instagram.com/willreeve_
Amanda also shared a photo of herself and Will in Paris on Instagram, which garnered many similar comments to Will’s post. She has also shared Instagram stories that show off her relationship with Will. What a lovely couple!