Christopher Reeve, best known for his role as Superman, left an indelible mark on the world, not just as an actor but as an advocate and symbol of resilience following his tragic accident. In the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, Reeve’s children — Matthew, Alexandra, and Will — open up about their father’s remarkable life and the hardships he faced.
The film doesn’t shy away from the complexities of Reeve’s life, but celebrates his strength, perseverance, and the joy he found, despite his physical limitations. The documentary also revisits his relationship with his first partner, Gae Exton, and their children.
Reeve’s Early Life and Family Background
Before his life took a dramatic turn, Christopher Reeve was a man of many talents. Born in 1952, Reeve became a global icon after his breakout role as Superman in 1978. His early years were marked by a love of adventure, where he often flew planes, sailed yachts, and skied. However, his children, Matthew, Alexandra, and Will, reveal that their father’s heroism went far beyond his on-screen persona.
Reeve studied at Cornell University and Juilliard, showcasing not only his athleticism but his intellectual prowess. However, it was his life after the tragic 1995 accident, which left him paralyzed from the neck down, that truly shaped his legacy. His son Will reflects on this in the documentary, sharing, “Heroism is about integrity, showing up for your family, persevering through hard circumstances, and still having that joy for life.”
Gae Exton: Reeve’s First Partner
Gae Exton, a British modeling agent, was a significant figure in Reeve’s early life. Together, they had two children, Matthew and Alexandra. Despite their eventual separation, Gae played a vital role in their children’s upbringing. Though their relationship ended, Gae Exton remains an important part of Reeve’s story. As of the latest reports, Gae Exton is still alive, although she has maintained a relatively private life since their split.
Reeve’s relationship with Exton was not without its struggles. He left her when their children were still young, a decision that caused heartbreak, particularly for Exton. This aspect of Reeve’s life is addressed candidly in the documentary, allowing Matthew and Alexandra to better understand their father and his imperfections.
The Documentary: Unveiling Reeve’s Full Story
In Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, Reeve’s children take viewers on an emotional journey through their father’s life, both before and after his accident. The film delves into his transition from a vibrant actor to an advocate for the paralyzed community. While Reeve is often celebrated for his strength and resilience, the documentary does not gloss over his pre-accident life or the challenges he faced.
Reeve’s fame and handsomeness made him a beloved figure, but he also struggled with typecasting, and he had a complicated relationship with his father, who was a strict professor. These personal conflicts were difficult for Reeve to navigate, and the documentary shines a light on these less-discussed aspects of his life.
Reeve’s Love for Dana and His Family’s Support
After his accident, Reeve’s relationship with his second wife, Dana Reeve, became a cornerstone of his life. Dana was his primary caregiver and the emotional glue that held their family together. Reeve’s children speak warmly about Dana, describing her as an extraordinary woman with a combination of grace, beauty, and strength. Will Reeve, the youngest, calls her “the most special person to ever grace this earth.”
The film also highlights the sacrifices Dana made to care for her husband. After Reeve’s accident, Dana took on the overwhelming responsibility of not only tending to his physical needs but also providing emotional support. Her love and dedication are central themes in the documentary, showcasing how family bonds strengthened during their most challenging times.
Reeve’s Legacy and His Children’s Reflections
The documentary is not a “sugarcoated puff piece,” as Matthew Reeve, the eldest son, puts it. Instead, it offers a raw look at his father’s life, from the challenges of learning to breathe independently post-accident to the immense financial and emotional toll the injury took on their family. The children express their desire to present the complete picture of their father’s life — both the triumphs and the hardships.
For Reeve’s children, one of the greatest gifts their father gave them after his accident was time. As Alexandra notes, “Because we suddenly weren’t doing physical activities, we had a lot more time to sit and have conversations hanging out in his office. That was a true gift.” This time allowed the family to bond more deeply, something they cherish even now.
FAQ About Gae Exton, Christopher Reeve, and the Documentary
Is Gae Exton still alive?
Yes, Gae Exton is still alive. She has lived a relatively private life since her separation from Christopher Reeve but continues to be an important part of their children’s lives.
What is the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story about?
The documentary explores the life of Christopher Reeve, focusing on his journey after his tragic accident, as well as the impact he had on his family, his advocacy work, and the personal challenges he faced throughout his life.
What role did Dana Reeve play in Christopher Reeve’s life?
Dana Reeve, Christopher’s second wife, was his primary caregiver after his accident. She was a crucial emotional and physical support for both Christopher and their family, and her strength is a central focus of the documentary.
How did Christopher Reeve’s children react to his accident?
Reeve’s children, particularly Will, who was only three at the time of the accident, remember their father’s resilience and the family’s shift from physical activities to deeper emotional connections, which strengthened their bond.
Why did Christopher Reeve and Gae Exton separate?
Reeve and Exton’s relationship ended when their children were still young. The documentary touches on Reeve’s personal struggles and his decision to leave the relationship, causing pain for Exton. Despite the separation, they maintained a connection through their shared responsibility for their children.
Christopher Reeve’s legacy continues to inspire people worldwide. Through the documentary, his children share a moving tribute to their father, celebrating his heroism, resilience, and the lessons he imparted during the most challenging moments of his life.