Christopher Reeve & Dana Reeve Almost Split Because Of His Marriage Fear But Wed And Remained Together Till He Passed

Sep 30, 2021 by apost team

Christopher Reeve was an American actor, director, activist and humanitarian. He is known for playing the iconic role of Clark Kent in the 1978 film “Superman” and its sequels. The star was also an author, having written two autobiographical books prior to his passing in 2004. 

Christopher was born in New York City and discovered his love for acting at age nine. He had the opportunity to attend Cornell University as well as the prestigious Juilliard School. Christopher’s talent did not go unnoticed and he made his Broadway debut in 1976. He booked the first “Superman” film two years later and after “Superman II” the star decided to focus on small films instead. Some of his credits from this time include, “The Bostonians,” “Street Smart,” and “The Remains of the Day.” 

While at a theater festival in 1987, Christopher met Dana Morosini, who was singing at the time and drew the attention of her future husband when she was 26. The couple was married in 1992, with the birth of their son Will following soon after. But the story wasn’t perfect, Christopher did not want to get married at first and it took some time for him to come around. Three years after they married, their lives would change forever.

In 1995, Christopher was thrown from a horse during an equestrian competition. He broke his neck and was paralyzed from the shoulders down. This tragedy affected every aspect of his life, as well as his relationship with Dana and their son. However, Dana went to great lengths to stand by her husband and they were together for the remainder of his life. Keep reading to learn more about this super couple and their incredible bond. 

Christopher Andersen is the author of "Somewhere In Heaven," a book that focuses on the tragic love story of Christopher and Dana Reeve. In an interview with CBS’s “The Early Show,” Anderson shared how the couple met. He said:

"It was love at first sight for Chris. They were at the Williamstown theater festival. He was a big movie star. She was singing. He walks into a cabaret and sees this beautiful 26-year-old. He said 'I fell hook, line and sinker.' She had to be persuaded. She wasn't quite sure what he was up to. He charmed her pretty quickly."

The author continued, "After four years she wanted a commitment. Her parents had been married for 45 years. His family was shattered. His parents divorced, remarried. He had siblings and half siblings. He didn't believe in marriage. She said, 'look, we're going to call it off.' He said, 'no, no let me go through therapy' and he got over his fear of marriage.”

The young family lived in bliss for three years until tragedy struck. "I don't think people realized the extent to what he was insisting on - pulling the plug," said Andersen. Christopher struggled with thoughts of suicide after his accident which is not uncommon for someone with his diagnosis.

Andersen added, "I talked to the surgeon who reattached his skull to his spine. He told me that, 'oh, yeah he wanted to end it right then' because he didn't feel his life was worth living.' Here was a guy who got up every morning not knowing whether he was going to fly a plane, sail his yacht, or play tennis and now he can't feel and he can't move."

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In that extremely challenging time it was Dana who carried Christopher through. "She said 'I still love you.' Then she made a pact with him. 'Hold on for two years, if you still feel this way two years from now we will reconsider this question.'" said Andersen.

Dana’s life drastically changed the day of the accident too, as she now spent all of her time dedicated to her husband and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, as well as their son. Also, the tragedy of seeing someone she loves go through something so difficult did take a toll. Andersen shared, "Not that she didn't suffer. I spoke to people at the hospital and they said at this period she was offered the services of a massage therapist there to relax and she said 'no, I can't let go. Because if I do I'm afraid I'll just start crying and never be able to stop.'"

Christopher passed away in 2004, and Dana followed in 2006 after a battle with lung cancer. "The book really stresses, too, the extent to which she suffered following his death. A lot of people don't realize that within months of Chris's unexpected death she suffered the sudden loss of her mother, whom she was very close to. Then, Dana was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer," Andersen explained.

Throughout all of it, Dana somehow managed to remain positive. Andersen said, "She wasn't just resilient. She was joyful about life. I think that really came through. She made jokes about being called a saint all the time. She didn't like it. She said 'I'm just a woman whose husband fell off a horse and I'm taking care of him and that's what you do.'"

Were you touched by this tragic love story? Did you watch Christopher Reeve’s films? Let us know what you think and be sure to pass this along to your loved ones.