There are numerous tales about children who bear a striking resemblance to their famous parents as they grow up. Whether it’s Michael J. Fox’s twin daughters, Julia Roberts’ lookalike teenage daughter, or even Elvis Presley’s grandson, celebrity offspring often make us do a double-take.
However, one individual stands out among them all. Will, the 29-year-old son of Christopher Reeve, not only bears an uncanny resemblance to his father but is also dedicated to carrying on his father’s inspiring legacy.
Will’s journey has not been an easy one. At the tender age of 13, he had to confront the tragic loss of both his parents. But what does a hero look like? For many who grew up in the late 70s and early 80s, a hero looked just like Christopher Reeve. His portrayal of the iconic superhero Superman won him acclaim and established his name as synonymous with the beloved character.
Born in New York in 1952, Christopher Reeve was not just an actor but a versatile artist, serving as a film director, producer, screenwriter, equestrian, and activist.
However, tragedy struck on May 27, 1995, during an equestrian competition in Culpeper, Virginia. Christopher Reeve suffered a severe spinal cord injury after falling from his horse, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down and confined to a wheelchair. Doctors offered little hope of recovery, declaring it “impossible” for him to regain any movement.
Facing unimaginable challenges, Christopher Reeve refused to succumb to despair. Instead, he turned his attention to activism and together with his devoted wife Dana, established the Christopher Reeve Foundation, later renamed the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. They also co-founded the Reeve-Irvine Research Center, advocating for spinal cord injury victims and supporting stem cell research.
Christopher Reeve’s determination extended to ensuring his son experienced a fulfilling childhood. Despite their fame, Will fondly recalls his parents as the ones who taught him life lessons, from turning off the TV and eating his vegetables to going to bed on time. His childhood was remarkably ordinary in many ways, though he understood that not every child saw their father’s face on magazine covers at the grocery store checkout aisle.
One poignant memory stands out—Will learning how to ride a bike with his father’s guidance from a wheelchair. The experience was initially met with skepticism, but his father’s unwavering support and encouragement made it possible. That moment meant the world to Christopher Reeve, and it left an indelible mark on Will.
Sadly, their journey toward rebuilding their lives was cut short by Christopher Reeve’s untimely death. Already burdened with several health issues, including asthma, allergies, and alopecia areata, Christopher suffered a heart attack in October 2004, triggered by an infected pressure ulcer. He fell into a coma and passed away at the age of 52.
Merely ten months later, Dana Reeve, a talented actress and singer, was diagnosed with lung cancer. Despite never having smoked, her exposure to smoky environments during her early career likely contributed to the illness. Dana fought her malignant lung tumor for months but succumbed to the disease at the age of 44 in March 2006.
Left orphaned at a young age, Will Reeve’s resilience and determination shine through. Today, at 29 years old, he bears a striking resemblance to his father, not just in appearance but also in character. Will has pursued his education and established a successful career in the sports news industry.
Carrying on his parents’ remarkable work, Will contributes to ESPN’s SportsCenter, a job he promised them he would achieve. He continues to advance their shared cause, searching for new therapies and leading fundraising efforts for technological breakthroughs in spinal injury treatment through the foundation.
In a letter he wrote to himself after his parents’ deaths, Will acknowledged the depths of his sorrow but also emphasized that it marked his lowest point. With unwavering determination, he recognized that the only direction to go from there was up.