Christopher Reeve dead at 52
 

From Ananova

Superman actor Reeve dies at 52

Christopher Reeve, the actor who played Superman, has died at the age of 52.

Reeve fell into a coma on Saturday after going into cardiac arrest while at his New York home and died on Sunday, his publicist Wesley Combs said.

Reeve was paralysed from the shoulders down after a riding accident in 1995. The accident turned him into a worldwide advocate for spinal cord research.

Reeve was being treated at Northern Westchester Hospital for a pressure wound that he developed, a common complication for people living with paralysis.

In the past week the wound had become severely infected, resulting in a serious systemic infection. He died of heart failure,

Dana Reeve, Christopher's wife, said in a statement: "On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank Northern Westchester Hospital for the excellent care they provided to my husband. I also want to thank his personal staff of nurses and aides, as well as the millions of fans from around the world who have supported and loved my husband over the years."

Reeve was a virtual unknown before he shot to superstardom in the 1978 blockbuster Superman. The movie's producers were looking for an unknown actor to star in the title role alongside Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman.

Reeve screen-tested for the role and, through his meticulous preparation and close physical resemblance to the comic-strip hero, was given the part.

The film and its three sequels turned Reeve into a worldwide star and grossed $300 million.

Reeve broke his neck in May 1995 when he was thrown from his horse during an equestrian competition in Culpeper, Virginia.

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I'm in shock... he was my childhood hero... :cry:

RIP

He was my Childhood hero too :cry: :cry:

I hope his soul rest in peace.

This is so sad he was such a great man a real hero and i admired him so much the way he carried on, having nearly been paralysed myself when i broke my neck it was just the pure luck of the draw that i didnt end up the way he did.Its so tragic to see people like him he was a true insperation ,just a shame that he never got to walk again .
RIP

He's a strong man!

Our condolences!

I was just watching Superman last night. Didn't see that coming, I thought he'd have been the first person to test out any future cure for paralysis.

That's very sad, he was on true icons for our generation... :(

John Kerry mentioned him in last pres. debate, I didn't see this coming...

R-I-P Superman :(

:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

Totally agree. I watched a documentary with him a while ago and I remember thinking how great he was for his strength and determination. He was a true inspiration to anyone. He will be missed.