Christopher Reeve developed as one of the United States’ most well-known actors. Notorious for his movie role as the original Superman, Reeve proved to be a real-life hero even behind the scenes. After enduring a spinal cord injury from an equestrian accident at the age of 43, he did not let his acquired paralysis conquer his life. Reeve continued to strive through his work on stage, in movies, behind the scenes, and as an accomplished activist for health care and research. Reeve has left behind an admirable legacy after overcoming such adversity, yet still maintaining hope and his success. Christopher Reeve showed the world he did not need the Superman cape to be seen as a true hero.