Christopher Reeve: A Cornell Legacy of Talent and Courage
Christopher Reeve, best known for his iconic portrayal of Superman, had deep ties to Cornell University, where he studied before launching his celebrated acting career. Reeve enrolled at Cornell in 1970, majoring in music theory and English, and was actively involved in the university’s theater scene. His passion for acting led him to perform in various productions before transferring to the Juilliard School, where he refined his craft alongside future Hollywood legends.
Despite leaving Cornell before graduating, Reeve remained connected to the university. His classmates and the Cornell community honored his legacy by establishing the Christopher Reeve ’74 Scholarship, which supports students pursuing theater, film, music, and English. A plaque dedicated to Reeve at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts commemorates his contributions to the arts and his inspiring journey.
Beyond his acting career, Reeve became a powerful advocate for spinal cord injury research following a tragic equestrian accident in 1995. His resilience and dedication to medical advancements made him a hero both on and off the screen.