Christopher and Dana Reeve passed away tragically, leaving their only child together orphaned. Now an adult, their son honors their legacies, and many have noted his striking resemblance to his beloved father in numerous photos.
Christopher Reeve was an American actor best known for portraying the title character in the movie “Superman” and its three sequels. He also starr
Christopher Reeve pictured standing before the Manhattan skyline dressed as the comic-book hero of the film “Superman,” on January 1, 1978 | Source: Getty Images
ed in other films, including, “Speechless” and “The Remains of the Day.”
Besides his noteworthy career, Christopher was also a family man. He married actress and singer Dana Reeve in April 1992 and they welcomed their only child together, son Will Reeve, two months later in June of that year.
Despite the joy of becoming a parent, Christopher’s life took a dramatic turn in 1995. While participating in a cross-country horse competition, he was involved in a freak accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down.
Christopher Reeve appears on a “20/20” special interview on September 29, 1995, in New Jersey. | Source: Getty Images
Christopher developed suicidal thoughts after waking up in the hospital. With his wife beside him, he asked her to “let him go.” The film director recalled that powerful moment in an interview.
Christopher Reeve and Dana Reeve during a special interview on “20/20” on September 29, 1995, in New Jersey | Source: Getty Images
“Without missing a beat, she looked me right in the eye and said, ‘But you’re still you and I love you,'” he remembered. From that point forward, he dedicated his time to gain full recovery so that he could walk again one day.
Christopher Reeve photographed on January 1, 1970, in New York | Source: Getty Images
Through his political work, the New York native turned his focus to reformed healthcare and increasing research money for the study of the spinal cord and central nervous system.
Christopher Reeve testifies during a hearing on stem cell research on April 26, 2000, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
Together, Christopher and Dana founded the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with paralysis.
Treat Williams, Meryl Streep, Christopher and Dana Reeve at The Paralysis Association’s annual benefit on November 19, 1996, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Tragically, the Reeve family faced a devastating loss when Christopher passed away from heart failure in October 2004 at the age of 52, leaving behind his wife and their then 12-year-old son.
Will, Christopher, and Dana Reeve during the 3rd Annual Tribeca Film Festival “House of D” premiere on May 7, 2004, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Barely two years later, young Will suffered another heartbreaking loss when his mother, Dana, succumbed to lung cancer in March 2006 at the age of 44.
Will Reeve with his half-siblings, Alexandra and Matthew Reeve, at the Memorial for Dana Reeve, on April 10, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
Despite being orphaned at the age of 13, Will had fond memories of a normal upbringing with his parents. He recalled them reminding him to turn off the television, eat his vegetables, and go to bed—just like any other kid.
Will, Dana, and Christopher Reeve during the event honoring Christopher Reeve with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 15, 1997 | Source: Getty Images
Although he would often see his father on magazine aisles while at the grocery store growing up, Will emphasized that he had a “totally normal childhood.”
Will also shared that, despite his dad’s fame, Christopher always prioritized parenting above all else. However, he noted that his father’s paralysis placed limitations on the spontaneous activities they could have enjoyed together as a family.
Jason Priestley with Dana, Christopher, and Will Reeve at the Superskate 2001 charity hockey event on January 7, 2001 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
“That could be difficult, but my parents did such a good job of staying true to their values that I never felt deprived of a normal childhood, even though my experiences, at face value, were inherently different from other children my age,” said Will.
While Will’s parents didn’t live long enough to see him grow up, Dana Reeve had thoughtfully planned for her son’s future before her passing. She chose their neighbors, Ralph and Ann Pucci, to adopt Will, ensuring he would be cared for by people she trusted.
Will Reeve and Dana Reeve at the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation’s 13th Annual Gala on November 18, 2004, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Her decision was driven by a desire to provide Will with stability and continuity, especially considering the roller-coaster life he had already experienced. The couple, who have two children of their own, Nicole and Michael Pucci, warmly welcomed Will into their family.
Will once gushed over the family of four saying, “The Puccis are…lifesavers. They are the very best people. […] They are the reason that I was able to emerge from the darkest period of my life – relatively unscathed.”
Will had formed a close bond with the Pucci family, particularly with Michael, which made the transition smoother for him. Nicole and Michael are close to him in age and they all used to play together as kids. Will even described Michael as his first best friend.
Dana ensured that her son could maintain his friendships and remain in a community that had been supportive throughout his life. Will continued his education at schools like Rippowam Cisqua and later Brunswick, with the support of the entire local community rallying around him.
Reflecting on his mother’s decision to have the Pucci’s be his guardians, he said it was the best decision she had ever made. Will expressed how much of an impact they had on his life growing up.
“They took me in, and they loved me, not even like a son, they loved me, and do love me, as a son. The Puccis are my family and they always will be. […] When I say ‘I’m going home’ – it’s their house,” he said.
In addition to the Pucci family, Will also has older half-siblings, brother Matthew and sister Alexandra Reeve. They are his father’s children from his previous relationship with Gae Exton.
Matthew Reeve, Gae Exton, and Alexandra Reeve pictured at a fundraising event on January, 10, 1996, in Leicester Square, London | Source: Getty Images
The two siblings were born and raised in London but later relocated to the U.S. where they attended college. Will once divulged that they try to get together as often as they can, as Alexandra is based in Washington, D.C., and Matthew resides in Los Angeles.
Alexandra, Will, and Matthew Reeve during the Christopher Reeve Foundation’s “A Magical Evening” event celebrating the strength and courage of Christopher & Dana Reeve on November 6, 2006, in in New York City | Source: Getty Images
He also shared that, at the time, they each had two children and that he was having a blast being an uncle. “It’s really not that hard being an uncle to kids under the age of 5, because I just get to do the fun stuff,” Will expressed in a 2021 interview.
After losing his parents at a young age, Will grew up to become a prominent figure in the public eye. He graduated cum laude from Middlebury College with a degree in English and American Literature and pursued a successful career as a broadcast journalist.
As for his love life, the ABC news correspondent is currently dating a woman named Amanda Dubin. He showed her off in April 2023 when he paid tribute to her on her birthday.
“Paris is for birthdays. The happiest to @amandadubin,” Will penned on Instagram, alongside a heart emoji and a selfie of the happy couple. In February 2024, Dubin also shared pictures of the lovebirds on her Instagram account from an outdoor wedding they both attended.
Per her LinkedIn profile, Dubin is an event planner and specializes in event planning and production. She currently works at a company called Victoria Dubin Events based in New York City.
While both Dubin and Will have openly shared photos of themselves together on social media, many online users have noted the striking resemblance between Will and his late father.
One observed, “Very handsome & he looks like his dad!” Another wrote on Instagram, “Looking like your father.” Someone else gushed on X “Omg. He looks like him.”
“You look so much like your father in the first photo,” said one user, referring to a 2022 Instagram post that Will shared on his page, expressing his love for baseball.
Meanwhile, another observer mentioned how heartwarming it is to see how Will turned out and how well he has done for himself, adding, “He’s gorgeous!!!! He looks like a super well-rounded young man. Great smile, smart and humble.”
One person likened him to both his parents. “He looks like dad but also like mom, something I see in him,” said the user about the Massachusetts native.
Although he lost his mother and father several years ago, Will keeps their memory alive. He remembered them in November 2019 when he attended the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation’s (formerly Christopher Reeve Foundation) “A Magical Evening” gala.
Will Reeve speaks onstage at the 2019 Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Gala on November 14, 2019 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
“I think his legacy is never going to go away and think that is a responsibility that I feel, to carry his and my mother’s legacy on for the rest of my life and hopefully beyond that,” said Will.
Will believes that one of the best ways to honor his parents’ memory is through their foundation, as he feels it’s the key to ensuring their legacies endure. He also shared that the way he and his half-siblings live their lives is another meaningful way to pay tribute to his parents.
Christopher and Dana Reeve during the “Streetcar” benefit on April 14, 1992, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Will shared that the impact his father made is felt by millions of people whose lives he touched. Many fans have told him that his dad was their “favorite Superman,” and they also remember him for his work off-screen.
The 32-year-old explained that these fans often emphasized how much they admired his father for who he was as a person. Christopher Reeve inspired them in ways that extended beyond his career.
William Reeve attending the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s “A Magical Evening” event on November 20, 2014 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Will believes his dad was one of the few individuals who made a lasting impact on culture, making a real difference in the world beyond what he was originally known for.
William Reeve pictured on March 1, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
He explained, “I think that he was a change agent in the world, and those are the people who last, and that is why he has lasted.” When speaking on his foundation, Will revealed his dad’s biggest dream was to see a world with no wheelchairs.
Christopher Reeve before a hearing on stem cell research on April 26, 2000, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
Will takes great pride in continuing his parents’ legacy, especially in advancing the mission to discover cures for paralysis and improve the quality of life for those affected and their loved ones.
He feels deeply empowered by the values his parents instilled in him, expressing gratitude for having had them as his mother and father. Will considers it an honor to follow in their footsteps.
William Reeve photographed on August 22, 2023, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
He aspires to be like them because they made a meaningful difference in the world, and that’s how their legacy has remained with him. Knowing that they mattered brings him immense pleasure, and he is committed to celebrating their contributions.
William Reeve speaks onstage at the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s “A Magical Evening” event on November 20, 2014 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
“I love keeping their memory alive. I love knowing that they matter to other people enough to talk about it,” said the television reporter.
