Forever Superman. Born in New York City in 1952 Christopher Reeve became a megastar in his portrayal of the superhero Superman. In 1995 he became a quadriplegic after being thrown from a horse. The accident didn't stop this kind and caring man. He lobbied on behalf of people with spinal-cord injuries and founded the Christopher Reeve foundation. Christopher passed away on this day in 2004. He was only 52-years-old. Christopher Reeve will forever be our Superman.