Dana Reeve is not only remembered for her intriguing talent, but also for the undying love she had for her husband, Christopher Reeve, until his death. Inside the lives of Christopher and Dana, before and after the former's paralysis.
For years, Hollywood has seen different fascinating love stories and admirable relationships. While some of such relationships and marriages were short-lived, others lasted a lifetime. American actor Christopher Reeve and his wife Dana Reeve inspired many with their bond while they were married.
Although their union was laced with traumatic moments, the lovebirds fought through thick and thin to preserve their shared love. The pair are no longer alive, but their desirable union is still talked about to date. Take a look at the lives of the couple.
Picture of actor Christopher Reeve and his wife Dana | Photo: Getty Images
WHO WAS DANA REEVE?
In 1961, Dana was born in Teaneck, New Jersey, to Dr. Charles Morosini and Helen Morosini. She grew up in Scarsdale, New York, and in 1984, she graduated from Middlebury College.
After graduation, she furthered her studies at the California Institute of Arts, where she bagged a degree. Afterward, the singer who doubled as an actress became a member of the Cabaret Corps of Singers at the Williams Theater Festival in Massachusetts.
As a member of the group, Dana gave excellent renditions and captivated many with her delectable voice. During one of her performances, she succeeded in melting the heart of the "Superman" actor.
Christopher Reeve and Dana Reeve at the screening of "House Of D" on May 7, 2004 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
Dana was performing "The Music That Makes Me Dance," and Christopher fell in love with her during her performance. The pair became romantically involved and decided to take their relationship to the next level. However, Christopher harbored fears of getting married but eventually visited a therapist who was of help.
The couple finally tied the knot in 1992, and according to Dana, her husband always said he loved being married. The singer and her actor husband enjoyed marital bliss for three years before tragedy struck.
WHAT HAPPENED TO CHRISTOPHER?
On May 27, 1995, Christopher suffered severe paralysis from the neck down after being thrown off a horse during an equestrian competition in Culpepper, Virginia. The actor landed headfirst with his 215-pound weight, which resulted in the shattering of his top two cervical vertebrae.
He was left with quadriplegia, permanently disabled, and was placed on life support. According to a report, Christopher had no intentions of participating in the competition that weekend as he had planned to compete in Vermont. The news of his accident left his wife, children, and the general public in shock.
Christopher Reeve on January 20, 1984 in the UK | Photo: Getty Images
Christopher eventually woke up from his coma, and while giving a detailed explanation of his accident, the legend made it known that the last thing he remembered was getting a good luck wish from a friend. Also, upon hearing the result of his accident, Christopher pleaded with his wife to leave him.
Dana did not heed her husband's plea and was keen on fulfilling the vow that she had taken on the wedding day. She reassured Christopher of the love she had for him, noting that nothing could break the bond they shared.
The director drew inspiration from his condition and decided to impact society. He founded the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation — an establishment that seeks a cure for spinal cord paralysis. On October 10, 2004, Christopher passed away in New York, aged 52, after his nine-year struggle with paralysis.
Chris Reeve receiving star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 1997 | Photo: Getty Images
DANA'S LAST DAYS
After his death, Dana made sure to keep her husband's legacy alive. She took over from him as the chairman of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, and she also founded the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center.
Not long after her husband's death, Dana was diagnosed with lung cancer. She remained optimistic about her diagnosis and fought hard to recover as her symptoms got better.
However, all efforts proved to be futile as she finally succumbed to the illness. She passed away on March 6, 2008, at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre in Manhattan. She was aged 44.
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