The original Superman became the essential Hollywood crush when the movie was released in 1978, and even watching back now, it's hard not to fall for his bright baby blues and chiselled features. He was a fine actor, and perfectly cast as both Superman and Clark Kent, but unfortunately, he is probably for the tragedy that left him paralysed. It was an event that shocked the world and the actor received a massive standing ovation during the Academy Awards in 1996, as the industry recognised his courage. The peculiar coincidence surrounding the tragedy was that six days before his riding accident the movie, Above Suspicion, was released which saw Christopher play paralysed character Dempsey Caine. Later in an interview with Larry King the star said that he couldn't bring himself to watch the movie saying: "I was setting myself apart from those people who were suffering without realizing that in a second that could be me.... I'm ashamed about my smugness, my complacency, you know, and it brings back a bad memory, so I don't watch that one." After his extensive rehabilitation and therapy Christopher dedicated a huge part of his life to stem cell research and was elected Chairman of the American Paralysis Association. He became an inspirational figure for so many and famously once said: "I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." Even now his life reads as one of the most tragic and unimaginable but 10 years after his death the incredible actor has a legacy that continues to grow.
Rosie is a Music Journalist from Newcastle upon Tyne, with a huge passion for live music. When she's not attending gigs she loves to star gaze, drink pints of tea and play the viola.
