Footage from a newly released documentary captures Christopher Reeve sharing the seven crucial words spoken by his wife Dana that he credits with saving his life.
The actor, famous for his role as Superman, experienced a life-altering accident in 1995 during a horse riding event that left him paralyzed.
While navigating a third jump at an equestrian event in Culpeper, Virginia, Reeve’s horse hesitated, causing the actor to fall harshly.
He landed headfirst on a rail, severely injuring his neck and resulting in paralysis from the neck down.
Reeve passed away in 2004 at the age of 52.
A new documentary titled Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is now being released, chronicling the actor’s life and struggles.
The DC Studios-produced documentary is scheduled for release in select theaters next month, detailing Reeve’s journey to becoming Superman and his battle with paralysis.
In old footage, Reeve recounts his mindset during his initial recovery and credits his wife for helping him persevere.
“I ruined my life and everybody else’s. I won’t be able to ski, sail, throw a ball to Will. Won’t be able to make love to Dana. Maybe we should let me go,” he said.
“And then she said the words that saved my life: ‘You’re still you. And I love you.’”
Following the tragic accident, Reeve spent considerable time in and out of hospitals and participated in speech therapy.
Reflecting on his time at the rehab center, Reeve shared with Oprah Winfrey: “Every day I’d get in my car and drive away and go, ‘Thank God that’s not me’, I have to admit that.
“And then seven months later, I was in this condition.”
He added: “And in a way, I remember the smugness of that.
“As if I was privileged in some way, but the point is we’re all one great big family and any one of us could get hurt at any moment.
“That taught me a really big lesson.”
After his debilitating accident, Reeve devoted much of his time to activism for disabilities and those who are impacted by them.
In an interview with Ability Magazine in 1998, he explained: “Who knows why an accident happens? The key is what do you do afterwards.
“There is a period of shock and then grieving with confusion and loss. After that, you have two choices. One is to stare out the window and gradually disintegrate.
“And the other is to mobilize and use all your resources, whatever they may be, to do something positive. That is the road I have taken.”