Christopher Reeve
From Muppet Wiki
Christopher Reeve (1952-2004) was an actor best known for playing Superman in four films. His other film credits include Somewhere in Time (with William H. Macy), Deathtrap (with Michael Caine), Noises Off (with Caine, Carol Burnett and John Ritter) and a remake of Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window which he also directed.
Reeve first became friends with Jim Henson and Frank Oz while filming Superman: The Movie in London, at a nearby studio. He occasionally supplied background voices and was invited to manipulate one of the Japanese Pole Vaulters in episode 221 of The Muppet Show.[1] His first onscreen appearance in a Muppet production was a cameo in the 1979 TV special The Muppets Go Hollywood, contending with Charles Durning for a chance to dance with Miss Piggy.
He guest starred on The Muppet Show in episode 418. In one memorable moment during its close, Reeve stuck up for Kermit against Miss Piggy. When she violently attempted to karate chop him, a hollowed echo was heard as Piggy bounced off as if striking hard metal while Reeve remained unscathed. An amazed Kermit quips, "He really is the Man of Steel!"
In the summer of 1987, he made the cover story of Muppet Magazine issue 19, where he was interviewed by Bunsen Honeydew and met the namesake of his most famous acting role, Super Beaker.
In the 2000 season of Sesame Street, Reeve appeared in a couple of inserts, including one in which he said the alphabet with Ernie's Rubber Duckie. With the help of his son, he also demonstrated the independent living skills he developed after acquiring a disability in 1995 (quadriplegia).[2]
Reeve died October 10, 2004, of secondary complications related to his paralysis.
Sources
- ↑ Of Muppets and Men, page 104
- ↑ American Chronicle "New Civil Rights Movement: Passionate Crusade for Inclusion of People with Disabilities" December 30, 2007 by Pam Vetter
