1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 53

     On this day in Madman history, a star was discovered when producers for the forthcoming live-action Superman film (1978) cast young Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel. It had been a long and arduous process for the father/ son production team of Illya and Alexander Salkind. But when the Salkind's found Christopher Reeve, they hit pay dirt.

Reeve with the Salkinds
during the 1978 Superman premiere. 

     Christopher Reeve was Superman and he was Clark Kent! Reeve did an amazing job keeping the two roles separate. His Man of Steel was pure, humble, an Adonis among pip-squeaks. Reeve's Clark Kent was a pip squeak. The actor had a brilliant way of making himself stutter, look frumpy, and act so clumsy as the timid reporter that you'd swear 2 different actors were playing the roles.

It takes more than eyewear to disguise Clark Kent
from being ID'ed as the Man of Steel.
It also requires great acting.

     Sadly, Reeve's career and life were both cut terribly short when an equestrian accident in the mid-90s resulted in the actor breaking his neck and becoming confined to a wheelchair. Yet, even when he couldn't walk, the actor inspired the world with his tireless efforts to raise funds and awareness for medical research to cure cases of paralysis such as his. Reeve even continued acting and directing from his wheelchair with such ventures as a remake of Hitchcock's Rear Window and a guest spot on Smallville.

Reeve during his season 3 guest visit on Smallville.

    Christopher Reeve is a very big reason Superman is one of my two all-time super heroes. He made the role his. He made it inspiring. It made you want to be Superman.

I can hear the John Williams theme
just looking at this image.

    Above all, Chris Reeve made you believe that a man could fly!

    Until Tomorrow...