Why we think Christopher Reeve is a Type 3

• Emphasis on pursuing your dreams and the importance of hope. In interviews and public speaking engagements, Reeve would frequently emphasize the need to remain optimistic and focused on achieving your highest potential. 

• “Nothing is Impossible.” Reeve wrote a book by this name. 

• Demeanor. Off screen, Reeve's demeanor was one of resilience, determination, and positivity. After his equestrian accident in 1995 that resulted in him becoming a quadriplegic, his posture physically changed but his inner strength and resolution only grew. He became an advocate for people with spinal cord injuries and for stem cell research, his demeanor becoming a symbol of his heroic struggle and his determination to make a positive difference in the world despite his personal adversity. He walked his talk in terms of remaining optimistic and striving to reach his potential, core characteristics of the Type 3. 

• Ambition. Reeve's ambition in acting was clear from his youth. For example, despite being a high school student, Reeve's drive led him to audition for a role in a college's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." This action in itself was bold and ambitious - typically, high school students would not try to participate in college-level productions, given the higher expectations and greater competition for roles. Regardless, Reeve not only auditioned, but also earned a role in the production. This revealed two key traits that marked his ambition: his unwillingness to be limited by expectations of his age and his readiness to face challenges head-on. In his book, Reeve discusses how he used this platform for growth and learning. It was an opportunity to work with older and more experienced actors, understand their techniques, and absorb critical nuances that would enhance his own performances in the future. He wasn't just focused on short term success, but rather aimed at honing his craft and using every chance he got to move one step closer to his ultimate goal of becoming a professional actor. Eventually, he would land the iconic role of Superman, and his ambition extended beyond one medium, as he pursued success in theater, film, and television, and he even directed and produced films.

• Efficiency and achievement. After his accident, Reeve channeled his drive into activism. He established the Christopher Reeve Foundation (now the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation) to promote research into spinal cord injuries. This process involved a good degree of organization and logistical efficiency, harnessing available resources and focusing them towards a specific goal with maximum efficacy. Despite his physical limitations, he used his resources and fame to push for advancements in the field, showing his inherent drive to achieve goals despite adversity.