Legendary Actor And Activist Christopher Reeve Rejoins The Superman Mythology With A Special Guest Appearance On “Smallville” During February Sweeps On The WB

(January 8, 2003 – Hollywood, CA) — The extraordinary Christopher Reeve embodies the Superman spirit once again as he teams up with Tom Welling’s Clark Kent in a special guest appearance on “SMALLVILLE” during February sweeps on The WB Network. This will mark the first time Reeve has appeared in a Superman-related series since his portrayal of the superhero in the feature film “Superman IV” in 1987. Reeve will play a brilliant scientist, Swann, who has been using his millions to personally fund research about the planet Krypton. When Clark (Welling) learns Swann holds the key to his origins, he makes a shocking discovery about his home planet that will change his life forever. A PSA with Reeve and Welling for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation will air at the conclusion of the episode. "When Al and I created ‘Smallville,’ the first Superman film was our touchstone,” said Miles Millar, executive producer. “Chris not only made us believe a man could fly, but he gave humanity to a superhero. We are tremendously honored to have him become part of ‘Smallville's’ mythology." Reeve, a Juilliard-trained stage actor, became an overnight star when he appeared as the Man of Steel in 1978’s “Superman.” He returned for the sequels Superman II, III and IV. Other feature film credits include “Somewhere in Time,” “The Bostonians,” “The Aviator,” “The Remains of the Day,” “Morning Glory,” “Village of the Damned” and “Above Suspicion.” Paralyzed in a horseback-riding accident, Reeve is continuing to fight to walk again. With his wife Dana, he continues his work as an advocate for paralysis research. Together, the Reeves opened The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center, the nation’s first facility devoted to teaching paralyzed people to live more independently. With realistic portrayals and state-of-the-art special effects reinterpreting the Superman mythology from its roots, “Smallville” was written and developed by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar based on the DC Comics characters. Gough and Millar serve as executive producers, along with Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins, Joe Davola and Ken Horton. The series is produced by Tollin/Robbins Productions and Warner Bros. Television. SUPERMAN was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster. # # #