Reeve’s big role in public life
But instead of hiding away from the stunned public, Reeve returned to acting and politics to become a strong advocate for controversial stem cell research.
His profile has remained so high he was mentioned only two days ago by US Democrat leader John Kerry during his second presidential debate with President George Bush.
After his accident he was always optimistic, going through hours of gruelling therapy.
He once said: “I’m realistically optimistic.
“I don’t plan to spend the rest of my life like this.”
He regained sensation in parts of his body and could move an index finger, his wrist and thumb.
