Will Reeve’s story is one that could easily belong in the realm of fiction. Still, the 32-year-old ABC News and “Good Morning America” correspondent often manages to rise above it.

“I came into the world as the son of a well-known father, who was paralyzed and in a wheelchair, then passed away. Following that, my mother—a public figure herself—was diagnosed with lung cancer despite never having smoked, and she passed away too, all before I turned 13,” Reeve reflects. “That’s not typical.”

He’s talking about his father, the iconic “Superman” actor Christopher Reeve, and his mother Dana. Their incredible life stories are explored in the upcoming film “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” which opens in select theaters Saturday and will have a special encore presentation on Christopher Reeve’s birthday, September 25.

Although Christopher Reeve’s tragic horse riding accident in 1995 left him paralyzed, he and Dana became devoted advocates for individuals with disabilities. He passed away in 2004 at 52, after leaving behind Will and two older children, Matthew (now 44) and Alexandra (40), from a decade-long relationship with British modeling executive Gae Exton.

Two years after his father’s passing, Dana Reeve was looking to revive her singing career but was held back by a persistent cough that turned out to be Stage 4 lung cancer; she died in 2006 at 44. Will, newly entering his teenage years, moved in with neighbors who became like surrogate parents.

Reeve admits that anger can sometimes emerge, yet overall, he emphasizes his gratitude.

“Despite having such little time with my parents, they raised me to be a grounded and normal person, which mainly helps me handle the ups and downs of life,” he shares during a video call, beaming with a smile reminiscent of his father’s.

Touching Memories and Influential Friends Elevate the ‘Super/Man’ Documentary

<p”Super/Man” showcases how Will’s older siblings have fond memories of a competitive father who encouraged them in sports like hockey and skiing. For Will, his understanding of his father—who became an icon through his roles as Superman—was primarily formed through films.

This led him to develop a particularly strong bond with his mother, who filled her time not only caring for her husband but also taking Will to countless social gatherings and sporting events. Then, tragically, she was gone.

“Some days I handle it well, and at other times, I resort to colorful language,” Will admits.

Will, along with his siblings, has participated in numerous interviews for “Super/Man,” which generated excitement during its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival this past January. Is revisiting such painful memories challenging?

“Discussing my parents keeps their spirit alive for me,” he states. “I feel immense pride being their son and part of this family. It’s an opportunity to reconnect my parents with those who cherished them and introduce their legacy to a new generation that might not know their story. It’s truly a privilege to keep their memory alive in a time when we need heroes.”

While Reeve does not claim to have solutions for those dealing with tragedy, he firmly believes in the possibility of healing following loss.

“We all go through the five stages of grief, from denial to acceptance, but I’ve come to realize there is a sixth stage—healing, and we can all reach it,” he shares. “Grief may be everlasting, yet healing is achievable. This mantra guides me. I strive to honor my parents through my actions and how I treat others.”

Will Reeve Reflects on What His ‘Superman’ Father Christopher Reeve Might Have Thought About His Emmy Red Carpet Experience

Will Reeve’s kindness towards others is evident to everyone nowadays. After completing his education at Middlebury College and securing an internship with “GMA,” Will, who shares his father’s passion for sports, worked at ESPN’s SportsCenter before he joined ABC in 2018. Alongside his siblings, he also serves on the board of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which advocates for disability rights and funding for research.

“I genuinely enjoy my job; it’s an ideal blend of my passions: engaging with people, storytelling, and traveling,” he mentions, especially after his recent role interviewing celebrities on the Emmy Awards red carpet. He believes his parents would have been proud of him.

“Definitely, but they would have playfully teased me too,” Reeve reflects. “My dad was quite familiar with red carpets, but he never placed much importance on fame; he wasn’t a typical Hollywood figure. So he would have felt proud of my work, rather than the fact that I was part of a glamorous evening.”

One glamorous Hollywood evening stands out in his father’s legacy, which is highlighted in “Super/Man.” It was the moment in 1996 when the former Man of Steel, despite his challenges, made a memorable appearance on stage in his wheelchair at the Oscars just a year after his accident. This gesture received a heartfelt standing ovation from emotional stars, representing not merely comic-book power but true resilience.

For Will Reeve, such significant moments are not just history; they are everlasting.

“My parents may no longer be here,” he shares. “But they will never be forgotten.”