The Creative Coalition Mourns Loss of Past President and Founding Member Christopher Reeve
New York City (October 11, 2004) — The Creative Coalition’s Board of Director’s and all its members mourn the passing of our past president Christopher Reeve. His unique contributions and tremendous commitment will always be part of our mission and our inspiration.
Leadership from The Creative Coalition have released these statements:
“The thoughts and good wishes of all of us go out to Dana and his children. Chris was a true champion for those who suffered, not just from spinal cord injuries, but also those afflicted with ALS, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases and for those family members who had to watch their loved ones struggle. When the cures for these illnesses are found, it will be Christopher Reeve to whom we owe thanks.”
–Joe Pantoliano, actor and co-president, The Creative Coalition
“Chris was one of the greatest mentors in how the power of advocacy can help shape the future of our nation. Whether it was the environment, the First Amendment or spinal cord research, Chris tackled advocacy work with passion and vigor. He was never satisfied that he had done everything possible, even when he succeeded; he wanted to do so much more. What a tremendous loss this is, not only for Dana and his family, but for the millions of people that Chris inspired around the world.”
–Tony Goldwyn, actor/director and co-president, The Creative Coalition
“Chris took on public service, without having to be elected, before and after his terrible accident. He was an extraordinary advocate for just causes that offer a better life and future for everyone. We must all follow his lead. Be relentless for the right causes, and anything is possible.”
–Michael Frankfurt, Chairman, The Creative Coalition
“Christopher Reeve was a true visionary in public policy, and a source of inspiration and leadership to all of us. Chris stood firm in his convictions, always – never bending to the commercial or political pressures of these turbulent times. He was a trailblazer who provided the nation’s citizenry with landmark leadership on some of today’s most controversial social issues. We will miss him dearly.”
–Robin Bronk, Executive Director, The Creative Coalition
In 1997, The Creative Coalition established the Christopher Reeve First Amendment Award to recognize leaders who protect and nurture our country’s First Amendment. Past award recipients include Walter Cronkite; actor and former National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Alexander; Phil Donahue; Barnes & Noble Founder and Chairman Leonard Riggio; Christie Hefner, Chairman and CEO of Playboy Enterprises, Inc.; Amazon.com Founder Jeff Bezos; and the late Billboard Editor-in-Chief Timothy White.
The Creative Coalition Advisory Board Members Ron Silver, Alec Baldwin and Susan Sarandon released the following statements:
“In the last nine years, Chris accomplished more than most of us will in a lifetime.”
–Ron Silver, Past President and Advisory Board Member, The Creative Coalition
“The loss of Chris Reeve is not only a loss to the entertainment community and the spinal cord injury community, but it is a loss to the political activism community as well. Chris was someone who, I have no doubt, had an important political future ahead of him.”
–Alec Baldwin, Past President and Advisory Board Member, The Creative Coalition
“Christopher Reeve was a man who lived his life fully, selflessly and with a great deal of humor. As such, he is an inspiration to not only those living with disabilities but all of us trying to make our lives count. I shall miss him dearly.”
–Susan Sarandon, Advisory Board Member, The Creative Coalition
“We mourn the passing of our friend Christopher Reeve. Chris will always be remembered for his grace and dignity, and as a shining leader in the arts and entertainment community. His dedication and longtime commitment to public advocacy has been instrumental in empowering current and future generations. We are honored to have known and worked with him and offer our heartfelt condolences to his family. One day when medical applications are realized through stem cell research and millions of lives are saved, we will have Christopher Reeve to thank for it.We will miss him.”
–Chynna Phillips and William Baldwin, Past President, The Creative Coalition
“I had the honor and pleasure of working with Chris both for his foundation at the American Ski Classic for several years and with the Actors Fund Benefit show titled FIRST YOU DREAM. Chris and Dana both faced life with a tenacious grace that inspires us to continue to dream and take action as they did. I look forward to The Creative Coalition’s continuing celebration of Christopher’s life as we move forward with the goals he guided us toward.”
–Sharon Lawrence , Advisory Board Member, The Creative Coalition
The Creative Coalition is the leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating its members on issues of public importance. The Creative Coalition, headquartered in New York City, also has offices in Washington, DC, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Creative Coalition does not endorse or raise funds for political parties or candidates.
