The Power of Hollywood

I sent a close version of this to a list serve that reaches actors, directors, etc. in the Indian-American realm. Don't know if it will get posted, but it will stay here for sure.

*********************

I was making breakfast this morning, watching Regis and Kelly as I usually do for a few pre-work laughs. I heard Regis say something along the lines of “tragic news..Christopher Reeves..actor who starred in the Superman movies..died yesterday..heart attack..age 52.” Fifty-two. That is ridiculously young, I thought. Even for someone who is paralyzed. I automatically stopped what I was doing, almost like a few involuntary moments of peace that this man more than deserved.

I think that this is the first time that I have ever welled up upon hearing news of an actor’s sudden death. Those actors were usually people whose entertainment value and talents I appreciated. I respected their jobs, their work, their contributions. But I never saw the heartfelt change that they made in the world.

Christopher Reeves, the actor. I love the Superman movies, the character, the myth. I loved how Chris Reeves portrayed the duality that every person deals with, and showed how Superman made a conscious effort to use his abilities for the benefit of society. I have loved every super-actor after that (Dean Cain, Tom Welling) who has filled those shoes. But Mr. Reeves was my first Superman.

Christopher Reeves, the activist. I always found it inspiring the way Chris Reeves turned his horse riding accident, and its repercussions, into a message for the world. He endured dark days and suicidal thoughts in the first few days of his paralysis. But the love and support of his wife, children, and millions of fans somehow lifted him up and gave him the courage to continue his life. It takes a great deal of strength to recover from the emotional trauma of such an injury, and probably especially more when you know that you are under the scrutiny of the media’s eye. However, I never sensed Mr. Reeves frustration with that, if he had any at all. Instead, he used it as a power source.

He used his influence to lobby Congress for health care causes. He made celebrity appearances, talking about the important spiritual lessons he had learned and to spread compassion and knowledge on the topic of paralysis. He also called upon Hollywood many times to use the influence of film in today’s society to tackle important issues.

I am not an actor, screenwriter, director, or in any way related to the entertainment field. But I know that most of you reading this are in fact in that realm. So I just wanted to bring to light the highlights of the amazing story of a great actor and activist, and remind you that your powers in the entertainment field can reach far beyond good laughs and box office numbers. You have the power to send life altering messages to millions of people. Make those messages count!

A fan of those who choose wisely,

Hima