All About Gae Exton: Christopher Reeve's Former Partner Before Dana

Gae Exton is known for being married to Christopher Reeve for a long time. Christopher Reeve is the name that comes to mind as the iconic Superman actor. They had a notable relationship and were partners for a long time. Like many relationships, this one too had a unique flair and charm to it. Christopher put the long-lasting effects of this relationship into his life, even though they were not married. In this blog, we will discuss Gae Exton’s life, career, and relationship with Christopher Reeve.

Who Is Gae Exton?

Gae Exton is known for many reasons. However, her long-term marriage to Christopher Reeve is what her fans know her for. She really wouldn't be able to live in peace without the actor. Along with being an author, she mostly enjoys having her own life. Which weighs out the factors that if it were not for Christopher Gae, she would be happily sitting at home now.

Exton started her relationship with Christopher Reeve in the late 1970s. Reeve was well on his way to stardom with his role as Superman in the 1978 film. A woman passionate about art and culture, Exton spent many years living a private life with Reeve. Their relationship was significant and led to the birth of two children. However, it wasn't as well-known as some of Reeve's later ones.

Relationship with Christopher Reeve

Exton and Christopher Reeve shared a relationship spanning a decade. They were together from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. During this period, they maintained a low profile as a private couple. They were away from the prying eyes of the media. Their relationship was characterized by deep respect, companionship, and affection, along with appreciation for life and the arts. The couple did ultimately part ways after several years together.  

The relationship between Gae Exton and Christopher Reeve was defined mainly by the fact that Reeve was gaining notoriety for the movies he starred in, one of which was Superman. Later in life, he suffered an accident that left him paralyzed. Together, Gae and Christopher had two children, and even though they never got married, the two cherished their blended family after they parted ways.

Children and Family Life

An essential aspect of Exton’s life is being a mother and having children with Christopher. They had Matthew and Alexandra, born in 1979 and 1983, respectively. After their romantic relationship ended, Gae and Christopher appeared committed to co-parenting their children.

Exton has been recognized as an outstanding parent who has made a significant effort to nurture her children throughout their lives. She did not seek media attention and instead concentrated on her children’s upbringing. Following her split from Christopher, she did everything possible to stay close to her kids.

Matthew Reeve

In 1979, Matthew Reeve was born as Gae and Christopher Reeve’s first son. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. In the entertainment field, he has dedicated himself as a director, producer, and writer. One of his well-known works is the documentary Christopher Reeve: Hope in Motion. It showcases a moving slice of his father's life after a spinal cord injury.  

Apart from filmmaking, Matthew also dedicates himself to advocacy work. He advocates for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, actively working to create awareness and campaign for funds concerning spinal cord research and other related support programs.

Alexandra Reeve Givens

Reeves Exton’s second child was born in 1983. Alexandra has Christopher Reeve as her father. After marriage, she is known as Givens. Alexandra strayed from the family tradition of embracing show business and instead became a lawyer alongside a public policy professional.

Currently, she serves as the primary representative and executive in charge of the Center for Democracy and Technology. The CDT works with non-profit organizations that champion digital rights and privacy. Alongside her brother, she is also a member of the Reeve Foundation, which keeps the legacy of their parents alive through advocacy and leadership roles.

Christopher Reeve's Death

Reeve’s death happened on October 10, 2004. At the time of his death, he was 52 years old. Complications from an infection due to a pressure wound that occurs in people who are paralyzed caused his death. In 1995, Reeve suffered a devastating horse-riding accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Even while being an advocate for people with disability issues and having such severe medical challenges in systemic healthcare, Reeve showed unmatched willpower. 

He was a powerful and admired advocate who fought against the medical system's neglect and gave the world hope throughout his life. He passed away while regrettably not living to see the true extent of his global legacy and the grief that would follow him.

Where is Gae Exton Now?

The English fashion model Gae Exton decided to keep her life and career more private after her relationship with the actor ended. She was a very reserved individual in her own right, possibly as a result of this quality. Gae still makes some effort towards her pursuits. She is also considered a strong, independent woman by her peers.

Matthew, her son, also has diverse and interesting career choices in the film industry, including film production, directing, screenwriting, and social activism. Alexandra, her daughter, heads the Center for Democracy and Technology, a nonprofit that advocates for civil rights and civil liberties, as its CEO.

Conclusion

Gae Exton's relationship with Christopher Reeve was crucial to his life, even though it hasn't gotten much attention. She was his partner before Dana. The couple had two children who would carry on his legacy. Gae’s support of Reeve during their time together and her warmth as a mother are often eclipsed by his more public relationships, but her part is equally significant to his life and the lives of their children.  

Today, the media's incessant attention does not bother Gae Exton as she maintains a private life. She has chosen to live away from the public eye, focusing on family and other endeavors. While much about Exton’s life remains shrouded in mystery, one thing stands clear: Gae Exton contributed significantly to the life of one of Hollywood’s most cherished actors and his family’s story.