CHRISTOPHER REEVE - REEVE'S WIDOW JOINS OPRAH FOR SUPERMAN TRIBUTE

CHRISTOPHER REEVE's widow DANA has sat down for her first interview since the SUPERMAN star's death last year (04), as part of an hour-long OPRAH WINFREY tribute to the actor.

Winfrey will devote her entire show tomorrow (16FEB05) to the actor, who died from heart failure in October (04), and called on many of his celebrity friends to recall their fondest memories.

And, after hearing of Winfrey's plans, Dana Reeve decided to actually appear on the show and relive her final hours with her husband, who spent the last nine years of his life crippled after a horse riding accident.

In the tearful interview, Dana recalls how doctors tried to keep her husband alive as she rushed to Northern Westchester Hospital in New York from California, where she was appearing in a play.

She says, "I came running into the elevator. He was on the second floor. I ran up the stairs, I didn't want to wait for the elevator. I threw my things and ran into the room. It was clear to me that it was the end. Saying goodbye was the hardest part."

The couple's 12-year-old son WILL joins his mother on the Oprah show tribute, while family friends including GLENN CLOSE and ROBIN WILLIAMS share their favourite memories.