US actor Christopher Reeve, the star of the popular "Superman" movies, died of heart failure in New York aged 52, reports Xinhua quoting his publicist.

Reeve died in hospital after falling into a coma due to cardiac arrest Saturday afternoon while at his New York home, publicist Wesley Combs announced Sunday.

He was admitted to Northern Westchester Hospital and never regained consciousness. His family was at his side at the time of death.

Dana Reeve, Christopher's wife, issued a statement to thank the hospital for its treatment of Reeve, "as well as the millions of fans from around the world who have supported and loved my husband over the years."

No plans for a funeral have been announced yet. "The family asks that you respect their privacy at this very difficult time," said Combs.

Reeve became famous for portraying the comic book superhero in the 1978 movie "Superman" and the 1980 sequel "Superman II". He was paralysed after a horse riding accident nine years ago, which turned him into a worldwide advocate for spinal cord research.