biography of keanu charles reeves

Keanu Reeves

Actor Keanu Reeves has starred in the movies 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure,' 'Speed,' 'The Matrix' and 'John Wick,' among many other projects.

Who Is Keanu Reeves?

Keanu Reeves was born on September 2, 1964, in Beirut, Lebanon, and was raised in Toronto, Canada. He first gained attention for his performance in River's Edge , while the comedy Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and its sequel, Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, brought him major recognition. Reeves has developed an eclectic film roster that includes the action flick Speed and the sci-fi blockbusters The Matrix and its sequels, as well as more art-house fare like My Own Private Idaho and The Private Lives of Pippa Lee . Reeves made his directorial debut in 2013 with Man of Tai Chi .

Early Career

Of Chinese-Hawaiian heritage on his geologist father’s side, Reeves’ first name translates from Hawaiian to English as “cool breeze over the mountains.” Reeves’ mom worked in entertainment as a performer and later a costume designer. Upon his parents’ split, the youngster moved with his mother and sister to New York and then Toronto. Reeves developed an ardor for hockey, though he would eventually turn to acting, garnering TV roles and making his big-screen debut in the 1985 Canadian feature One Step Away .

'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure'

'My Own Private Idaho,' 'Point Break,' 'Speed'

Though Reeves would often face criticism for his deadpan delivery and perceived limited range as an actor, he nonetheless took on roles in a variety of genres over the ensuing decade, doing everything from introspective art-house fare to action-packed thrillers.

My Own Private Idaho (1991), directed by Gus Van Sant and co-starring River Phoenix , chronicled the lives of two young sex workers living on the streets, while Point Break (1991) turned the actor into an undercover FBI agent who gets caught up in the criminal lives of surfing bank robbers. Francis Ford Coppola ’s adaptation of Bram Stoker ’s Dracula (1992), co-starring Gary Oldman , Winona Ryder and Anthony Hopkins , saw Reeves embodying the calm resoluteness of character Jonathan Harker. 1994 saw the actor starring opposite Sandra Bullock in the hit action flick Speed , followed by work that included the romantic drama A Walk in the Clouds (1995) and the supernatural thriller Devil’s Advocate (1997), co-starring Al Pacino and Charlize Theron .

'The Matrix'

At the close of the decade, Reeves starred in a sci-fi film that would become a genre game changer— The Matrix . Directed by Andy and Lana Wachowski, the 1999 movie followed Reeves as prophetic figure Neo, slated to lead humanity to freedom from an all-consuming simulated world. Known for its innovative fight sequences, avant-garde special effects and gorgeous fashion, The Matrix was an international hit. Two sequels were filmed together and released in 2003 to a more mixed reception, though the second installment, The Matrix Reloaded, was a bigger financial blockbuster than its predecessor.

In summer 2019, 16 years after the release of The Matrix Reloaded , it was announced that a fourth film in the franchise was in the works, with Reeves set to return as Neo.

'Something's Gotta Give,' 'The Day the Earth Stood Still'

Even with mainstream success, Reeves continued working in different genres, as seen with his roles as an abusive man in The Gift (2000), starring Cate Blanchett , a smitten doctor in Something’s Gotta Give (2003) opposite Diane Keaton , and a Brit demon hunter in Constantine (2005). Reeves returned to sci-fi as alien Klaatu in the 2008 remake of the classic The Day the Earth Stood Still , co-starring Jennifer Connelly and Jaden Smith .

'Man of Tai Chi,' 'John Wick,' 'Toy Story 4'

The following decade saw the actor making his directorial debut with Man of Tai Chi (2013). Martial arts–based themes continued in Reeves' next feature, the widely panned 47 Ronin (2013), which was followed in 2014 by the more critically well-received John Wick , co-starring Willem Dafoe and John Leguizamo and its sequel John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017). After co-starring with Winona Ryder in the rom-com Destination Wedding (2018), Reeves faced a busy 2019 with the release of the sci-fi thriller Replicas ; a return to action fare in John Wick 3: Parabellum ; a supporting role in the Netflix rom-com Always Be My Maybe and his entry into a major animated franchise as the voice of stuntman Duke Caboom in Toy Story 4.

In 1999, Reeves and his girlfriend Jennifer Syme had a daughter, Ava Archer Syme-Reeves, born eight months stillborn. The loss of their daughter devastated the couple and caused the end of their relationship.

Two years later, Jennifer was involved in a fatal car accident where she rammed into three cars and was thrown out of her vehicle. It was later reported she was on anti-depressant medication.

Other Interests

His artistic aspirations not limited to film, Reeves co-founded the band Dogstar in the early 1990s. Dogstar enjoyed modest success, releasing two albums during Reeves' decade-long run as its bass player. He later played bass for a band called Becky for about a year.

Reeves is also a longtime motorcycle enthusiast. After asking designer Gard Hollinger to create a custom-built bike for him, the two went into business together with the formation of Arch Motorcycle Company LLC in 2011.

Reported to be one of the more generous actors in Hollywood, Reeves helped care for his sister during her lengthy battle with leukemia, and has supported such organizations as Stand Up To Cancer and PETA.

In August 2018, while promoting Destination Wedding with Ryder, Reeves seemed surprised to learn that he may be legally married to his co-star. Ryder said it was the result of filming their wedding scene for Dracula , as a real Romanian priest had conducted a full marriage ceremony.

QUICK FACTS

• Birth date: September 2, 1964
• Birth City: Beirut
• Birth Country: Lebanon
• Best Known For: Actor Keanu Reeves has starred in the movies 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure,' 'Speed,' 'The Matrix' and 'John Wick,' among many other projects.
• Astrological Sign: Virgo
• Avondale Alternative
• De La Salle College

Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn’t look right, contact us !

• I was never the kind of actor who was only interested in my own performance and that’s it. I’ve always enjoyed being on sets and seeing where the camera was going and looking at the shooting schedule and understanding how the production is put together and how I fit into the story as a whole.
• I enjoyed [River Phoenix's] company. Very much. And enjoyed his mind and his spirit and his soul. We brought good out in each other. He was a real original thinker. He was not the status quo. In anything.
• People say, ‘Another inscrutable deadpan performance.’ I mostly find these things amusing. Something like ‘Point Break Live!’ is a funny idea, I can understand that. Ultimately you hope that people like what you do. It’s a drag when they don’t. The weirdest thing for me is when people assume that I’m the person I’m playing.

Famous Actors

Riley Keough

Maya Rudolph

Anthony Hopkins

Jamie Lee Curtis

Timothée Chalamet

Anya Taylor-Joy

Cillian Murphy

Olivia Munn

Cillian Murphy & Sterling K. Brown Oscars Grooming

• Keanu Reeves

Additional Crew

IMDbPro Starmeter 83 55

• Contact info
• 15 wins & 42 nominations

Photos 1323

• Jack Traven

• Johnny Utah

• Shadow (voice)
• Post-production
• Pre-production
• John Constantine
• In Production

• Johnny Silverhand (voice)

• Batman (voice)

• Thomas Anderson

• Duke Caboom (voice)

• William Foster

• executive producer

• producer (produced by)

• motion capture: Mr. Fusion

• production runner (uncredited)
• In-development projects at IMDbPro

Personal details

• Norman Kreeves
• 6′ 1″ (1.86 m)
• September 2 , 1964
• Beirut, Lebanon
• No Children
• Parents Samuel Nowlin Reeves
• Relatives Kim Reeves (Sibling)
• Other works Stage: Appeared (as "Hamlet") in "Hamlet", Manitoba Theatre Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
• 1 Biographical Movie
• 2 Print Biographies
• 2 Portrayals
• 29 Interviews
• 43 Articles
• 10 Pictorials
• 48 Magazine Cover Photos

Did you know

• Trivia Very good friends with his Bill & Ted co-star, Alex Winter and has remained in contact with him. Keanu has also contributed cameo appearances and helped with a number of Winter's film projects.
• Quotes What would happen if you melted? You know, you never really hear this talked about much, but spontaneous combustion? It exists!...[people] burn from within...sometimes they'll be in a wooden chair and the chair won't burn, but there'll be nothing left of the person. Except sometimes his teeth. Or the heart. No one speaks about this, but its for real.
• Trademarks Intense contemplative gaze
• Salaries The Matrix Resurrections ( 2021 ) $13,000,000 + box office grosses and bonuses
• How old is Keanu Reeves?
• When was Keanu Reeves born?
• Where was Keanu Reeves born?

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How Keanu Reeves overcame a troubled childhood and heartbreaking losses to become Hollywood's most beloved actor

• Actor Keanu Reeves  is known for his roles in films like "The Matrix" and " John Wick ," but before he was an actor, he wanted to play ice hockey. 
• Reeves was born in Lebanon to English and American parents, and is of Chinese-Hawaiian and European descent. 
• Reeves began his acting career at the age of 9 before going on to star in blockbuster films like "Speed" and the "Matrix" films. 
• Recently, Reeves appeared in the Netflix rom-com "Always Be My Maybe." 
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

Keanu Reeves has appeared in numerous films, ranging from "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" to action hits like "John Wick" and "Speed," as well as period pieces like "Bram Stoker's Dracula" and "Dangerous Liaisons." 

But before Reeves became one of the biggest names in Hollywood, he was living in Toronto and seriously considering a career in ice hockey. 

Born to English and American parents in Lebanon, Reeves lived in Sydney and New York with his family before moving to Toronto when he was approximately seven years old. 

Keanu is of Chinese-Hawaiian and European descent, and has spoken of feeling connected to both his Chinese and his English heritage.

And lately, the actor has been making headlines as people are realizing he's actually a pretty nice guy. But it hasn't been all joy for the internet's latest boyfriend .

Here's everything you need to know about the life of Keanu Reeves. 

Keanu was born in Beirut to English and American parents.

Keanu Charles Reeves was born on September 2, 1964, in Beirut, Lebanon. His mother, Patricia Bond, is English, from Essex, but left home when she was young. And through his father Samuel (who was born in Honolulu), Reeves is of Hawaiian, Portuguese , and Chinese descent. 

Reeves' parents met and married in Beirut when his mother was 19 and his father was 21 . After Keanu was born, they went on to have another child — Keanu's younger sister Kim. Reeves also has several half-siblings on his father's side.

Reeves' father, who struggled with substance abuse , left his family when Keanu was young, and was arrested for selling heroin at Hilo Airport in Hawaii in 1992. 

Reeves' mother moved his family to Sydney, then New York, before settling in Toronto.

After Reeves' parents divorced in 1966, Keanu's costume-designer mother moved the family to Sydney, Australia , and then to New York City, where she married Broadway and Hollywood director Paul Aaron . The family finally settled in Toronto, where Reeves spent most of his formative years. 

Reeves said in a previous interview that he was raised in the Yorkville neighborhood of Toronto. Although his parents were American and English, Reeves holds Canadian citizenship and identifies as such. 

Reeves attended various high schools, including the Etobicoke school of the arts, and De La Salle college.

Reeves struggled in school when he was a child. While growing up in Toronto, the actor attended several high schools, including a private Catholic school and a prestigious performing arts school. 

Reeves said in a 1988 interview that he was first enrolled in a rigorous academic school before he auditioned for Etobicoke School of the Arts , a performing arts high school. 

The actor shared in the same interview that he was "happy for a while" at the performing arts school, but then got expelled because he was "just a little too rambunctious." 

Before he got serious about acting, Reeves wanted to be an ice hockey player.

Per a 1995 interview with People magazine , Reeves spent one year at private Catholic school De La Salle college, where he was a goalie on the hockey team and was once voted most valuable player. 

The actor was reportedly about to start a career as a professional hockey player , but decided to pursue acting after an injury and a trip to New York City changed his mind. 

Reeves would go on to use his experience playing hockey for his role in the 1986 hockey film "Youngblood." 

Reeves began his acting career at the age of nine, later taking acting courses at night when he was a teenager.

Reeves shared in an interview that he decided to become an actor at the age of 17 or 18, even though he appeared in a summer camp production of "Damn Yankees" when he was nine. He also played Mercutio in a high school production of "Romeo and Juliet." 

After high school, the star took acting courses at night , then joined community theater productions and got an agent. His first professional roles was on a local Toronto television program called "Hanging In," where he played a "tough street kid." 

Reeves followed up his role on "Hanging In" with more local theater and film productions, before moving to LA in in 1986 . 

Reeves' first hit was the 1989 comedy "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure."

Reeves acted in a variety of films upon moving to Hollywood in 1986, including the teen crime drama "River's Edge" in 1986 and "Permanent Record," where he played the best friend of a teen who commits suicide. 

But Reeves' big break arguably came in 1989, with "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure." Fresh off a role in period drama "Dangerous Liaisons," Reeves' turn as stoner genius Ted garnered him instant acclaim. 

Although "Bill & Ted" received mixed reviews, Reeves was generally praised for his performance, and the movie was a hit at the box office. 

After "Bill & Ted," Reeves appeared in the ensemble comedy "Parenthood" in 1989.

After "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure," Reeves also appeared in the 1989 family dramedy "Parenthood," which starred Steve Martin, Joaquin Phoenix, and Martha Plimpton as Reeves' love interest. 

While on the set of "Parenthood," Reeves got to know costar Joaquin Phoenix, and reportedly met his younger brother River (with whom he'd star in "My Own Private Idaho" with) while on set. 

Reeves started to play bass in the alternative rock band Dogstar in the early 1990s.

Reeves joined the alt-rock band Dogstar as a bassist in the early 1990s, reportedly after an encounter with drummer Robert Mailhouse in a grocery store. 

The "Matrix" actor went on to play with the band for several years, and, after the group split, played bass in Becky, Mailhouse's subsequent project . 

Recently, Reeves reflected on his time in Dogstar, saying in a recent interview that he felt bad for making the band seem like the pet project of a famous actor. 

On the other hand, Reeves noted, "I guess it would have helped if our band was better." 

Reeves appeared in both big-budget action movies like "Point Break" and indie dramas like "My Own Private Idaho."

Reeves went on to act in an eclectic mix of films, ranging from the surf-driven crime thriller "Point Break" in 1991 to Gus Van Sant's 1991 critically acclaimed indie drama "My Own Private Idaho," the latter of which garnered Reeves a significant amount of praise. 

Reeves and his "Private Idaho" costar River Phoenix grew to be good friends after they finished filming. Phoenix's sudden death in 1993 deeply affected Reeves . 

Reeves would also go on to star in several period dramas around the same time as "Point Break," including "Much Ado About Nothing" and "Bram Stoker's Dracula," directed by Francis Ford Coppola. 

After his roles in indie films like "My Own Private Idaho," Reeves gained mainstream success with "Speed."

1994 saw Reeves star in his first blockbuster film, the crime thriller "Speed." 

The action film focused on the efforts of an LAPD detective, played by Reeves, who struggles to rescue civilians trapped on a bus that's been rigged with explosives by a serial bomber. 

Reeves' close friend and former costar River Phoenix died during the filming of "Speed," which reportedly caused the actor a great deal of pain. "I miss him greatly," Reeves said of Phoenix in a 1994 interview . 

Sandra Bullock costarred with Reeves in the film, which garnered critical and commercial acclaim upon release. Bullock and Reeeves grew close on the set of "Speed," with the actor even leaving gifts for her during film, per a 1994 interview with Entertainment Weekly. 

Read more: Sandra Bullock admitted she had a crush on 'Speed' costar Keanu Reeves, and the actor just confirmed it was mutual

With "The Matrix" franchise, Reeves cemented his status as a Hollywood A-lister.

The 1999 sci-fi action film "The Matrix" is arguably one of Reeves' most iconic movies. Directed by the Wachowskis, the film tells the story of a computer hacker enlisted to take down dystopian overlords.

While subsequent spin-off films weren't as successful, "The Matrix" franchise made Reeves a household name. 

At the height of his fame, Reeves lost both his girlfriend and their child.

Reeves met his girlfriend Jennifer Syme at a promo party for Dogstar in 1998, and the two started dating shortly after, according to reports .

Reeves had said in a previous interview that he wanted to settle down and start a family at some point in his life, and in 1999, Syme became pregnant. Tragically, the couple's daughter, Ava Archer Syme-Reeves, was stillborn in December of that year. 

Syme reportedly experienced postpartum depression , and many believe that the grief the couple experienced due to the loss of their child led them to break up. However, they still remained friends up until Syme's death in April 2001 . 

She was killed in a car accident after attending a party thrown by Marilyn Manson in Los Angeles, Another Man reports . Reeves was due to begin shooting back-to-back "Matrix" sequels that spring, but took some time to grieve before resuming working. 

After the "Matrix" franchise, Reeves kept a lower profile, acting in rom-coms like "Something's Gotta Give" and in crime thrillers like "Constantine" and "Street Kings."

Reeves' roles after "The Matrix" were an eclectic mix. The actor played romantic leads in rom-coms like 2003's "Something's Gotta Give" and 2006 romantic drama "The Lake House," while also acting in darker thrillers like "Constantine" in 2005 and 2006's "A Scanner Darkly." 

During this time, Reeves had to bow out of his musical groups due to scheduling conflicts.

In 2005, he received a star  on the Hollywood walk of fame. 

Reeves is an avid motorcyclist who co-founded Arch Motorcycle company.

In 2011, Reeves started Arch motorcycle company with motorcycle designer Gard Hollinger, according to a recent GQ profile of Reeves. The company currently has a shop in Hawthorne, California, where Reeves can work on new designs. 

The actor has always been a motorcycle buff, famously gifting the stuntmen on the "Matrix" films Harley Davidsons after the movie wrapped. 

Reeves' "Bill & Ted" costar Alex Winter revealed in the GQ article that he and Reeves were both drawn to motorcycles. 

"We bonded over motorcycles, bass guitar, and Harold Pinter," Winter told the magazine , adding, "Reeves had a really good book collection." 

Reeves is an author and a producer in addition to an actor and musician.

While Reeves is best known as an actor, he's also tried his hand at producing and writing. 

He produced the 2012 documentary " Side by Side ," which focused on the differences and history of both digital and photochemical film techniques. The documentary featured interviews with the likes of James Cameron, David Fincher, and David Lynch, and was well-received upon release. 

And in 2011, Reeves wrote " Ode to Happiness ," an illustrated book that the Huffington Post called "a whimsical, humorous poetic riff on self-pity." 

Read more: Keanu Reeves had a delightful reaction when he found out about his 'internet boyfriend' status

Recently, Reeves has seen critical and commercial success with his roles in the "John Wick" films.

The 2014 action film "John Wick" was a surprising hit for Reeves both critically and commercially, and would go on to spawn two more sequels — the latest, "John Wick Chapter 3 — Parabellum" was released in May. 

Much like his previous films "Speed" and "The Matrix," "John Wick" and its subsequent spin-offs were sleeper hits for Reeves. The actor especially was praised for his nuanced performance as the ex-hit man who comes out of retirement to avenge his dead dog. 

Read more: 'John Wick: Chapter 3' isn't better than the first 2 movies, but fans will still love watching Keanu Reeves take names

He also started an organization to support cancer patients, since his sister has suffered from leukemia.

It's no secret that Reeves is one of the nicest actors in Hollywood, but his kind gestures go beyond giving up subway seats and signing receipts for fans . 

Huffington Post reports that Reeves "quietly" started a private cancer foundation in recent years, as a result of his sister Kim's 10-year battle with leukemia. 

The actor also reportedly gave much of his earnings from the "Matrix" franchise to the special effects and design teams, and even gave stuntmen working on the films their own Harley Davidson motorcycles, according to Hello Magazine . 

Read more: A story about Keanu Reeves buying an ice cream just so he could autograph the receipt for a young fan has gone viral. And now others are sharing their own touching experiences with the actor.

Upcoming projects for Reeves include a starring role in "Bill and Ted Face the Music."

In between his "John Wick" films, Reeves acted in a mix of indie thrillers and mainstream crime dramas, and notably had a key role in the 2019 Netflix film "Always Be My Maybe." 

Reeves also worked on "Toy Story 4," in which he voiced a Canadian daredevil toy named Duke Caboom who rides motorcycles. 

Reeves will also appear in the forthcoming "Bill & Ted" film called "Bill & Ted Face the Music." 

Read more: Fans are calling Keanu Reeves a 'respectful king' after noticing he doesn't touch women in photos

Reeves was recently spotted holding hands with artist Alexandra Grant, sparking speculation over their relationship.

The 55-year-old star of  "The Matrix" arrived with Grant at the LACMA Art and Film Gala in Los Angeles, where the pair posed for photos and held hands . 

Reeves, who has kept his personal life very private, had never posed with a girlfriend on the red carpet in his 35-year acting tenure.

Grant is a Los Angeles-based visual artist who previously collaborated with Reeves on several books . The duo, who founded a publishing house together in 2017 , haven't spoken publicly about the nature of their relationship, and representatives for Grant and Reeves didn't immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment. 

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Who Is Keanu Reeves, Really?

He’s neo. he’s john wick. he’s johnny utah. he’ll soon be ted again, in bill and ted face the music ..

For an actor sometimes panned for his lack of range, Keanu Reeves’s career has undergone remarkable shifts. He began as a teen dreamboat, shining in moody dramas like River’s Edge , then hammed it up in the Bill & Ted movies. His attempt to pivot into serious leading-man roles ended with him becoming, quite by accident, an action star. A fallow period in the ’00s led, in a roundabout way, to a new kind of viral fame that has not subsided even a decade on. Then, with the John Wick franchise, a comeback. To commemorate Reeves returning to the role of Theodore “Ted” Logan in Bill & Ted Face the Music , here is the accumulated legend of Keanu, gleaned from 30 years of (sometimes glowing, sometimes condescending) press coverage.

His Early Years

Keanu Charles Reeves was born on September 2, 1964, in Beirut, Lebanon, to Patricia Taylor, a casino showgirl from England, and her husband, Samuel Reeves Jr., vagabond son of a prominent Hawaiian family. Keanu’s father walked out when he was young, and the family bounced around in Australia and New York City before settling in Toronto, where his mother worked as a costume designer for Dolly Parton and Alice Cooper, who once babysat Keanu. Of his teen years, he has said, “I was greasy and running around a lot. I was just a little too rambunctious.” A former teacher attested, “I don’t think he ever got to a class on time.”

So Can He Act?

➽ “It would be one of the biggest misreadings … to say, ‘That’s not a superintelligent person,’ ” said Richard Linklater . “It takes a smart person to play a dumb person effectively.”

➽ “A lot of people give Keanu Reeves shit, I know: I was one of them until I saw The Matrix, ” said Quentin Tarantino . “Then I just wanted to apologize for everything that I had ever said about him.”

➽ “He’s quite a funny guy, and that’s not [the roles] he gets in movies and stuff,” said character actor Peter Stormare , a longtime friend. “He’s a really great comedian.”

➽ When queried by a reader whether he was “a Good Bad Actor or a Bad Good Actor,” the New York Times turned in a split decision. “A good actor, period,” said A. O. Scott . “Who cares? He’s Keanu Reeves, dude,” wrote Manohla Dargis .

➽ “There are days when I’m okay. Maybe it’s because I’m a Virgo; it’s in my sign to be hard on myself,” said Keanu Reeves .

His Action Career

➽ He has lived without his spleen since a 1988 motorcycle accident. He has joked that action movies helped him survive later crashes. “ Chain Reaction taught me how to fall and bounce. Speed gave me the agility to get up and hobble away before somebody could run over me.”

➽ His manager had to convince him to do Speed. “He hated stunts, and he hated action! He was afraid of it,” said Speed director Jan de Bont . Now, Reeves has said, he will take the John Wick franchise “as far as my legs can take me.”

➽ Johnny Utah, his character in Point Break, was the first person ever to be described as “young, dumb, and full of cum.”

➽ Within the industry, he has become famed for his preparation — and not just for action. “If you told him to go learn how to crochet, he’d go and be an expert in that,” said John Wick director Chad Stahelski .

“There is an ambiguity about him,” a philosophy professor has said. “He’s not androgynous. He’s not an alpha male. He’s masculine and feminine in a way.”

He shares his name, which means “cool breeze over the mountains,” with his great-uncle. In his first months in Los Angeles, he went by K. C. Reeves. Keanu, a studio executive had said, was “a name that will never appear on a marquee.”

His Secrets

Said one childhood friend: “He was a secretive guy about his life. You could be hanging with the guy for three years; suddenly, he’d introduce you to someone who turned out to be a friend of his all that time.”

His Nomadic Ways

For years, he lived out of a suitcase, crashing at the Chateau Marmont or his sister’s house. The contents of the suitcase, circa 1995: “A couple of pairs of pants, a few T-shirts, socks, underwear, one suit, a sport jacket, a pair of shoes.”

What He Moved to L.A. With

$3,000 and a 1969 Volvo.

His Love of Hockey

He daydreamed of playing goalie for the Canadian national team. (His nickname was “the Wall.”) “Even when he was tending goal,” his old coach said, “he would start reciting Shakespeare.”

His Business Ventures

He co-owns a motorcycle company that produces an $85,000 made-to-order bike and a publishing imprint that does “secret books.”

His Tragedies

➽ He was estranged from his late father. “It’s full of pain and woe and fucking loss and all that shit,” said Keanu.

➽ He pushed back shooting The Matrix sequels to be with his sister as she battled leukemia.

➽ In 2000, he had a stillborn daughter with girlfriend Jennifer Syme. Syme died in a car accident in 2001.

➽ His close friend and My Own Private Idaho co-star River Phoenix died of a drug overdose in 1993.

How He Sees His Relationship With His Fans

“I’m Mickey [Mouse]. They don’t know who’s inside the suit.”

His Love Life

➽ He has never married, unless you count his wedding scene with Winona Ryder in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, which was performed with a real Romanian priest.

➽ Rumors once swirled that he was in a same-sex marriage with David Geffen. He let them swirl. “There’s nothing wrong with being gay, so to deny it is to make a judgment,” he said.

➽ In 2019, he and visual artist Alexandra Grant, a longtime friend and business partner, began appearing in public together as a couple.

He’s a Mensch

➽ He rescued a young Octavia Spencer after her car broke down.

➽ He gave up back-end profits on The Matrix sequels to the movies’ special-effects and costume teams.

➽ In 2019, he stuck with fellow passengers after their plane made an emergency landing in Bakersfield and entertained them with facts about the city.

➽ He has launched a foundation that funds children’s hospitals and cancer research.

➽ He prefers not to talk about any of this.

His Intimations of Mortality

In his 40s, he began to think about his own death. In his 50s, he says, he has accepted it and begun to prepare for it.

He Is Not ‘Sad Keanu’

After a May 2010 paparazzi photo of Reeves sitting by himself on a bench and forlornly eating a sandwich went viral , he had this to say: “Conceptually, what was going on was pretty funny … It’s still a drag to get your picture taken when you’re eating a sandwich.” On reports that he is sad: “I don’t feel lonely. I don’t socialize a lot, but I have good friends and I have a very good life.”

*This article appears in the August 17, 2020, issue of  New York Magazine. Subscribe Now!

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Keanu Reeves Biography (1964-)

First name is pronounced Key-ah-noo; full name, Keanu Charles Reeves; born September 2 (other sources cite September 4 or August 2), 1964, in Beirut, Lebanon; son of Samuel Nowlin Reeves (a geologist) and Patricia Bond (a costume designer and performer). Addresses: Agent: Creative Artists Agency, 9830 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212.; Manager: 3 Arts Entertainment, 9460 Wilshire Blvd., Seventh Floor, Beverly Hills, CA 90212.; Publicist: PMK/HBH Public Relations, 8500 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Beverly Hills, CA 90211.

Famous Works

Further reference.

OTHER SOURCES Books International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers, Volume 3: Actors and Actresses, St. James Press, 1996 Keanu Reeves: Tear Out Photo Book, Oliver Books, 1994 Kohler, Michael, Keanu Reeves, Bertz Verlag, 2003 Periodicals Biography, September, 2000, pp. 50-54, 116 Entertainment Weekly, April 9, 1999, p. 26; November 7, 2003, pp.24-28 Maclean's, January 23, 1995 Newsweek, June 13, 1994 People Weekly, June 5, 1995, p. 70; June 5, 2000, p. 18; April 23,2001, pp. 58-59; June 2, 2003, pp. 63-64 Premiere, March, 1996, p. 58 Rolling Stone, March 9, 1989 Sport, November, 1997, p. 76 Sun-Times (Chicago), March 28, 1999 Times (London), January 11, 1998 Us, March, 1995; February, 1999 USA Weekend, August 4, 2000, pp. 6-8 Vanity Fair, August, 1995; February, 2001, pp. 60-65, 110-12

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Keanu Reeves: Biography, Success Story, and The Matrix

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves is a name synonymous with eclectic blockbuster hits and heartwarming humility. His biography isn’t merely a tale of Hollywood glamour but a rich tapestry interweaving unparalleled cinematic success and profoundly human experiences. From the adrenaline-pumping action in  The Matrix to his poignant, real-life journey through triumph and tragedy, Reeves’s success story transcends the silver screen, etching an indelible mark both in the annals of film history and the hearts of admirers worldwide.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Keanu Charles Reeves was born in Beirut on September 2, 1964, and raised amidst Toronto’s dynamic cultural tapestry. His journey began with modest roots, debuting in the Canadian television sphere with  Hangin In  in 1984 and subsequently stepping into the luminous world of feature films with  Youngblood  in 1986.

Keanu’s trajectory into the cinematic universe found its initial stellar beacon in the whimsical and fantastical landscape of  Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure  in 1989, where the mesh of science fiction and comedy intertwined with his pleasant screen presence. In the following sequels, he carved a niche that would later weave into a tapestry of varied and nuanced roles.

The actor needed to familiarize himself with the rhythms of commercial cinema. In 1991, his portrayal of a hustler in  My Own Private Idaho  unveiled layers of his capability to navigate a character’s poignant and reflective spaces, cementing his versatility beyond the frames of blockbuster films. Meanwhile, action spectacles like  Point Break  (1991) and  Speed  (1994) harnessed his physicality and kinetic screen presence, crafting the archetype of an action hero that would recur throughout his career.

Reeves’s journey was not without its tumultuous phases. A string of box office disappointments could have deterred a less persistent spirit. Still, his captivating performance in horror with The Devil’s Advocate  (1997) demonstrated resilience and an undeterred pursuit of artistic expression. Subsequently, the emergence of Neo in the paradigm-altering  The Matrix  series from 1999 marked a pivotal juncture, intertwining his identity with a character that would become emblematic of science fiction and philosophical musings in pop culture.

Keanu continued to explore diverse cinematic landscapes, delving into the arcane with  Constantine  (2005), exploring romantic ephemeralities in  The Lake House  (2006), confronting extraterrestrial enigmas in  The Day the Earth Stood Still  (2008), and navigating through the gritty urban complexities of  Street Kings  (2008).

An indomitable spirit, Keanu emerged from commercial ebbs with a resounding echo in the  John Wick  series, beginning in 2014. His portrayal of the eponymous assassin amalgamated emotional depth with kinetic action, forging a character that revitalized his standing in the cinematic universe. His influence reverberated beyond the screen, finding acknowledgment in  Time’s  enumeration of the 100 most influential people in 2022.

Beyond his illustrious acting career, Reeves delved into the realm of direction, where he showcased his talents through the film  Man of Tai Chi  (2013). His versatility extends to his musicianship, known for his dexterity on the bass guitar as part of the band Dogstar. Furthermore, he has ventured into various other interests, including writing and philanthropic endeavors.

Through decades, Keanu Reeves has woven a tapestry rich with diverse characters, genre-spanning performances, and endeavors that transcend the cinematic and musical worlds, crafting a legacy that oscillates between the pulsating action of the fantastical and the serenity of the reflective, all while cultivating an unspoken, yet palpable connection with audiences across the globe.

Enjoy reading the comprehensive biography and success story of Keanu Reeves.

Keanu Reeves, born in the vibrant city of Beirut, Lebanon, on September 2, 1964, embarked on a life that would evolve into a rich tapestry of experiences. His mother, Patricia Taylor, was an English costume designer and performer. At the same time, his father, Samuel Nowlin Reeves Jr., boasted a diverse American heritage with roots reaching into Native Hawaiian, Chinese, English, Irish, and Portuguese soils. Reeves encountered his father for the last time on the lush island of Kauai at the tender age of 13, after which he faded from his life.

Upon the dissolution of his parents’ marriage in 1966, Reeves’s family journeyed from Sydney to New York City, navigating through his mother’s subsequent marriages to Paul Aaron, a prominent director in both Broadway and Hollywood, in 1970, and later to Robert Miller, a rock music promoter, in 1976. Each union was transient, ending in divorce in 1971 and 1980, respectively. When Reeves was nine, he dabbled in the performing arts, participating in a production of Damn Yankees . Despite the transitions and upheavals of his early life, he and his sisters found stability in the Yorkville neighborhood of Toronto, nurtured by a frequently present nanny and surrounded by the Chinese art, furniture, and cuisine brought into their lives by their grandmother.

A self-described “private kid,” Reeves traversed through four high schools, encountering challenges brought on by dyslexia and harboring a rebellious streak that once led to his expulsion from the Etobicoke School of the Arts. Hockey piqued his interest and talent, flourishing into a dream to play professionally for the Canadian Olympic team. However, the stage called louder, and at age 15, his aspirations shifted to acting. After attending Avondale Secondary Alternative School, which allowed him to interweave his education with his blossoming acting career, he left high school at 17. His journey then whisked him away to Los Angeles, utilizing a green card obtained through his American stepfather, carrying forward not American citizenship but retaining his sole Canadian one.

Early Career (from 1984 and 1990)

In 1984, Reeves served as a correspondent for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) youth television program  Going Great . During the same year, he embarked on his acting journey, debuting in an episode of the television series  Hangin’ In . In 1985, Reeves took on the role of Mercutio in a stage production of  Romeo and Juliet  at the Leah Posluns Theatre in North York, Ontario. His stage appearances continued with noteworthy roles, including his performance in Brad Fraser’s cult hit  Wolfboy  in Toronto. Additionally, Reeves made a memorable appearance in a Coca-Cola commercial in 1983 and participated in the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) coming-of-age short film  One Step Away .

Reeves later disclosed that in his quest for work during the mid-1980s, his agents advised him to adopt a different name, deeming his first name “too ethnic.” Temporarily, he utilized his first and middle initials and attended auditions as “K. C.” or “Casey” Reeves before returning to his name, Keanu.

In 1986, Reeves ventured into television films, including NBC’s  Babes in Toyland ,  Act of Vengeance , and  Brotherhood of Justice . He made his cinematic debut in Peter Markle’s  Youngblood  (1986), where he portrayed a goalkeeper, and appeared in the low-budget romantic drama  Flying . Notably, he took on the role of Matt in  River’s Edge , a crime drama revolving around a group of high school friends grappling with a murder case loosely inspired by the 1981 murder of Marcy Renee Conrad. The film premiered at the 1986 Toronto International Film Festival to considerable acclaim. Janet Maslin of The New York Times lauded the young cast’s performances as “natural and credible,” with Reeves singled out as “affecting and sympathetic.”

Towards the end of the 1980s, Reeves became a fixture in several dramas aimed at a teenage audience. His roles included the lead in  The Night Before  (1988), a comedy co-starring Lori Loughlin,  The Prince of Pennsylvania  (1988), and  Permanent Record  (1988). While the latter received mixed reviews, Variety magazine commended Reeves’s performance, noting that it “opens up nicely as the drama unfolds.” His diverse acting portfolio also included a supporting role in  Dangerous Liaisons  (1988). This film garnered seven nominations at the 61st Academy Awards, winning three categories: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, and Best Production Design.

Subsequently, Reeves embarked on the iconic journey of  Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure  (1989), portraying a laid-back character who traverses time with a friend (illustrated by Alex Winter) to assemble historical figures for a school presentation. The film was well-received by critics and achieved global box office success, grossing $40.5 million. The review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes bestowed a 79% approval rating, with the consensus describing Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter as “charming, goofy, and silly enough to make this time-travel adventure work.”

In 1989, Reeves took the lead in the comedy-drama  Parenthood , directed by Ron Howard. The BBC’s Nick Hilditch awarded the film three out of five stars, characterizing it as a “feel-good movie” with an “extensive and entertaining ensemble cast.” In 1990, Reeves’s acting prowess was showcased in two distinct roles: an inept hitman in the black comedy  I Love You to Death  and a radio station employee named Martin in the comedy  Tune in Tomorrow . He also appeared in Paula Abdul’s “Rush Rush” music video featuring a motif inspired by  Rebel Without a Cause , with Reeves filling the iconic James Dean role.

Myriad of New Roles (from 1991 to 1994)

In the pivotal year of 1991, Keanu Reeves returned to the screen in a myriad of roles that showcased his eclectic acting prowess. He reprised his role in  Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey , enhancing the cinematic universe with a sequel that glittered with even more imagination and visual splendor than  Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure . Lauded for its enhanced creativity and bolder performances from the cast, particularly Reeves and co-star Alex Winter, the sequel garnered praise from renowned critics like Michael Wilmington and Roger Ebert for its oddly captivating, hallucinogenic slapstick humor.

1991 also witnessed Reeves embarking on a mature cinematic journey, sharing the screen with River Phoenix in the adventurous  My Own Private Idaho . Set against the backdrop of a road trip, the character-driven story, penned and directed by Gus Van Sant, incorporates elements from Shakespearean plays, presenting a hybrid of classic literature and modern storytelling that tugs at themes of identity and discovery. Upon its release, it received critical acclaim and commercial success, with reviewers like Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly extolling the film as a “rich, audacious experience” and Reeves and Phoenix earning plaudits for their perceptive performances.

Venturing into action thrillers, Reeves immersed himself as an undercover FBI agent in  Point Break , a 1991 film that gathered waves of appreciation for its compelling narrative and adrenaline-pumping sequences. Alongside co-stars like Patrick Swayze and Lori Petty, and under Kathryn Bigelow’s meticulous direction, Reeves dove into a world of surfing and undercover operations, attaining acclaim from notable outlets such as  The New York Times  for his versatile and disciplined portrayal of his character.

Simultaneously, Reeves cultivated his musical inclinations by forming the alternative rock band Dogstar, exploring his passion for music beyond the cinematic realm. He harmoniously balanced his musical journey with his acting career, demonstrating a mastery of artistry that few in Hollywood achieved.

In 1992, Reeves embraced the dark and mystic world of  Bram Stoker’s Dracula , a Francis Ford Coppola directorial endeavor, where, despite facing criticism for his English accent and performance, the film saw substantial critical and financial success, even securing its place in the award-winning spectrum with several Academy Awards and British Academy Film Awards nominations.

1993 presented Reeves with a diversified palette of roles. From navigating through Shakespeare’s intricate narrative in  Much Ado About Nothing  to delving into dramatic realms with films like  Even Cowgirls Get the Blues  and  Little Buddha , Reeves encountered a mix of appreciation and critique. His portrayal of roles varied from being termed “credible” to being nominated for the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor.

By 1994, Reeves skyrocketed into the action-hero stratosphere with  Speed , sharing the screen with Sandra Bullock in a high-stakes thriller directed by Jan de Bont. Embodying the character of police officer Jack Traven, Reeves underwent a physical transformation and showcased a multifaceted performance amidst personal tragedy as he grieved the loss of his friend and former co-star, River Phoenix. Celebrated critics like Gene Siskel and David Ansen lauded Reeves’s riveting performance. At the same time, the film, both a commercial and critical triumph, became synonymous with adrenaline-fueled entertainment and earned accolades at the Academy Awards.

From surreal humor to profound drama and high-octane action, Keanu Reeves’s journey through these years illuminates an actor navigating through the cinematic spectrum with an ever-curious spirit, embodying varied characters, and gradually sculpting a career characterized by versatility, depth, and unexpected choices.

Continued Acting Journey (from 1995 to 1998)

In the mid-1990s, Keanu Reeves’s cinematic journey dabbled in a kaleidoscope of genres, from the futuristic realms of cyberpunk to emotive romantic dramas, demonstrating his versatility even amidst varied critical receptions.

In 1995, he plunged into the cerebral, digitized underworld of  Johnny Mnemonic , a film born from William Gibson’s imaginative prose and brought to the screen by the artist-director Robert Longo. Although set in 2021, conjured from an 80s vision of cybernetic implants and deadly data trafficking, the film struggled to find its footing among critics. Even as the film met a slew of negative reviews and opinions like Roger Ebert’s, which relegated it to a form of “idiotic grandeur,” it has since lingered in the realm of cinematic curiosities for its bold and erratic vision of a future, technology-riddled society.

Shifting gears from the mechanistic to the emotional, Reeves took on a role steeped in post-war romance and interpersonal intricacies in  A Walk in the Clouds (1995). Though the film navigated through turbulent reviews—oscillating from Mick LaSalle’s praise for its emotional richness to Hal Hinson’s critique of its saccharine aesthetics—Reeves’s portrayal of a young, war-weathered soldier sought to explore the themes of love, commitment, and spontaneous life choices in the backdrop of a world freshly recovering from global conflict.

Within the same year, Reeves explored the hallowed terrain of Shakespearean tragedy in the Manitoba Theatre Centre’s production of  Hamlet . His rendition of the troubled Dane was met with commendation from critics such as Roger Lewis of The Sunday Times, encapsulating both the tortured psychology and the spirited defiance that haunts the character of Hamlet.

As he drifted back into the cinematic realm, Reeves embraced the suspenseful corridors of science fiction in  Chain Reaction (1996), where his character—an innovator in green energy technology—gets entangled in a tale of murder and deceit. Despite its largely negative reception and adherence to formulaic conventions, the film broadened Reeves’s exploration of roles within the scientific and futuristic domain.

In the subsequent span of his career, Reeves made choices that veered off the beaten path of commercial blockbusters. He passed on reprising his role in the sequel to  Speed  and, instead, turned his gaze towards independent cinema and passion projects. While creating a temporary rift with 20th Century Fox, this choice allowed him to delve into films like  Feeling Minnesota  and tour with his band, Dogstar, which prioritizes artistry and personal interest over mainstream appeal.

In the drama  The Last Time I Committed Suicide  (1997), Reeves rendered a performance that, while harvesting mixed reviews, exhibited his commitment to exploring varied, complex characters. His portrayal sifted through shades of enthusiasm and reckless inebriation, offering a lens into the desperate vibrancy of troubled youth.

Returning to the larger cinematic canvas with  The Devil’s Advocate  in 1997, Reeves collaborated with cinematic giants Al Pacino and Charlize Theron in a narrative that melded supernatural horror with psychological drama. Choosing art over affluence, Reeves took a substantial pay cut to facilitate Pacino’s casting, contributing to a film that garnered positive reviews and appreciated his steady yet multilayered performance.

Through the breadth of the 1990s, Reeves’s career ebbed and flowed through genres and roles that offered both accolades and criticisms, sketching the path of an actor who seamlessly migrated between commercial cinema, independent film, and stage, ever sculpting a legacy grounded in versatility, resilience, and an unbeatable passion for the arts.

The Matrix Franchise and Comedies (from 1999 to 2004)

In 1999, Keanu Reeves navigated the virtual and metaphysical realms in the critically lauded science fiction spectacle  The Matrix . Donning the role of computer programmer Thomas Anderson, or the hacker alias “Neo,” Reeves plunged into a cerebral journey, exploring a universe where humanity unknowingly dwells within a simulated reality, manipulated by sentient machines. The Wachowskis, serving as the architects behind this cinematic universe, steered Reeves into preparatory paths involving Kevin Kelly’s “Out of Control: The New Biology of Machines, Social Systems, and the Economic World” and delving into the corridors of evolutionary psychology with Dylan Evans. Alongside the principal cast, Reeves immersed himself in intensive martial arts training under the meticulous eye of choreographer Yuen Woo-ping. Culminating in a box office triumph,  The Matrix  was heralded by many critics, earning accolades for being one of the paramount science fiction films of its time and securing Academy Awards in multiple technical categories.

Post- The Matrix , Reeves opted for a diversification of roles and genres. The year 2000 saw him embracing the comedic and light-hearted notes of  The Replacements  alongside Gene Hackman, facilitated by a financially accommodating decision on Reeves’s part. Contrasting this, the actor found himself unwillingly embroiled in  The Watcher , a thriller portraying him as a serial killer in stark contrast to his prior roles, owing to an unfortunate contractual predicament. Additionally, he lent his talents to  The Gift , another thriller directed by Sam Raimi, where his role, though supportive, was part of a narrative involving extrasensory perception and a mysterious disappearance.

Reeves’s 2001 cinematic journey was painted with diverse genre explorations, from the romantically poignant  Sweet November  to the emotionally and comedically charged sports film  Hardball . Each role provided a canvas where Reeves’s performances, despite varied critical reception regarding film execution, continued to resonate with likability and a nuanced sincerity that became characteristic of his acting palette.

The dissolution of Dogstar in 2002 marked an end to a musical chapter for Reeves, following the release of two albums and a subsequent, albeit brief, tenure with the band Becky. Yet, his cinematic story was far from over. 

2003 witnessed his reimmersion into the cybernetic, philosophical realms of  The Matrix  with the sequels  The Matrix Reloaded  and  The Matrix Revolutions . Despite a varied critical landscape,  The Matrix Reloaded  dazzled with its visual and sensory pyrotechnics, even as some critiques grazed against the mechanistic and arguably “wooden” nature of specific scenes and character dynamics.  The Matrix Revolutions  presented a juxtaposition of cutting-edge special effects and potential narrative shortfall, eliciting mixed reviews that danced between praising its visual spectacle and critiquing the depth of characters and philosophical arcs.

In the latter half of 2003,  Something’s Gotta Give  presented a shift into romantic comedy, where Reeves, alongside Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, explored dynamics of love, age, and personal evolution, concluding the year on a note that blended levity with emotional sincerity, and once again illuminating Reeves’s capacity to navigate through varied cinematic waters with genuine and relatable performances. His journey, thus, wove through visceral, metaphysical, comedic, and emotional landscapes, crafting a multifaceted tapestry of roles that transcended genres and narrative scopes, continuing to captivate audiences across diverse cinematic universes.

Thrillers and Documentaries (from 2005 to 2013)

In 2005, Reeves stepped into the supernatural realm with  Constantine , a film that, while being a substantial box office success, garnered a spectrum of reviews from critics. His role as an occult detective navigating a world of half-angels and half-demons showcased a nuanced blend of action and esoteric exploration. That same year, he was part of  Thumbsucker , a movie premised on a novel, where the narrative spiraled around a young man grappling with the titular habit. Both the cast and Reeves received a warm critical reception for their performances in the film, drawing attention to its emotionally nuanced storytelling.

Moving through various genres, Reeves explored the animated science-fiction realm in  A Scanner Darkly , directed by Richard Linklater. While the film didn’t mirror its creative audacity at the box office, it was lauded for its visual innovation and thematic depth. Reeves’s continued work with Sandra Bullock in  The Lake House  saw him exploring a temporally complex romantic narrative, even though the film’s reception was polarized amongst critics.

The actor didn’t shy away from dipping his toes into the suspenseful undercurrents of the crime genre with  Street Kings , where he portrayed an undercover cop entwined in a web of deception and retribution. Albeit the movie managed to secure a reasonable commercial response, critical acclaim somewhat eluded it. 2008 brought Reeves back to science fiction with  The Day the Earth Stood Still . This film aimed to blend environmental themes with interstellar intervention but was met with an underwhelming critical response despite Reeves’s compelling performance.

After contributing to  The Great Warming , a documentary exploring climate change, and playing various roles in films such as  The Private Lives of Pippa Lee  and  Henry’s Crime , Reeves explored the other side of the camera. His self-produced documentary,  Side by Side , highlighted the nuanced technicalities of film creation by featuring perspectives from renowned filmmakers. A brief stint in the critically panned  Generation Um…  did little to overshadow his looming directorial debut.

2013 heralded a pivotal moment in Reeves’s career with  Man of Tai Chi , marking his entry into directing. Despite the financial shortfall, the film was a testament to Reeves’s mindful and respectful approach to martial arts and its cinematic representation. His journey into the fantastical historical drama with  47 Ronin  might have been marred by box office and critical disappointment, but it underscored Reeves’s willingness to traverse diverse cinematic landscapes.

In this period, Reeves demonstrated his versatile acting and stepped into new roles, navigating through the spheres of directing and producing, marking a significant chapter in his cinematic journey.

John Wick and Upcoming Projects (from 2014 to the present day)

Amidst a sequence of commercial setbacks, Keanu Reeves spectacularly revived his career in 2014 with the action thriller  John Wick  under the directorial prowess of Chad Stahelski. Embarking on a vengeful journey as a retired hitman, Reeves not only inhabited the role but also intimately involved himself in story development alongside the screenwriter, embracing a project ripe with potential. The film, set and shot in the New York City area, made its U.S. debut on October 24, becoming a box office triumph by raking in $86 million worldwide. Critics, including those from  The Hollywood Reporter  and  The New York Times , extolled Reeves’s “effortless” return to the action genre and lauded his combat scenes.

2015 saw Reeves delve into the horror realm with  Knock Knock  and narrate documentaries  Deep Web  and  Mifune: The Last Samurai . The subsequent year was prolific for the actor, engaging in a variety of roles from a crime thriller ( Exposed ) and a whimsical voice-over role in the comedy  Keanu  to a minor part in the psychological horror  The Neon Demon  and a charismatic leader in  The Bad Batch .  The Whole Truth  was another feature in 2016, where he inhabited the role of Richard, a defense attorney, and he appeared in the web television series  Swedish Dicks .

2017  marked the continuation of the  John Wick  narrative with  John Wick: Chapter 2 , meshing critical and commercial success by accruing $171.5 million worldwide. While Reeves’s performance earned accolades, contrasting reviews emerged, praising and critiquing the film’s essence. That same year, Reeves tackled the severe theme of anorexia in  To the Bone , a drama that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival before its Netflix release, garnering positive and cautious critiques.

In  2018 , he reunited with Winona Ryder in the comedy  Destination Wedding . He produced and starred in thrillers  Siberia  and  Replicas , both of which, despite Reeves’s efforts, did not fare well with critics. The actor returned to the adrenaline-fueled  John Wick  franchise in  2019  with  John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum , which once again dominated the box office, though critics, including  The Guardian  and  The Globe and Mail , offered mixed reviews on aspects ranging from its aesthetic to Reeves’s acting.

The nostalgic return of Bill & Ted was realized in  2020  with  Bill & Ted Face the Music , receiving varied reviews that appreciated its unifying message amidst some critiques of Reeves’s performance. That same year, Reeves lent his voice to  The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run  and appeared as Johnny Silverhand in the video game  Cyberpunk 2077 . The subsequent return to  The Matrix  franchise with  The Matrix Resurrections  in December 2021 was met with a lukewarm box office reception. Despite praise for Reeves’s and Carrie-Anne Moss’s performances, it varied critical feedback.

Fast-forwarding to  2023 , the actor reprised his iconic role in  John Wick: Chapter 4 , maintaining a tangible connection with the franchise. Meanwhile, Reeves’s commitment to diverse projects continues, from producing a secretive Netflix series,  Conquest , in São Paulo, co-writing and slated to star in a film adaptation of the comic book series  BRZRKR , and potential future installments of the  John Wick  series, illustrating his sustained, multifaceted influence in the cinematic world.

Personal Life

Keanu Reeves, known for his poignant and often impactful roles in various films, encountered significant sorrow and joy in his personal journey. He met Jennifer Syme in 1998, and although their relationship witnessed joy, it was also marred by tragedy with the loss of their daughter and Syme herself in a car accident. Reeves has also experienced romantic connections with others, like Brenda Davis and China Chow, and a notably warm, public relationship with Alexandra Grant starting in 2009.

Reeves’s spiritual beliefs, although private, hint at a deeply personal and thoughtful understanding of existential themes. Buddhism, in particular, seems to have influenced his philosophical perspectives, shedding light on his profound reflections on life and death, as evidenced by his poignant response on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert about the afterlife. In 2019, when Reeves was asked about his views on what happens after death during the show, he replied , “I know that the ones who love us will miss us.”

In a quirky nod to Reeves in the scientific world, a deadly substance to fungi, Keanumycin, was named after him in 2023, further highlighting the actor’s varied and unexpected impacts in diverse fields.

Business and Philanthropy

Generosity and philanthropy have consistently colored Reeves’s off-screen endeavors. Moved by his sister’s leukemia battle, he established a private cancer foundation, assisting children’s hospitals and fueling cancer research. His commitment to charitable work is evident in volunteering for Camp Rainbow Gold and reportedly sacrificing a percentage of his Matrix profits to enhance the movie’s special effects and makeup budget.

Reeves has also been an entrepreneur, co-founding multiple companies across various industries, like Company Films in the entertainment sector, Arch Motorcycle Company in custom motorcycle manufacturing, and X Artists’ Books in publishing. He has contributed to books and even assisted in fundraising efforts for hospitals through personal, unique gestures, showcasing a seamless blend of his professional and philanthropic endeavors.

Reeves’s unabashed support for causes he believes in has occasionally provoked controversy, such as his participation in a 2022 virtual benefit concert for Tibet House US. This incited discontent among Chinese nationalists and subsequently led to a ban of his films on numerous streaming platforms in China.

In the Media

The actor, while an “ultimate introvert” according to a Time magazine article and described by colleagues as “hardworking” and “generous,” often maintains a veil of privacy in his personal interactions. However, his public persona has inevitably become a subject of internet culture, sparking memes like “Sad Keanu” and “You’re Breathtaking” and culminating in the whimsical label of the “Internet’s boyfriend.”

Reeves’s accolades and recognition underscore his industry impact, from being ranked among the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century by The New York Times to being featured on Forbes’s Celebrity 100 list . His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame , substantial earnings from franchises like The Matrix , and his acknowledgment as the “#1 Martial Arts movie star in the world” in 2021 all attest to his wide-reaching influence in entertainment.

Filmography and Awards

With a career that spans numerous decades and genres, Reeves has garnered acclaim and box office success through films like River’s Edge , the John Wick series, and The Matrix . His accolades, from MTV Movie Awards to nominations at the Saturn Awards and People’s Choice Awards, reflect a career characterized by widespread and critical recognition. Not only a prolific actor but a martial arts icon, Reeves continues to leave a resonant impact in the cinematic world.

In the vibrant tapestry of Hollywood, the biography of Keanu Reeves stands out, not merely as a testament to cinematic prowess but as a nuanced, humane success story that traverses the peaks and troughs of life and career. His journey, intricately entwining personal perseverance with professional triumphs, paints a rich and inspiring narrative that continues to evolve, capturing the imagination and hearts of global audiences. The chapters of Reeves’s success story are penned with resilience, philanthropy, and an undeterred spirit, etching his legacy as an actor and a person forever into the roots of entertainment history.

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April 23, 2024

Life Story of Famous People

Short Bio » Film Actor » Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Charles Reeves is a Canadian actor, director, producer, and musician. His first name means “cool breeze over the mountains” in Hawaiian. From lamebrained teenage time traveler to metaphysical sci-fi Superman, Keanu Reeves has portrayed just about every character type imaginable in his sometimes wildly fluctuating career. He gained fame for his starring role performances in several blockbuster films, including comedies from the Bill and Ted franchise (1989–1991); action thrillers Point Break (1991), Speed (1994), and the John Wick franchise; psychological thriller The Devil’s Advocate (1997); supernatural thriller Constantine (2005); and science fiction/action series The Matrix (1999–2003).

Keanu Reeves was born in Beirut, Lebanon, on 2 September 1964 to Patricia Bond (née Taylor) and Samuel Nowlin Reeves, Jr . After their marriage dissolved, Keanu moved with his mother and younger sister, Kim Reeves, to New York City, then Toronto. Reeves is entitled to British citizenship through his English mother. He holds Canadian citizenship by naturalization. He grew up as a Canadian and identifies as such, and holds an American green card.

Reeves began his acting career at the age of nine, appearing in a theatre production of Damn Yankees. At 16, he was in a Coca-Cola commercial and featured in the Canadian sitcom Hangin’ In. He first gained attention for his performance in The River’s Edge. Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, and its sequel Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, brought him international recognition. In the show Entertainment Tonight in 2006, Keanu Reeves has been included in the “Top 10 favorite stars of Americans.” On 31 January 2005, he received a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood.

Reeves is entitled to British citizenship through his English mother. He holds Canadian citizenship by naturalization. He grew up as a Canadian and identifies as such, and holds an American green card. Reeves’ biological father was born in the United States but Reeves required a green card because he was not eligible to claim automatic citizenship by birth abroad to one United States citizen.

Family of Keanu Reeves:

• Father: Samuel Nowlin Reeves
• Mother: Patricia Taylor
• Sister: Kim Reeves (actress, b. 1966)
• Father: Paul Aaron (stepfather, stage and TV director)
• Father: Robert Miller (stepfather, music promoter)
• Sister: Karina Miller (half-sister, b. 1976, stage director)
• Father: Jack Bond (stepfather, salon owner)
• Jill Schoelen (actress, together 1986-90)
• Jennifer Syme (d. 2-Apr-2001 auto accident, one daughter stillborn)
• Autumn Macintosh (actress, together early 1990s)
• Lynn Collins (actress, together 3mo in 2005)
• Diane Keaton (actress, together 2005 according to Daily Mail)
• Daughter: Ava Archer Syme-Reeves (stillborn, b. 1999 –  from Jennifer Syme)

Reeves never reconnected with his biological father.

External Links

More Info: IMDb | Wiki | RT

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Keanu Charles Reeves Wiki, Height, Weight, Age, Boyfriend, Family, Biography, Net Worth & More

Biography / Wiki

A humble and down-to-earth actor Keanu Charles Reeves is a Canadian actor known for his nobility in the Hollywood film industry, Keanu never shied away from sharing his success with his fellow actors and the crew of the movie from the blockbuster trilogy ‘The Matrix’.

The gentle actor famously gave away most of his earnings because he felt that the real heroes of the movie were the special effects and costumes, and the design team. ‘Speed’, ‘Constantine’ and ‘The Devil’s Advocate’ are some of his most renowned films.

Height / Weight / Age

Keanu has earned most of his wealth from his very long and successful career as an actor. He has worked in many blockbuster movies and has many hits under his belt. Keanu is also famous for his charitable work. Apart from acting, he has made a directorial debut as well. The total net worth of Keanu Reeves is estimated to be $350 million USD.

Education / Family

Son to Samuel Nowlin Reeves and Patricia Reeves Keanu Reeves was born in Beirut, Lebanon. Moving from one place to another with his mother and stepfathers, Keanu shifted to Sydney, Australia, with his mother who worked as a costume designer.

Talking about his education, he attended Etobicoke School of the Arts but was expelled from it and then joined Avondale Secondary Alternative School. He also has De La Salle College but dropped out of it.

Career / Fashion And Style

In the stage production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in 1979, Reeves acted at the Leah Posluns Theatre in the stage production. With CBC Television’s sitcom ‘Hangin’In’ he did his debut on TV in the 1980s. Reeves did his first drama film ‘River’s Edge’ in 1986.

In the movie ‘Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure’ he played the role of ‘Ted Logan’. With the release of ‘Speed’ in 1994, he received a lot of fame. ‘A Walk in the Clouds’ is a romantic film he did in the late 90s. With Wachowski Brothers’ sci-fi ‘The Matrix’ Reeves’ career touched the heights.

Low-budget movies like ‘Henry’s Crime’ portrayed Reeves in 2010. ‘Side by Side’ is a Reeves produced a documentary in 2011 where he interviews famous Hollywood directors.

Girlfriends, Affairs, Wife and More

Favourite things.

Here we provide you the list of Keanu Reeves’s favourite things.

Some Interesting Facts About Keanu Reeves

• After he was cast in the Romeo and Juliet play in the 10th grade, he decided that he wanted to become an actor at the age of 15.
• He backed out from the action drama, Heat after she was cast in the role of Chris Shiherlis.
• The production company, Company Films is co-founded by Keanu Reeves. Henry’s Crime is one of the movies his production company backed.
• For his role in The Matrix, he took 4 months of martial arts training and learned more than 200 martial arts moves.
• He is credited as K.C. Reeves, Chuck Spadina or K.C. Reeves as his agent felt that his name was too exotic at the beginning of his acting career.
• In Topanga Canyon he was involved in a motorbike accident causing ruptured spleen and broken ribs.
• He was named MVP on his school team and excelled in ice hockey while studying in high school.
• “Arch Motorcycles” is a motorcycle company that started with collaboration in 2012.
• “Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time” from the UK edition of the Empire magazine featured him at the 23rd position in the list.
• For the respective roles of Bill and Ted he and Alex Winter were paired together during the auditions of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.

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Keanu Reeves - Biography

The hollywood actor best known for his roles in the matrix and john wick franchises was born september 2, 1964.

Keanu Charles Reeves was born on September 2, 1964, in Beirut, Lebanon. The Canadian actor is best known for his roles as Neo in The Matrix and as the titular assassin of the John Wick action film series. His breakthrough role came from the 1989 science-fiction comedy film Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure .

Keanu's parents, Samuel Nowlin Reeves, a geologist, and Patricia, an entertainer, separated when he was three years old. He and his mum moved to New York before settling in Toronto. After his father left his family, Keanu and his dad had no relationship.

Never a particularly keen student, Keanu – which means "cool breeze over the mountains" in Hawaiian – attended four high schools before abandoning academic life for good. After scoring a part in the Rob Lowe classic hockey flick Youngblood he headed for LA in search of glitzier pastures. 

Hollywood success

In 1988, Keanu dazzled opposite Michelle Pfeiffer , Glenn Close and John Malkovich in Dangerous Liaisons, but confounded critics and audiences alike the following year by starring as one half of the dim-witted duo in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. However, the film was a hit, as was its inevitable sequel, and Keanu began alternating between big budget Hollywood flicks like Bram Stoker's Dracula and offbeat fare such as Bernardo Bertolucci's Little Buddha  from then on.

The heart-throb remained a fixture at the MTV Awards, but elsewhere his work was failing to generate much excitement. All that changed with the groundbreaking special-effects romp The Matrix, however. The film grossed $171 million in the US alone and, with two Matrix sequels in the can, Keanu's Tinseltown cachet not to mention his bottom line seemed secure. He earned $30 million, plus a percentage of franchise profits, with the second instalment, The Matrix Reloaded, much of which the generous star   gave away to the special effects team. 

In 2014, Keanu's career experience a resurgence after he stared in the box-office and critical success John Wick, for which he worked closely developing the story with it's screenwriter Derek Kolstad. The previously box-office bomb haunted actor then went on to star in the film's many successful sequels.

After maintaining no permanent residence for most of his early adult life, for years the closest thing to a home for Keanu was LA's Chateau Marmont hotel in 2003. But following the success of the Matrix films, the enigmatic actor finally invested in a modernist estate in the Hollywood Hills. He is frequently away on tour, however, with his band Dogstar, whose following of screaming fans may have something to do with their movie star bassist. 

Personal life

Keanu prefers to keep the details of his dating life private, however The Matrix Resurrections  star has been open about several relationships in the past. 

In 1998, Keanu met Jennifer Syme at a party for his band Dogstar. Sadly, in 1999, the couple were devastated when their baby was stillborn, and shortly afterwards the grieving pair parted ways. Tragedy struck again in April 2001 when Jennifer was killed in a Los Angeles car accident. She and Keanu had reportedly rekindled their romance just before her death.

In 2009, Keanu met writer and artist Alexandra Grant at a dinner party. The couple have collaborated on two books: Ode to Happiness (2011) and Shadows (2016), and went public with their relationship in late 2019.

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Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves is a Canadian movie actor, best known for his role in the Matrix trilogy.

Keanu was born on 2 September 1964 in Beirut, Lebanon to Samuel Nowlin Reeves and Patricia Taylor. Soon after the birth of his sister, Kim, in 1966 his parents separated. Keanu moved around frequently as a child, living with a succession of stepfathers. He spent his later childhood years in Toronto and soon after moved to Hollywood to further his acting career. [1]

Keanu went on to become one of the most successful and versatile actors of his generation, headlining big budget action movies as well as dramatic roles in independent productions. Keanu was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. [2]

Wikipedia entry. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keanu_Reeves

IMDb entry. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000206/bio

• ↑ "Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 22 Apr 2001. Memories of Keanu." (online) http://archives.starbulletin.com/2001/04/22/features/story1.html
• ↑ IMDb (online) http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000206/bio
• Keanu's formal name
• full middle name (C.)
• exact birthdate
• birth location
• private siblings' names
• Notifying people of what websites / social media are legitimate Keanu Reeves sites ... Nov 26, 2023.

Featured National Park champion connections: Keanu is 18 degrees from Theodore Roosevelt , 24 degrees from Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger , 19 degrees from George Catlin , 17 degrees from Marjory Douglas , 23 degrees from Sueko Embrey , 19 degrees from George Grinnell , 31 degrees from Anton Kröller , 20 degrees from Stephen Mather , 25 degrees from Kara McKean , 17 degrees from John Muir , 20 degrees from Victoria Hanover and 26 degrees from Charles Young on our single family tree . Login to find your connection.

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