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Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Keanu Reeves

Many have grown to love Keanu Reeves for a variety of reasons. Adoring fans have even started a campaign to make him Time magazine’s Person of the Year. Rapper Logic showed his respect for the actor by writing the song “Keanu Reeves”. Keanu’s over 30 years in the business have caused him to be an A-list actor, staring in many successful films. His decades of acting has also given the world plenty of reasons to be fans of him. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about Keanu Reeves.

1. He cares about others.

The widely successful “Matrix” films made Reeves millions of dollars. However, he reportedly gave most of it away. He wanted the crew to receive the recognition they deserved because he felt they were the real heroes of the movies. Since the movies could not be made without them, Reeves donated a great deal of money to each member of the special effects and costume design teams.

2. He shows a lot of initiative.

Even when the cameras aren’t on him, Keanu does the right thing time and time again. Often times he donates money and does other kind deeds under the radar, without the expectation of recognition for it. He doesn’t look for praise for his generosity. He simply gives out of the kindness of his heart.

3. He is very down to Earth.

Keanu doesn’t live as lavish as many might expect. He lived in a hotel for many years before deciding to get a house of his own. There are countless stories of the many ways Reeves has shown compassion from those who have met him. He once gave up his seat on the subway to a woman who was standing. It’s also been reported that he has paid for strangers Christmas presents, and bought stage hands their meals during the duration of production.

4. Keanu has been in many popular movies.

Reeves filmography has become quite extensive through his many years of acting. Among many other films, his large list of movies includes the John Wick trilogy, The Matrix franchise, Speed, and now, Toy Story 4. He has been in a wide variety of films, not limiting himself to only one category. The actor has loaned his voice to animated films, starred alongside Sandra Bullock, and most recently, played himself in a cameo for the Netflix original, Always Be My Maybe.

5. He cut his pay so others could be hired.

On several occasions, Reeves took sizable pay cuts so other actors could also be hired for the movies. Most notably, he cut his pay so Al Pacino could be hired in The Devil’s Advocate and again with Gene Hackman in the movie The Replacements. These are only some of the instances that show Reeves values acting experiences over money.

6. Keanu is a world traveler.

Keanu was born in 1964 in Beirut, Lebanon to a Hawaiian father and an English mother. His first name means “cool breeze over the mountains” in Hawaiian. He lived in New York City with his mother and sister after his parents got a divorce. They then moved to Toronto, Canada where he lived for many years. Keanu’s acting career has played a major role in traveling the world. The different sets and locations needed for filming have taken him around the globe.

7. He is a great gift giver.

Not only is he a great actor but he is also a great gift giver. He gave a Harley-Davidson motorcycle to each stunt crew member of the “Matrix” movies. As if that wasn’t enough, he also bought a house for his mom. In several interviews, he said that money means nothing to him which is evident through how often he gives it away.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 08: Keanu Reeves attends the Global Press Junket for Pixar’s TOY STORY 4 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on June 08, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Disney)

8. He has a soft side.

Aside from being generous and talented, Keanu is also very compassionate. In 1997, paparazzi photographed Reeves sharing his food with a homeless man as they sat and exchanged stories. He is committed to cancer research among finding cures for other health related issues. Possibly aiding in his dedication to helping medical research is his sister’s battle with leukemia. After many years, she beat the deadly disease. Keanu has a secret, private foundation which aids in cancer research and children’s hospitals. As he wants the focus to be on what the foundation achieves and not on himself, he did not attach his name to it. Adding to the long list of how he helps people, he has also answered phones during Stand Up to Cancer telethons.

9. Although he is a big time celebrity, he stays out of the limelight.

Keanu lives a very private life. Although not all of his fans like this as they want a closer look into his life, it is also very honorable. His fans have taken the role of running unofficial social media accounts for him because the humble actor doesn’t use social media himself. Keanu’s somewhat quiet life is also free of scandals and controversy, which only adds to his good reputation.

10. He is an action star on the big screen and in real life.

Keanu has captivated audiences in many action packed movies. This love for adrenaline is also very prevalent in his real life and not just in the characters that he plays. His love for motorcycles has led him to create his own motorcycle company, Arch Motorcycles, which builds custom made bikes.


Throughout the years, Keanu Reeves has made a name for himself on the big screen for both his talent and exceptionally kind heart. The admirable way Reeves lives his life can be taken as a model for the rest of society on how to radiate compassion and grace. Reeves busy life doesn’t impede his acts of kindness, squashing the excuses of not being able to volunteer ones time due to packed schedules. He has inspired many generations in innumerable ways and will continue to do so for years to come. Reeves growing list of movies prove he will remain a dominating force with great star power that will not soon dull out.

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