Keanu Reeves biography, ethnicity, age, young photos, girlfriend 2024

Biography of Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves is one of the most unique actors in modern Hollywood. He is best known to audiences as Neo from the "The Matrix" trilogy. However, his extensive filmography includes many other roles in both blockbuster and independent projects. These include a ruthless lawyer in the supernatural thriller "The Devil's Advocate," a strange undercover agent in the animated film "A Scanner Darkly," and a mediator between Heaven and Hell, the lord of darkness in "Constantine." The list goes on.

Keanu is not just a talented actor, but also an incredibly sensitive, caring person and an outstanding individual who deserves special attention.

Childhood

Keanu Reeves was born in the capital of hot Lebanon, Beirut, to geologist Samuel and dancer Patricia Bond. Keanu owes his striking appearance to his Hawaiian, Chinese and Portuguese (on his father's side), as well as English and Irish (on his mother's side) roots. His unusual name comes from the Hawaiian language and means "cool breeze over the mountains."

Keanu Reeves' father was an extraordinary person. He had no higher education—in fact, he earned his high school diploma in prison, where he ended up for heroin trafficking. Two years after Keanu was born, his sister Kim joined the family, and soon after, when Keanu was just 3 years old, Samuel left the family.

After that, Keanu, his mom, and his sister moved first to Sydney, then to New York, where his mom, who had by then become a costume designer, married Broadway director Paul Aaron. The family finally settled in Toronto, and from then on, Keanu always considered hospitable Canada his home.

Keanu Reeves with his mom, Patricia Bond-Reeves

Later, Keanu had two more sisters from Patricia's marriage to rock promoter Robert Miller: Karina Miller (born 1976) and Emma Rose (born 1980).

Baby photo of Keanu Reeves and his sister Kim

In Toronto, the Reeves family lived across from a music studio just as Alice Cooper was recording the album "Alice Cooper Goes to Hell." Strangely, the rock star remembered the little boy who passionately listened to his rock tunes. "He liked loud music, but I wonder what his parents thought, leaving the child in the care of Alice Cooper's band?" the musician later recalled with a laugh.

Keanu Reeves was reluctant to study in school. Subjects were challenging for the future actor because he suffered from dyslexia, a disorder affecting the perception of spoken and written information. This made it difficult for Keanu to read, write, and learn. Because of classmates' mockery and teachers' disdain, he quickly became withdrawn and insecure, but as he grew up, he managed to overcome his complexes.

However, Keanu Reeves played chess at a decent level since childhood. He even challenged adult players, charging a dollar per game.

Over five years, Reeves attended four different high schools, including a performing arts school from which he was expelled. After that, he studied at a Catholic boys' school. Leaving there too, Keanu began playing hockey and enrolled in a free public school. His teammates even nicknamed him "The Wall"—Keanu was an excellent goalie and felt confident on the ice. However, he also dropped out of this school without earning a diploma.

After that, he moved out of his parents' home, settled in the basement of his girlfriend Pam's house, and started working three jobs: sharpening skates at the local hockey rink, trimming bushes in parks, and cooking spaghetti at an Italian restaurant.

First Roles

Keanu Reeves played his first role at the age of 15 in the play "Wolfboy" at the local Leah Posluns Theatre.

The play 'Wolfboy' was criticized for its 'homosexual motifs'

In 1983, Keanu Reeves first appeared on television in a Coca-Cola commercial and an episode of the typical youth series "Hangin’ In".

Keanu Reeves in Coca-Cola Commercial (1983)

His first role in a feature film came in 1986 when he played a hockey goalie in Peter Markle's "Youngblood." After the release, Keanu Reeves received a green card and moved to Los Angeles. His former stepfather, Paul Aaron, helped him settle in the city and found him a personal agent. The agent considered Keanu's name too exotic, so in his early films, he was credited as Norman Reeves, K. S. Reeves, and even Chuck Spidena.

'Youngblood': Keanu Reeves' first movie role

Keanu received good reviews for his work in the teen drama "River's Edge," which premiered in the same year. He played a high school student, Matt, who was torn between telling the authorities about his friend's murder of a classmate or keeping the crime a secret for the sake of friendship. He later reunited with Dennis Hopper, who was also in the film, on the set of "Speed."

Keanu Reeves in River's Edge

That same year, Reeves was offered the role of Private Chris in Oliver Stone's Vietnam War film "Platoon." However, Keanu, a staunch pacifist, turned down the role, and it eventually went to Charlie Sheen.

By the early '90s, Keanu Reeves had made a name for himself in the film industry. He showcased his charm in the costume drama "Dangerous Liaisons" with Glenn Close, Michelle Pfeiffer, and John Malkovich, as well as in the youth comedy "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" alongside Alex Winter.

Keanu Reeves in the comedy 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure'

In 1991, the action film "Point Break" was released, for which the actor tried surfing and unexpectedly developed a serious interest in the sport. That same year, Gus Van Sant's independent film "My Own Private Idaho" premiered, where Keanu transformed into the rebellious Scott, who engages in street prostitution as an act of defiance.

'My Own Private Idaho': Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix

Another significant success for Reeves was his role in Francis Ford Coppola's thriller "Dracula" (1992). The young actor played Jonathan Harker, who finds himself imprisoned by the cunning vampire (Gary Oldman) who is in love with his fiancée (Winona Ryder). In 1993, he appeared as one of Buddha's reincarnations in Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci's film "Little Buddha."

In 1994, Keanu's first real action film, "Speed," was added to his filmography. In the plot, Keanu and Sandra Bullock's characters try to defuse a bomb placed on a bus by a mad terrorist, played by Dennis Hopper.

The first serious action film in Keanu Reeves' career ('Speed', 1994)

The film became a true box office hit, and Keanu earned $1.2 million for his work. The action film was also listed among the 100 most spectacular films of the 20th century (albeit at number 99).

During filming, Keanu and Sandra Bullock had a fleeting romance

Keanu's next significant role was in the film adaptation of William Gibson's cyberpunk story "Johnny Mnemonic." The film is set in an alternate future where Reeves plays a "data courier" who carries valuable information in his brain. Initially, the film was intended to be a subtle psychological drama, but after "Speed" made Keanu an action star, director Robert Longo added fight and shootout scenes, which later displeased Gibson.

In 1997, the actor was offered $11 million to star in the sequel to "Speed," but he turned it down in favor of the mystical "The Devil's Advocate" – primarily to work with Al Pacino. To ensure the renowned Hollywood actor's participation, Reeves even gave up part of his fee to Pacino. As a result, Jason Patric starred in "Speed 2," and the world watched in suspense as an ambitious young lawyer plunged into a whirlpool of vice that turned into a real nightmare.

The Devil's Advocate - Keanu Reeves

The Matrix: A New Era of Popularity

Keanu Reeves truly became a cult actor after the premiere of the first part of the cyberpunk trilogy "The Matrix" by the brothers Wachowskis in 1999. His character, hacker Thomas Anderson, known as Neo, discovers that the entire surrounding reality is nothing more than a fiction created by machines to subdue humans after the triumph of artificial intelligence. Freed from the captivity of illusions, Neo becomes one of the leading figures in humanity's struggle to regain freedom.

Neo's Interrogation

The smart and dynamic "The Matrix," filled with subtle references to world cinema masterpieces, philosophical treatises, and even "Alice in Wonderland" along with the Bible, became a cult film of the late 20th century, marking a new era. Books, video games, and even anime were created based on the trilogy. Interestingly, Keanu Reeves himself did not have a computer for a long time, even after "The Matrix" was released. However, he personally participated in the work on the costumes and special effects.

The next parts of "The Matrix" were released in 2003 (six months apart). For his work, Keanu Reeves received over $30 million in total, sharing 80% of this amount with the 114 people who worked on the film.

Subsequent Roles

After the success of "The Matrix," Keanu Reeves starred in a series of films that many critics deemed unsuccessful. "The Gift," "Hardball," "Sweet November," "The Watcher," and "Something's Gotta Give" were not bad movies, but fans expected roles of a different caliber from the iconic actor.

One of Keanu Reeves' best films – 'Constantine'

In 2005, Keanu Reeves took on a new role as the cold and ironic exorcist Constantine, patrolling the border between heaven and hell while awaiting inevitable death. After "Constantine," people started talking about Keanu as a significant Hollywood figure again. Around this time, he got his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Keanu Reeves and his star on the Walk of Fame

In 2006, Keanu Reeves appeared in a unique project by Richard Linklater, the animated film "A Scanner Darkly" based on the book by Philip K. Dick. Alongside the characters of Robert Downey Jr., Winona Ryder, and Woody Harrelson, he was involved in a story set in the near future where a mysterious drug devastates the mind and body. Keanu played the main role, portraying a narcotics agent addicted to drugs.

'A Scanner Darkly': Keanu Reeves as Robert Arctor

Also in 2006, audiences remembered the melodrama "The Lake House." The film touched millions of hearts; it was not just a love story but included elements of fantasy and even mysticism.

'The Lake House' – a melodrama with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock

In 2013, Keanu took the director's chair and presented the action film "Man of Tai Chi." His directorial debut was well-received, despite the familiarity of the genre.

Man of Tai Chi Trailer - Keanu Reeves Movie

At the same time, Keanu Reeves starred in the fantasy action film "47 Ronin." Keanu was the only American actor in the lead role, while the other characters were played by popular Japanese actors, little known outside the country. The dynamic and atmospheric film received many positive reviews, as did the next action movie with Reeves, "John Wick."

In 2016, Keanu Reeves appeared in the psychological horror film "The Neon Demon," playing a suspicious hotel manager who accuses Elle Fanning's character of damaging a hotel room with a mysteriously appearing puma.

He also played the lead role in the drama "The Whole Truth," transforming into a lawyer trying to prove the innocence of a young man accused of killing his father for money. Unfortunately, both critics and audiences labeled the film as "boring," adding another project to Keanu Reeves' list of recent unsuccessful films.

Some believe that Keanu Reeves does not age. Essentially

In the same year, he voiced a kitten named after him in the comedy "Keanu."

In 2016, the horror-romance "The Bad Batch" was announced, where Keanu Reeves starred alongside Jason Momoa. The film tells the story of a post-apocalyptic society, specifically a community of cannibals. One of the main characters (a cannibal) falls in love with his prey.

In 2017, he worked on several projects simultaneously. These included the sci-fi thriller "Replicas," where he plays a new "version" of Victor Frankenstein, the romantic comedy "Destination Wedding," where he reunites with Winona Ryder, and the crime thriller "Siberia."

John Wick

If Keanu Reeves' name was previously associated with Neo from The Matrix, in 2014 it became synonymous with the "polite lone assassin" John Wick from the eponymous neo-noir thriller.

The film's creator, Chad Stahelski, had already worked with Reeves on The Matrix as the star's stunt double. While working on the script, writer Derek Kolstad envisioned Paul Newman at the peak of his career in the 60s for the lead role. Of course, that was out of the question since the actor had been deceased for several years by then.

Keanu was chosen. Stahelski admired him in The Matrix. According to the former stuntman, he didn't know of another actor who could endure those shoots: 'No one else could afford to be drenched, suffering, exhausted, and beaten for years.'

At that time, Keanu was approaching his 50th birthday, yet he once again demonstrated brilliant professionalism. As in The Matrix, he performed all the stunts in John Wick himself, despite 15 years having passed since Neo and his kung fu. Preparing for the role of Wick, Reeves trained in judo and jiu-jitsu for four months. "It's not just about physical resilience. He has a strength of spirit. He's a person with a completely different worldview," said the director.

John Wick Interview With Keanu Reeves

The actor agreed to work for a fee of just one million dollars, as the project initially didn't seem promising. "We have a former hitman whose wife dies of natural causes, leaving him a puppy as a final gift. Then some thug kills the puppy, and the hitman avenges by killing 84 people. Guess how many studios turned us down? Spoiler: all of them," laughs Stahelski.

Dogs play an important role in 'John Wick' franchise

The dark action movie was well-received by audiences, so the sequels didn't take long to come out: the second part was released in 2017, the third in 2019, and the fourth in 2023 (originally, the project was planned as a trilogy, but the exponentially growing box office revenues of the new parts made the creators change their minds).

In 2020, the third part of Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure was unexpectedly released. The action takes place many years after the second part. Bill and Ted are no longer young, but they still haven't written the song that, as people from the future claimed, will forever change humanity for the better.

Photos from the filming of the new part of Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure

A major event was Keanu Reeves' appearance at the E3 2019 gaming conference, where it was announced that Keanu would appear in the video game Cyberpunk 2077. He became the prototype for Johnny Silverhand, a character with a mechanical arm, a rock star, a terrorist, and quite an arrogant guy with whom the main character has to coexist.

Cyberpunk 2077 Keanu Reeves at E3 2019 Xbox Conference

During the conference, someone from the audience interrupted Keanu's speech, shouting, "You're breathtaking!" To which the actor responded, "No, you're breathtaking!" earning yet another wave of popular love (and creating another meme).

In December 2021, the premiere of the fourth Matrix took place, despite the fact that after the release of the third part, the Wachowski brothers denied working on a sequel, and in 2015 Lily Wachowski refuted rumors about a fourth film, stating that audiences were tired of all sorts of reboots and sequels in the "return of the heroes after many years" series. However, the film was still announced in 2019. Lana Wachowski directed The Matrix Resurrections. Neo has forgotten about the Matrix and lives an ordinary life under the name Thomas Anderson until he meets Morpheus again (played by another actor – Yahya Abdul-Mateen II).

Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss on the set of The Matrix 4

Personal Life of Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves has been shy and reserved since childhood. Many girls found his somber demeanor charming. However, Keanu kept his heart closed, despite having many fleeting romances and casual relationships.

Keanu Reeves' personal life is full of sad moments

In 1998, at a party, the actor met Jennifer Syme, who was a friend of Keanu's sister. It was love at first sight, and soon Keanu, who had previously claimed to fear serious relationships and having children, decided to have a baby with Jennifer.

Their daughter was due to be born on January 8, 2000. The couple even chose a name – Ava Archer Syme-Reeves. But during a routine checkup just a week before the due date, the doctor discovered that the baby's heart had stopped beating.

Keanu Reeves' daughter died a week before birth

“On that day, Jennifer called me in London, crying so hard that I could barely understand her. I only realized something had happened to Ava. I bought tickets and flew urgently to Los Angeles. It turned out our baby had died. It was decided to induce labor artificially. I was there and saw everything myself...,” recalled the always reserved Keanu Reeves.

In 2001, the mother of Keanu's unborn child also passed away. 29-year-old Jennifer Syme died in a car accident. On her way to a party at Marilyn Manson's, her Jeep somehow lost control and crashed into three parked cars. Jennifer wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and was ejected through the windshield.

The Tragic and Shocking Death of Keanu Reeves’ Girlfriend Jennifer Syme

The police insisted that Jennifer was under the influence of drugs or medication at the time of the accident. Many believe this accident inspired "Mulholland Drive" by David Lynch, whom Jennifer had worked for as an assistant.

Keanu buried his beloved next to their stillborn daughter. After the accident, the actor filmed a public service announcement about the importance of wearing seatbelts. He believed that Jennifer would have survived if she had been wearing one.

Love turned into a tragedy for Keanu Reeves

But this was just the beginning of a series of personal tragedies for Keanu Reeves. In January 2003, his beloved sister Kim's leukemia began to progress. She had been diagnosed in 1993, but the disease had been in remission until then. Keanu almost gave up acting, surrounding his sister with love and care. He donated all his earnings towards her treatment and care. A few years later, he participated in the "Stars Against Cancer" program, where he announced that his sister had overcome leukemia.

In 2007, the actor was seen with actress Holly Meyers-Shyer, followed by Parker Posey, and then Trinny Woodall – all women from the film industry but none of whom achieved significant success.

In the summer of 2013, the media buzzed about a romance between Keanu Reeves and Russian actress Anna Skidanova. However, Anna herself shared that they met at a yacht party and spent several hours in conversation, emphasizing that their relationship was purely friendly.

Were Keanu Reeves and Anna Skidanova in a close relationship? A riddle

In 2019, Keanu made an exception to his rule and appeared in public with his new love interest, 46-year-old artist Alexandra Grant. It seems the actor has finally found personal happiness.

In everyday life, Keanu Reeves is very modest. Despite having millions of dollars, he continues to use public transport, where he courteously gives up his seat to women.

Keanu Reeves gives up his seat on the subway

In 2010, a photo of Keanu eating a sandwich on a bench with his head down went viral, leading to many jokes about "Sad Keanu." Since then, July 15 is unofficially known as “Cheer Up Keanu Day.” When the actor found out, he was very surprised – he said his expression was just a coincidence, and he isn't in a somber mood 24/7, as many think.

The photo that started the 'Sad Keanu' meme

Keanu always celebrates his birthdays quietly with family. Once, he bought a piece of cake, lit a candle, and stood outside, allowing anyone who recognized him to congratulate their idol.

You could often see Keanu on the streets talking to homeless people. He buys them food and chats with them. The actor believes there's no need to go to third-world countries to help the less fortunate, and making a big deal out of it isn't necessary. “You can help those in need right here, on the streets of your hometown,” says the actor, and this stance is highly commendable.

Keanu Reeves loves motorcycles and fast driving

In his youth, Keanu Reeves was into extreme motorcycle riding, which left him with numerous scars and memories of various injuries. His wild youth also includes his experience playing in the punk band Dogstar. The band reunited in 2023 and released a new album 'Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees' after nearly 25 years.

Dogstar - Everything Turns Around (Official Video)

Keanu Reeves Now

In March 2023, the premiere of the fourth and, apparently, final part of "John Wick" took place, immediately becoming a box office leader. The already silent Wick spoke only 380 words in this part, as enthusiasts counted, despite the film's runtime being almost 3 hours. Director Chad Stahelski explained that Reeves himself wanted to cut half of the lines from the script.

However, according to both Keanu and most viewers, this part is the most spectacular and challenging in terms of shooting out of the entire tetralogy.

Keanu Reeves on the set of the fourth 'John Wick'

The premiere of the fifth part of "John Wick" is just around the corner – its release is scheduled for 2025. Keanu also hasn't forgotten about the second part of "Constantine" – according to the actor, he is doing everything to bring the start of filming closer, with the first part having been released back in 2005.

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Nyle Doherty Content writer

Patrick Aiden Stewart

We were raised on the movies with Reeves, on `Matrix`. I wish him success in career and new heights.

2021-04-22 23:18:46
Martha Lopez

I found out that Keanu Reeves still using public transport and I was surprised. No high-hat at all.

2021-04-17 16:24:00
Owen Hayden Reed

When Keanu Reeves disappeared from the screens, it was sad. Then I felt even more sad when I read his biography and about all the bad moments in his life what he suffered.

2021-03-27 19:22:33
Martha Marshall

Keanu Reeves is almost like a brand. This actor is not playing much but every time he is on the screen it means that this movie will be successful.

2021-03-26 23:25:06
Evan Kevin Allen

Keanu Reeves is playing almost in all my favorite movies (`Speed`. `The Devil`s Advocate`, `The Matrix`, ` Constantine`). It`s the highest level.

2021-02-19 09:11:28
Billie Burns

Been a fan ever since I first heard his voice....I was 14, lol, as I read all that I could on him in my 30's, to try to learn all I could, lol...we had much in common. I prayed hard for him for a number of years. And from time to time, I still do. I still have questions though. Would love to be able to sit down for a day and convo, but that would be a chance slim to none. Very beautiful, interesting man.

2019-01-17 11:06:10
Laryn Basan

I am an avid fan of mr. Reeves. He is the guy i am dreaming for. It is not because of prestige alone..he has a golden heart.. Down to earth guy.. I am single mom hoping I can meet the type of guy just like him. I want to make him smile and be happy... Life is beautiful despite of what we went through...

2019-01-14 15:59:54
Terrie Guerrero

I love and admire Keanu so much. Even though l never met him or know him personally I can see he's a loving, caring and giving human being. I love everything about him. My heart goes out for his losses of family and his loved ones. Stay strong and true my friend! Pure heart you have.

2019-01-07 12:29:11
Sheila Tighe

Hi I was introduced to Keanu Reeves by my eldest son and cousins through his movie the matrix . Well I have to say I have not looked back . such a great actor gives 110 percent . It has been my pleasure and my children's pleasure to go and see him in action . We thank you Mr Reeves for the wonderful work you do .

2018-12-25 08:45:47
Sheila Tighe

Hi I was introduces to keanu Reeves movies by my oldest son and cousins . by the matrix movie. I have not looked back . The best actor I have the pleasure of seeing on the big screen . Thank you for your wonderful acting . From sheila Tighe Ireland

2018-12-25 08:39:44
Robin Johnston

He is living proof that one person can make a difference, if they so choose

2018-12-01 01:35:51
Penny

Love Keanu, love his character

2018-11-30 04:56:45
pradeep kumar

in my life i never been a fan of any one except my parents.., i am now a fan of Mr Charlie.., not my own indian actors are in my list.., i really like to have an image of him beside me.. Love to see him

2018-11-10 23:35:31
Carolina Holmes - Australia

I didn't know very much about Mr Reeves until today. I haven't even watched all of his movies. However, I've always been a fan.

2018-11-05 11:23:37
Carolina Holmes - Australia

Wow, what a wonderful person. He gives me hope for humanity. I am grateful that there are people like him in this very angry world today. Doing, their own wonderful things, for others. Definitely, a carer.

2018-11-05 11:20:32
Johann Cawit

Hope and pray that i meet him in person and shake his hands! Few actor like him nowadays! i like to meeeeet him....

2018-10-06 07:46:37