Childhood and Education Journey of Keanu Reeves in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Keanu Reeves. A timeline of key moments.

Keanu Reeves is a highly acclaimed Canadian actor and musician with a career spanning four decades. Renowned for his leading roles in action films, he is equally recognized for his positive public image and charitable work. He has received numerous awards and high praise, including being ranked among the greatest actors of the 21st century by The New York Times and being named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

September 2, 1964: Keanu Reeves Born

On September 2, 1964, Keanu Charles Reeves was born. He is a Canadian actor and musician known for his action film roles and philanthropic efforts.

Others born on this day/year

1966: Parents' Divorce

In 1966, Keanu Reeves's parents divorced, leading to his mother moving the family to Sydney, Australia.

1970: Mother's Marriage to Paul Aaron

In 1970, Keanu Reeves's mother married Paul Aaron, a Broadway and Hollywood director, in New York City.

1971: Move to Toronto and Divorce

In 1971, Keanu Reeves's family moved to Toronto, and his mother divorced Paul Aaron.

1976: Mother's Marriage to Robert Miller

In 1976, Keanu Reeves's mother married Robert Miller, a rock music promoter.

1980: Divorce from Robert Miller

In 1980, Keanu Reeves's mother divorced Robert Miller.

1981: Marcy Renee Conrad Murder

In 1981, the murder of Marcy Renee Conrad occurred; this event was loosely based on the film River's Edge, in which Keanu Reeves was cast as Matt in 1986.

1991: Formation of Dogstar and Interest in Music

In 1991, Keanu Reeves developed an interest in music and formed the alternative rock band Dogstar, playing bass guitar.

1994: Starring in Speed and Phoenix's Death

In 1994, Keanu Reeves starred in Speed alongside Sandra Bullock and Dennis Hopper. During production, his friend River Phoenix died, causing adjustments to the filming schedule.

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1998: Meeting Jennifer Syme

In 1998, Keanu Reeves met Jennifer Syme, David Lynch's assistant, at a party for his band Dogstar, and they began dating.

December 24, 1999: Loss of Stillborn Child

On December 24, 1999, Jennifer Syme, Keanu Reeves's girlfriend, gave birth to their stillborn child eight months into her pregnancy.

April 2, 2001: Death of Jennifer Syme

On April 2, 2001, Jennifer Syme, Keanu Reeves's girlfriend, died in a car accident in Los Angeles. She had been under the influence and was not wearing a seatbelt.

2002: Dogstar disbanded

In 2002, Dogstar, the band featuring Keanu Reeves, disbanded after a decade together. They had released two albums, Our Little Visionary in 1996 and Happy Ending in 2000.

2003: Gifts to The Matrix Reloaded Stunt Team

In 2003, as a wrap gift for the twelve-person stunt team of The Matrix Reloaded, Keanu Reeves purchased Harley-Davidson motorcycles for each member.

2009: Meeting Alexandra Grant

In 2009, Keanu Reeves met Alexandra Grant at a dinner party, and they later collaborated on two books together.

2009: Private Cancer Foundation

In 2009, Keanu Reeves stated that he founded a private cancer foundation to aid children's hospitals and support cancer research, in response to his sister's battle with leukemia.

2010: "Sad Keanu" Internet Meme

In 2010, an image of Keanu Reeves became an internet meme after photographs of him were published, sitting on a park bench with a sad facial expression, leading to the "Sad Keanu" meme being spread on the internet.

2011: Co-founding ARCH Motorcycle Company

In 2011, Keanu Reeves, an avid motorcyclist, co-founded ARCH Motorcycle Company with Gard Hollinger, which builds and sells custom motorcycles.

2017: Founding X Artists' Books

In 2017, Keanu Reeves, Jessica Fleischmann, and Alexandra Grant founded book publisher X Artists' Books (XAB).

March 2019: United Airlines Flight Incident

In March 2019, Keanu Reeves's United Airlines flight was grounded in Bakersfield, California. Reeves took the initiative to arrange alternate travel plans, boarded a travel van with the other passengers, and entertained them by reading fun facts about Bakersfield and sharing local country music.

July 2019: Signing "You're Breathtaking" Banner

In July 2019, while filming Bill & Ted Face the Music, Keanu Reeves signed a "You're Breathtaking" banner for a family, referencing a meme from his appearance at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2019.

November 2019: Public Announcement of Relationship with Alexandra Grant

In November 2019, Keanu Reeves and Alexandra Grant publicly announced their relationship.

June 2020: Volunteering for Camp Rainbow Gold

In June 2020, Keanu Reeves volunteered for Camp Rainbow Gold, an Idaho children's cancer charity.

August 2022: Attending Fan's Wedding

In August 2022, Keanu Reeves attended a fan's wedding in Northamptonshire, United Kingdom, after chatting with the couple at a bar and congratulating them on their marriage. He participated in a photoshoot with the family.

March 2023: Auction for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

In March 2023, after filming John Wick: Chapter 4, Keanu Reeves, Chad Stahelski, and Dave Camarillo signed a training uniform that was auctioned off to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

October 2023: Playing Catch with a Young Fan

In October 2023, Keanu Reeves played catch with a young fan named Elijah before a Dogstar concert in Houston. The boy called it the "top moment" of his life.

October 2024: Motorsport Debut in Toyota GR Cup North America

In October 2024, Keanu Reeves made his motorsport debut in the Toyota GR Cup North America, finishing 25th in Race 1 and 24th in Race 2 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

2024: Contract with Windsor Spitfires

In 2024, Keanu Reeves signed a one-day contract with the Windsor Spitfires, and signed items which were auctioned off in benefit of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Windsor-Essex.