How education and upbringing influenced the life of Keanu Reeves. A timeline of key moments.
Keanu Reeves is a highly regarded Canadian actor and musician recognized for his extensive career and contributions to film. He's received numerous awards and was ranked among the greatest actors of the 21st century by The New York Times. Time magazine also recognized him as one of the most influential people in the world. He's particularly known for his leading roles in action films, his positive public image, and his philanthropic work.
September 2, 1964: Keanu Reeves' Birth
On September 2, 1964, Keanu Charles Reeves was born. He is a Canadian actor and musician recognized with several awards during his on-screen career, which spans four decades.
1966: Parents' Divorce
In 1966, Keanu Reeves's parents divorced, which led to his mother moving the family to Sydney and subsequently to New York City.
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, marking a significant change in the family's life.
1971: Divorce of Mother and Paul Aaron
In 1971, Keanu Reeves's mother and Paul Aaron divorced after moving to Toronto, which was another significant change in his early family life.
1976: Mother's Marriage to Robert Miller
In 1976, Keanu Reeves's mother married Robert Miller, a rock music promoter, marking another change in his family structure.
1980: Divorce of Mother and Robert Miller
In 1980, Keanu Reeves's mother and Robert Miller divorced, further shaping his upbringing and family dynamics.
1981: Inspiration for River's Edge
The 1986 film, River's Edge, in which Reeves starred, was loosely based on the 1981 murder of Marcy Renee Conrad.
1985: Began Film Career
In 1985, Keanu Reeves began his prolific career in film.
1987: Stars in River's Edge
In 1987, Keanu Reeves starred in the acclaimed film River's Edge.
1989: Stars in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
In 1989, Keanu Reeves starred in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, a film that launched him to stardom.
1991: Formation of Dogstar
In 1991, Keanu Reeves formed the alternative rock band called Dogstar, showcasing his interest and involvement in music.
1991: Stars in My Own Private Idaho
In 1991, Keanu Reeves starred in My Own Private Idaho.
1993: Stars in Much Ado About Nothing
In 1993, Keanu Reeves starred in Much Ado About Nothing.
1994: Stars in Speed
In 1994, Keanu Reeves starred in the blockbuster film Speed.
1998: Meets Jennifer Syme
In 1998, Keanu Reeves met Jennifer Syme at a party. This marked the beginning of their relationship.
1999: Stars in The Matrix
In 1999, Keanu Reeves starred in The Matrix, a groundbreaking science fiction film.
2003: Gifts Harley-Davidson Motorcycles to Stunt Team
In 2003, as a wrap gift for the stunt team of The Matrix Reloaded, Keanu Reeves purchased Harley-Davidson motorcycles for each of the twelve members, expressing his gratitude for their work on the film.
2005: Described as "Hollywood's ultimate introvert"
In a 2005 article for Time magazine, Lev Grossman described Keanu Reeves as "Hollywood's ultimate introvert".
2009: Meets Alexandra Grant
In 2009, Keanu Reeves met Alexandra Grant at a dinner party, which started a friendship and would later turn into a relationship. They would collaborate on two books together.
2010: "Sad Keanu" Meme Emerges
In 2010, an image of Keanu Reeves sitting on a park bench with a sad expression became the "Sad Keanu" internet meme, leading to an unofficial "Cheer-up Keanu Day" on June 15. This event reflects his impact on internet culture.
2011: Co-founds ARCH Motorcycle Company
In 2011, Keanu Reeves, an avid motorcyclist, co-founded ARCH Motorcycle Company with Gard Hollinger. This company builds and sells custom motorcycles.
2014: Stars in John Wick
In 2014, Keanu Reeves starred in John Wick, starting a successful action franchise.
2017: Addressed "Secretly Immortal" Meme
In 2017, Keanu Reeves addressed the "secretly immortal" meme on The Tonight Show, humorously responding to his resemblance to historical figures. This incident acknowledges his presence in internet culture.
2017: Stars in John Wick: Chapter 2
In 2017, Keanu Reeves starred in John Wick: Chapter 2, continuing the successful action franchise.
2017: Founds X Artists' Books
In 2017, Keanu Reeves, Jessica Fleischmann, and Alexandra Grant founded X Artists' Books (XAB), a book publishing company. This highlights his involvement in the arts and literature.
March 2019: Goes Viral After Flight Grounded
In March 2019, Keanu Reeves went viral after his United Airlines flight was grounded. He took initiative to arrange alternate travel plans for passengers, reading fun facts and playing music. This reinforced his reputation as a personable and considerate celebrity.
July 2019: Signs "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, further cementing his positive reputation among fans.
November 2019: Relationship with Alexandra Grant Goes Public
In November 2019, Keanu Reeves publicly revealed his relationship with Alexandra Grant, with whom he had previously collaborated on book projects. This marked a significant moment in Reeves' personal life.
2019: Stars in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Toy Story 4
In 2019, Keanu Reeves starred in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Toy Story 4.
June 2020: Volunteers for Camp Rainbow Gold
In June 2020, Keanu Reeves volunteered for Camp Rainbow Gold, an Idaho-based charity for children with cancer. This demonstrates his commitment to charitable causes.
August 2022: Attends Fan's Wedding
In August 2022, Keanu Reeves went viral for attending a fan's wedding in Northamptonshire, United Kingdom, showcasing his approachable and kind nature.
March 2023: Signed Training Uniform Auctioned for Charity
In March 2023, after filming John Wick: Chapter 4, Keanu Reeves, Chad Stahelski, and Dave Camarillo signed an exclusive training uniform that was auctioned to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This highlights his continued support for charitable causes.
October 2023: Plays Catch with Young Fan at Dogstar Concert
In October 2023, Keanu Reeves played catch with a young fan before a Dogstar concert in Houston, further solidifying his reputation for kindness.
2023: Laurence Fishburne Comments on Keanu Reeves' Kindness
In 2023, Laurence Fishburne, a frequent collaborator, remarked on Keanu Reeves, noting, "He's kinder, yeah. He's much kinder than people say he is. He's a very gentle, highly intelligent man..."
2024: Reeves Discusses Mortality and Makes Motorsport Debut
In 2024, Keanu Reeves reflected on mortality and 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. This marked a new venture in his career.
2024: Signed Contract with Windsor Spitfires
In 2024, Keanu Reeves signed a one-day contract with the Windsor Spitfires, and signed items which were auctioned off to benefit the Canadian Mental Health Association of Windsor-Essex. This demonstrates Reeves' commitment to supporting mental health initiatives.
2024: Hiroyuki Sanada Praises Reeves' Humility
In a 2024 interview, Hiroyuki Sanada praised Keanu Reeves' humility and work ethic, saying, "He [is] so humble, very kind to others but very hard on himself".