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.
1974: Filming of Death Game
In 1974, the film "Death Game" was filmed, which later "Knock Knock (2015)" was a remake of.
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.
1977: Death Game
In 1977, the original "Death Game" was released, which "Knock Knock (2015)" was a remake of.
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: Release of Johnny Mnemonic Story
In 1981, William Gibson released the story 'Johnny Mnemonic' that would eventually be the inspiration for the 1995 movie starring Keanu Reeves.
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.
1983: Coca-Cola Commercial Appearance
In 1983, Keanu Reeves appeared in a Coca-Cola commercial, marking one of his early appearances in commercial advertising.
1984: Acting Debut
In 1984, Keanu Reeves made his acting debut in the Canadian television series Hangin' In, marking the beginning of his career in the entertainment industry.
1984: Correspondent for CBC
In 1984, Keanu Reeves worked as a correspondent for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) youth television program Going Great, starting his journey in the media and entertainment industry.
1985: Began Film Career
In 1985, Keanu Reeves began his prolific career in film.
1985: Stage Production of Romeo and Juliet
In 1985, Keanu Reeves played Mercutio in a stage production of Romeo and Juliet at the Leah Posluns Theatre in North York, Ontario, showcasing his early acting skills in theater.
1986: Television Film Foray and Motion Picture Appearances
In 1986, Keanu Reeves appeared in television films like Babes in Toyland and made motion picture appearances in Youngblood and Flying, expanding his acting career across different media.
1986: Feature Film Debut
In 1986, Keanu Reeves made his feature film debut in Youngblood, initiating his transition into cinematic roles after his start in television.
1987: Stars in River's Edge
In 1987, Keanu Reeves starred in the acclaimed film River's Edge.
1988: Starring in Teen Dramas
In 1988, Keanu Reeves starred in several dramas aimed at teen audiences, including The Night Before, The Prince of Pennsylvania, and Permanent Record, showcasing his versatility in teen-oriented roles.
1989: Breakthrough Role in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
In 1989, Keanu Reeves had his breakthrough role in the science-fiction comedy Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, which significantly raised his profile in the film industry.
1989: Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure Release
In 1989, Keanu Reeves starred in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, a role that was generally well-received and helped solidify his status as a comedic actor.
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.
1989: Starring in Parenthood
In 1989, Keanu Reeves starred in the comedy-drama Parenthood directed by Ron Howard, adding to his diverse roles in film.
1990: Acting Performances and Music Video Appearance
In 1990, Keanu Reeves gave two acting performances in I Love You to Death and Tune in Tomorrow, and appeared in Paula Abdul's music video for Rush Rush, showcasing his diverse engagements in film and music.
September 29, 1991: US Theatrical Release of My Own Private Idaho
On September 29, 1991, My Own Private Idaho, starring Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix, was theatrically released in the United States, marking an important moment in Reeves's career as he took on more mature roles.
1991: Formation of Dogstar
In 1991, Keanu Reeves formed the alternative rock band called Dogstar, showcasing his interest and involvement in music.
1991: Rising Acclaim and Action Hero Status
In 1991, Keanu Reeves garnered praise for his role in My Own Private Idaho and solidified his status as an action hero with a leading role in Point Break, marking a year of diverse and impactful performances.
1991: Stars in My Own Private Idaho
In 1991, Keanu Reeves starred in My Own Private Idaho.
1991: Starring in Point Break
In 1991, Keanu Reeves starred in the action thriller Point Break, where he played an undercover FBI agent, marking a significant role in his action film career.
1992: MTV Movie Award Win
In 1992, Keanu Reeves won the Most Desirable Male award at the MTV Movie Awards for his role in Point Break, acknowledging his rising popularity and appeal.
1993: Roles in Various Films
In 1993, Keanu Reeves had a role in Much Ado About Nothing and starred in Even Cowgirls Get the Blues and Little Buddha, receiving mixed reviews for his performances.
1993: Stars in Much Ado About Nothing
In 1993, Keanu Reeves starred in Much Ado About Nothing.
1994: Leading Role in Speed
In 1994, Keanu Reeves starred in Speed, a highly successful action film that further established him as a leading man in Hollywood.
1994: Starring in Speed
In 1994, Keanu Reeves starred in the action thriller Speed, alongside Sandra Bullock, which became a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film.
1994: Stars in Speed
In 1994, Keanu Reeves starred in the blockbuster film Speed.
1994: People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive
Keanu Reeves was named People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive in 1994, though it was retroactively awarded in 2015.
1995: Starring in Johnny Mnemonic
In 1995, Keanu Reeves starred in the cyberpunk action thriller Johnny Mnemonic, which received mainly negative reviews despite the studio's marketing efforts.
1995: Academy Awards for Speed
In 1995, the film Speed, starring Keanu Reeves, won two Academy Awards for Best Sound Editing and Best Sound, recognizing the film's technical achievements.
1997: Well-Received Performance in The Devil's Advocate
In 1997, Keanu Reeves's performance in The Devil's Advocate was well received, helping to revitalize his career after several box-office disappointments.
1998: Meets Jennifer Syme
In 1998, Keanu Reeves met Jennifer Syme at a party. This marked the beginning of their relationship.
December 24, 1999: Jennifer Syme Gives Birth to Stillborn Child
On December 24, 1999, Keanu Reeves' girlfriend, Jennifer Syme, gave birth to their stillborn child eight months into her pregnancy. This tragic event deeply impacted Reeves' life.
1999: Starring in The Matrix
In 1999, Keanu Reeves starred as Neo in The Matrix, a role that brought him greater stardom and cemented his status as a major Hollywood actor.
1999: Stars in The Matrix
In 1999, Keanu Reeves starred in The Matrix, a groundbreaking science fiction film.
April 2, 2001: Jennifer Syme Dies in Car Accident
On April 2, 2001, Jennifer Syme, Keanu Reeves' former girlfriend, died in a car accident in Los Angeles. Syme had been under the influence at the time of the crash. This event followed the loss of their child, marking a difficult period for Reeves.
2001: Appears on Forbes Celebrity 100 List
In 2001, Keanu Reeves appeared on Forbes' annual Celebrity 100 list at number 36, acknowledging his prominence and earnings in the entertainment industry.
2002: Appears on Forbes Celebrity 100 List
In 2002, Keanu Reeves appeared on Forbes' annual Celebrity 100 list at number 49, acknowledging his prominence and earnings in the entertainment industry.
2003: Highest Paid Actor for The Matrix Sequels
In 2003, Keanu Reeves became the highest paid actor for a single production when he reprised his role as Neo in The Matrix sequels Reloaded and Revolutions, marking a significant achievement in his career.
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: Role in Constantine
In 2005, Keanu Reeves played John Constantine in the film Constantine, adding another notable role to his diverse filmography.
2005: Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2005, Keanu Reeves received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the motion picture industry, marking a significant achievement in his career.
2005: Described as "Hollywood's ultimate introvert"
In a 2005 article for Time magazine, Lev Grossman described Keanu Reeves as "Hollywood's ultimate introvert".
2008: Enthusiasm for a Third Bill & Ted Film
As early as 2008, Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter showed enthusiasm for a third Bill & Ted film, which initiated the project but went into development limbo.
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.
2013: Directorial Debut and '47 Ronin'
In 2013, Keanu Reeves made his directorial debut with the martial arts film "Man of Tai Chi", which he also starred in. Additionally, he played Kai in the fantasy film "47 Ronin", which was not well-received.
2013: Directorial Debut with Man of Tai Chi
In 2013, Keanu Reeves made his film directorial debut with Man of Tai Chi, expanding his role in the film industry beyond acting.
2014: Career Comeback with John Wick
In 2014, Keanu Reeves made a career comeback by playing the titular assassin in the action film series John Wick, revitalizing his presence in action films.
2014: Stars in John Wick
In 2014, Keanu Reeves starred in John Wick, starting a successful action franchise.
2014: Starring in John Wick
In 2014, Keanu Reeves starred in the action thriller "John Wick", playing a retired hitman seeking vengeance, which marked a rebound in his career after previous commercial failures.
November 2015: Named 1994's Sexiest Man Alive
In November 2015, People magazine retroactively named Keanu Reeves 1994's Sexiest Man Alive, acknowledging his appeal and influence.
2015: Knock Knock and Documentaries
In 2015, Keanu Reeves starred in the horror film "Knock Knock", playing a father terrorized by two young women. He also narrated the documentaries "Deep Web" and "Mifune: The Last Samurai".
2015: Coppola's Retrospective Interview
In 2015, director Coppola retrospectively commented on Keanu Reeves's performance in Dracula, noting Reeves's hard work but also the stilted nature of the performance.
2015: Sales of BRZRKR Issue #1
In 2015, the single issue "Star Wars #1" sold a record number of copies.
2016: Five Film Releases in 2016
In 2016, Keanu Reeves appeared in five film releases including "Exposed", "Keanu" (voice role), "The Neon Demon", "The Bad Batch", and "The Whole Truth".
2016: Earns $250 Million for The Matrix Franchise
In 2016, The Hollywood Reporter calculated that Keanu Reeves had earned $250 million for The Matrix franchise, establishing him as one of the highest-paid actors.
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: John Wick: Chapter 2 and To the Bone
In 2017, Keanu Reeves reprised his role in "John Wick: Chapter 2", a critical and commercial success. He also starred in the drama "To the Bone", which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was distributed on Netflix.
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.
2018: Destination Wedding, Siberia and Replicas
In 2018, Keanu Reeves starred in the comedy "Destination Wedding" with Winona Ryder. He also co-produced and starred in the thrillers "Siberia" and "Replicas", both of which received poor reviews.
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: John Wick 3, Toy Story 4 and KeanuCon
In 2019, Keanu Reeves starred in "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum", voiced Duke Caboom in "Toy Story 4", and had a film festival held in his honor called KeanuCon in Glasgow, Scotland.
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.
2019: Voice Role in Toy Story 4
In 2019, Keanu Reeves voiced Duke Caboom in Toy Story 4, adding voice acting to his repertoire of roles.
2019: Dubbed the "Internet's Boyfriend"
In 2019, Keanu Reeves was dubbed the "Internet's boyfriend" due to his casual persona and ability to establish rapport with the public, solidifying his positive image.
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.
2020: Bill & Ted Face the Music Release
In 2020, "Bill & Ted Face the Music", the third film in the franchise, was released, after being in development limbo since 2008. He also appeared in "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run".
2020: Role in Cyberpunk 2077
In 2020, Keanu Reeves portrayed Johnny Silverhand in the video game Cyberpunk 2077, further expanding his presence into the gaming industry.
2020: Ranked Among Greatest Actors
In 2020, Keanu Reeves was ranked as the fourth-greatest actor of the 21st century by The New York Times, acknowledging his significant contributions to the film industry.
2020: Ranked Among Greatest Actors of the 21st Century
In 2020, The New York Times ranked Keanu Reeves at number four on its list of the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century, recognizing his significant impact on film.
March 2021: BRZRKR Comic Book Series Published
In March 2021, the comic book series "BRZRKR", co-written by Keanu Reeves, began publication.
September 2021: Deemed Top Martial Arts Movie Star
In September 2021, Tae Kwon Do Life Magazine deemed Keanu Reeves the "#1 Martial Arts movie star in the world" based on his films and box office success.
December 2021: The Matrix Resurrections Release
In December 2021, Keanu Reeves returned to the screen for the fourth film in "The Matrix" franchise: "The Matrix Resurrections".
2021: BRZRKR Comic Book Launch
In 2021, Keanu Reeves co-created and co-wrote the BRZRKR comic book franchise, which marked his entry into the world of comic book creation and storytelling.
2021: Reprising Roles in Bill & Ted and The Matrix
In 2021, Keanu Reeves reprised his roles as Ted in Bill & Ted Face the Music and Neo in The Matrix: Resurrections, revisiting iconic characters from earlier in his career.
2021: Setting of Johnny Mnemonic
The cyberpunk action thriller Johnny Mnemonic starring Keanu Reeves is set in the year 2021.
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.
2022: Films Banned in China After Tibet House Benefit
In 2022, Keanu Reeves's recitation of a Beat poem for a benefit concert for Tibet House US led to a negative reaction in China, and his films were subsequently banned from streaming platforms there. This event affected his career and public image in China.
2022: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2022, Time magazine named Keanu Reeves one of the 100 most influential people in the world, recognizing his significant impact on culture and society.
2022: Named One of the 100 Most Influential People
In 2022, Time magazine recognized Keanu Reeves as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, highlighting his impact beyond acting through his public image and philanthropic efforts.
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.
March 24, 2023: John Wick: Chapter 4 Premieres
On March 24, 2023, "John Wick: Chapter 4" premiered, with Keanu Reeves reprising his role as the title character. The film received critical acclaim.
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.
October 2023: BRZRKR Comic Book Series Concluded
In October 2023, the comic book series "BRZRKR", co-written by Keanu Reeves, concluded after being published in three volumes.
2023: Dogstar Album, BRZRKR, and Ride with Norman Reedus
In 2023, Keanu Reeves' band Dogstar released an album, Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees, and began touring. He also released BRZRKR: Bloodlines and appeared on Ride with Norman Reedus.
2023: Dogstar Album Release
In 2023, Keanu Reeves, as a member of the band Dogstar, released the album Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees, highlighting his musical endeavors alongside his acting career.
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..."
2023: Lipopeptide Keanumycin Named in Honor of Reeves
In 2023, a lipopeptide with antifungal properties, keanumycin, was named in honor of Keanu Reeves. This recognizes his cultural impact.
2023: Website Dedicated to Reeves' "Whoa" Moments
In 2023, a website dedicated to chronicling every time Keanu Reeves has spoken the word "whoa" in his film career was created, celebrating his iconic catchphrase.
April 2024: Cast as Shadow the Hedgehog
In April 2024, Keanu Reeves was cast as the voice of Shadow the Hedgehog in the third installment of the Sonic the Hedgehog film series, Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
May 2024: Netflix Wins Conquest Litigation
By the end of May 2024, Netflix won litigation over the rights to the Reeves-produced Conquest series.
August 21, 2024: Release of The Lost Book of B
On August 21, 2024, Another BRZRKR Bloodlines spin-off, titled The Lost Book of B released.
December 20, 2024: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Release
On December 20, 2024, Keanu Reeves was the voice of Shadow the Hedgehog in the third installment of the Sonic the Hedgehog film series, Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
2024: Voice Role in Sonic the Hedgehog 3
In 2024, Keanu Reeves is set to voice Shadow the Hedgehog in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, continuing his venture into voice acting.
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: Honored on Gold House's A100 List and Receives Inkpot Award
In 2024, Keanu Reeves was honored on Gold House's Most Impactful Asians A100 list and received the Inkpot Award for Lifetime Contributions to Movies, TV, Comics, and Books at San Diego Comic-Con, celebrating his career achievements.
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".
January 2025: Uncredited Role in Severance
In January 2025, Keanu Reeves had an uncredited role voicing a stop-motion Lumon building in the second season of the television series Severance.
2025: Upcoming Film and Broadway Roles
In 2025, Keanu Reeves will star in multiple upcoming films and will make his Broadway debut in a production of Waiting for Godot.
2077: Cyberpunk 2077
Keanu Reeves appears as Johnny Silverhand in the video game Cyberpunk 2077, and the expansion Phantom Liberty.
2077: Cyberpunk 2077 appearance
Reeves appeared at the Electronic Entertainment Expo for the game Cyberpunk 2077, which led to the "You're Breathtaking" meme
2077: Release of Cyberpunk Setting
The events of Cyberpunk 2077, in which Keanu portrayed Johnny Silverhand, are set in the year 2077.