Keanu Charles Reeves is a Canadian actor renowned for his calm and composed demeanor in various film genres, particularly action cinema. He has garnered significant acclaim, with The New York Times naming him one of the greatest actors of the 21st century in 2020, and Time recognizing him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2022. Additionally, in 2024, Gold House honored him as one of the 100 most impactful Asian Pacific leaders who have shaped American culture and society in the preceding year.
Keanu Charles Reeves was born on September 2, 1964, in Beirut, Lebanon. This marks the beginning of the life of the actor who would become known for his roles in various genres and establish himself as a leading man in action cinema.
In 1966, Keanu Reeves's parents divorced. This event led to significant changes in his early life, including relocating to different cities.
In 1970, Keanu Reeves's mother married Paul Aaron, a Broadway and Hollywood director. This connection would later provide Reeves with valuable advice and opportunities in the entertainment industry.
In 1971, Keanu Reeves's family moved to Toronto. This relocation significantly impacted his upbringing and future career.
In 1976, Keanu Reeves's mother married Robert Miller, a rock music promoter. This marriage lasted until 1980 and added another layer to Reeves's complex family dynamics.
In 1980, Keanu Reeves's mother and Robert Miller divorced, marking another significant change in his family life.
The 1986 film River's Edge, in which Keanu Reeves starred, is loosely based on the 1981 murder of Marcy Renee Conrad. The film received positive feedback at the Toronto International Film Festival.
In 1983, Keanu Reeves appeared in a Coca-Cola commercial, marking one of his early appearances in the entertainment industry.
In 1984, Keanu Reeves made his acting debut in the Canadian television series Hangin' In, marking the beginning of his journey in the entertainment industry.
In 1984, Keanu Reeves worked as a correspondent for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) youth television program Going Great, marking another early step in his career.
In 1985, Keanu Reeves played Mercutio in a stage production of Romeo and Juliet at the Leah Posluns Theatre in North York, Ontario.
Keanu Reeves has been prolific in film since 1985, making notable contributions to the industry over the decades. His diverse roles and performances have garnered critical and commercial success.
Keanu Reeves made his feature film debut in 1986 in the movie Youngblood, where he played the role of a goalkeeper. This was a significant milestone in his acting career.
In 1986, Keanu Reeves made his first motion picture appearances in the film Youngblood and the romantic drama Flying, marking significant milestones in his acting career.
In 1987, Keanu Reeves starred in the highly acclaimed film 'River's Edge,' which became one of his most recognized works according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Towards the end of the 1980s, 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 1989, Keanu Reeves had his breakthrough role in the science fiction comedy Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. This role brought him significant attention and praise.
In 1989, Keanu Reeves starred in 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure,' a film that became a cultural phenomenon and significantly boosted his career.
In 1989, Keanu Reeves starred in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, a film generally well-received by critics and grossing $40.5 million worldwide.
In 1989, Keanu Reeves starred in the comedy-drama Parenthood directed by Ron Howard, receiving positive reviews for its feel-good nature and ensemble cast.
In 1990, Keanu Reeves gave two notable performances, portraying an incompetent hitman in I Love You to Death and a radio station employee in Tune in Tomorrow, further showcasing his acting range.
On September 29, 1991, Keanu Reeves co-starred with River Phoenix in the film My Own Private Idaho, directed by Gus Van Sant. The film, which is loosely based on Shakespeare's Henry IV and Henry V, premiered at the 48th Venice International Film Festival and was later released in the US. It earned $6.4 million at the box office and received positive reviews, with Entertainment Weekly describing it as a 'rich, audacious experience' and The New York Times praising the performances of Reeves and Phoenix.
In 1991, Keanu Reeves delivered a memorable performance in 'My Own Private Idaho,' further establishing his versatility as an actor.
In 1991, Keanu Reeves starred alongside Patrick Swayze in the action thriller Point Break, directed by Kathryn Bigelow. To prepare for his role as an undercover FBI agent, Reeves took surfing lessons in Hawaii. The film was a commercial success, earning $83.5 million at the box office, and Reeves received praise for his disciplined and versatile performance.
In 1991, Keanu Reeves ventured into the music industry by forming an alternative rock band called Dogstar. The band consisted of members Robert Mailhouse, Gregg Miller, and Bret Domrose, with Reeves playing the bass guitar.
Keanu Reeves gained praise in 1991 for playing a hustler in the independent drama My Own Private Idaho. This role showcased his versatility as an actor.
In 1992, Keanu Reeves won the Most Desirable Male award at the MTV Movie Awards for his role in Point Break. The film, released the previous year, showcased Reeves's ability to perform in action-packed scenes and received positive reviews for his performance.
In 1993, Keanu Reeves showcased his talent in the film adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing,' adding to his diverse filmography.
In 1993, Keanu Reeves starred in the film adaptation of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Despite the film's positive reviews, Reeves's performance was critiqued, earning him a Golden Raspberry Award nomination for Worst Supporting Actor. However, he also starred in other drama films like Even Cowgirls Get the Blues and Little Buddha that year, with the latter leaving a lasting impression on him.
In 1994, Keanu Reeves established himself as an action hero with his leading role in the movie Speed. This role solidified his status in the action genre.
In 1994, Keanu Reeves starred in the action thriller Speed alongside Sandra Bullock and Dennis Hopper. His role as police officer Jack Traven required significant physical preparation, including shaving his head and gaining muscle mass. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing $350 million and receiving acclaim for Reeves's charismatic performance.
In 1994, Keanu Reeves starred in the action-packed film 'Speed,' which became one of his highest-grossing movies and solidified his status as a leading actor in Hollywood.
In 1995, Keanu Reeves appeared in the romantic drama A Walk in the Clouds, playing a young soldier returning home from World War II. The film garnered mixed-to-negative reviews, with some critics praising its emotional depth and others criticizing its lack of substance.
In 1995, Keanu Reeves played Prince Hamlet in a Manitoba Theatre Centre production of Hamlet in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Critics, including Roger Lewis from The Sunday Times, praised his performance, noting his embodiment of the character's innocence, fury, and emotional violence.
In 1995, Keanu Reeves starred in the cyberpunk action thriller Johnny Mnemonic, directed by Robert Longo and based on a story by William Gibson. The film, set in 2021, features Reeves as a man with a cybernetic brain implant who must deliver a data package before he is killed by the yakuza. Despite significant marketing efforts, including a CD-ROM video game, the film received mainly negative reviews, with critics feeling Reeves was 'woefully miscast.'
In 1995, the action thriller Speed, starring Keanu Reeves, won two Academy Awards for Best Sound Editing and Best Sound. The film had been released the previous year and was praised for its relentless pacing and Reeves's energetic performance.
In 1996, Keanu Reeves starred in the independent crime comedy Feeling Minnesota alongside Vincent D'Onofrio and Cameron Diaz. The film was poorly received, with Rotten Tomatoes describing it as 'shoddily assembled, and fundamentally miscast.'
In 1996, Keanu Reeves starred in the science fiction film Chain Reaction, where he played a researcher of a green energy project who goes on the run after being framed for murder. The film was not a critical success, receiving mostly negative reviews and a 16% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
In 1997, Keanu Reeves's performance in the horror film The Devil's Advocate was well received, marking a high point after several box office disappointments.
In 1997, Keanu Reeves starred in the supernatural horror film The Devil's Advocate alongside Al Pacino and Charlize Theron. He took a pay cut to allow the studio to hire Pacino. The film received positive reviews, with critics praising its entertainment value and Reeves's performance.
In 1997, Keanu Reeves appeared in the drama The Last Time I Committed Suicide, based on a 1950 letter from Neal Cassady to Jack Kerouac. The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Reeves's performance and others criticizing his acting abilities.
On December 24, 1999, Keanu Reeves' partner, Jennifer Syme, gave birth to their stillborn child. This tragic event deeply affected the couple, leading to their breakup shortly afterwards.
In 1999, Keanu Reeves played the iconic role of Neo in 'The Matrix,' a groundbreaking science fiction film that achieved critical and commercial success.
In 1999, Keanu Reeves starred in the critically acclaimed science fiction film The Matrix, playing the role of Neo, a hacker who discovers humanity is trapped in a simulated reality. The film was a box office success and is considered one of the best science fiction films of all time, winning multiple Academy Awards.
Keanu Reeves achieved greater stardom in 1999 by playing Neo in The Matrix. This role made him the highest-paid actor for a single production when he reprised it in the sequels.
Also in 2000, Keanu Reeves had a supporting role in the thriller The Gift, directed by Sam Raimi. The film, which grossed $44 million worldwide, features Cate Blanchett as a woman with extrasensory perception. Reeves's performance was noted by critics, including Paul Clinton of CNN, who commented on his occasionally wooden delivery.
In 2000, Keanu Reeves starred in the sports comedy The Replacements and the thriller The Watcher. For The Replacements, Reeves took a pay cut to enable Gene Hackman to co-star. Against his wishes, he also starred in The Watcher due to a forged contract. The thriller was critically panned upon release in 2000.
On April 2, 2001, Jennifer Syme, Keanu Reeves' former partner, tragically died in a car accident. Reeves was profoundly impacted by her death, serving as a pallbearer at her funeral and seeking peace and time afterwards.
In 2001, Keanu Reeves appeared on Forbes' annual Celebrity 100 list at number 36. This recognition highlighted his significant impact and popularity in the entertainment industry.
In 2001, Keanu Reeves starred in the romantic drama Sweet November and the sports comedy Hardball. Sweet November, a remake of a 1968 film, received generally negative reviews but highlighted Reeves's likability. Hardball, directed by Brian Robbins, saw Reeves playing a troubled man coaching a Little League team. Critics noted the film's attempt to tackle difficult subjects but felt it lacked depth.
In 2002, Keanu Reeves was listed again on Forbes' annual Celebrity 100 list, this time at number 49. This continued recognition underscored his sustained influence and success in Hollywood.
In 2002, Keanu Reeves's band Dogstar disbanded after a decade together, during which they released two albums: Our Little Visionary in 1996 and Happy Ending in 2000. Reeves later performed with the band Becky for a year but quit in 2005 due to a lack of interest in a serious music career.
In 2003, Keanu Reeves starred in The Matrix Revolutions, which received mixed reviews but grossed $427 million worldwide. He also appeared in the romantic comedy Something's Gotta Give, co-starring with Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton. The latter film received generally favorable reviews.
In 2003, Keanu Reeves returned to the big screen with The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. Both films were released in May and November, respectively, and were primarily shot at Fox Studios in Australia. The Matrix Reloaded received mostly favorable reviews and grossed $739 million worldwide.
In a 2005 article for Time magazine, Lev Grossman described Keanu Reeves as 'Hollywood's ultimate introvert.' This characterization highlighted Reeves's private nature and work ethic, contributing to his unique persona in the entertainment industry.
In 2005, Keanu Reeves played the titular role in the movie Constantine, further showcasing his ability to handle diverse roles in different genres.
In 2005, Keanu Reeves starred in Constantine, an occult detective film that grossed $230 million worldwide. The film received mixed-to-positive reviews. He also appeared in Thumbsucker, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Thumbsucker garnered positive critical reviews for its performances and emotional depth.
In 2005, Keanu Reeves received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the motion picture industry. This honor celebrated his achievements and lasting impact on the film world.
In 2006, Keanu Reeves starred in two notable films. He appeared in 'A Scanner Darkly', which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, playing an undercover agent in a dystopian future. Despite being a box office failure, it received generally favorable reviews. The same year, he reunited with Sandra Bullock in 'The Lake House', a romantic drama that achieved box office success but was critically panned by some.
Keanu Reeves starred in the romantic drama The Lake House in 2006, continuing his trend of taking on varied roles in his acting career.
As early as 2008, Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter expressed enthusiasm for a third Bill & Ted film, although the project faced several delays before eventually being released years later.
In 2008, Keanu Reeves appeared in the science fiction thriller The Day the Earth Stood Still and the crime thriller Street Kings, showing his versatility in different film genres.
On April 11, 2008, Keanu Reeves starred in 'Street Kings', a crime thriller directed by David Ayer. The film, which grossed $66 million worldwide, featured Reeves as an undercover policeman. Despite its moderate financial success, the film and Reeves' performance received mostly unenthusiastic reviews.
In 2009, 'The Day the Earth Stood Still', featuring Keanu Reeves as Klaatu, was nominated for Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel at the Razzie Awards. Critics were unimpressed with the heavy use of special effects despite Reeves' ability to engage the audience.
In 2009, 'The Private Lives of Pippa Lee', starring Keanu Reeves, premiered at the 59th Berlin International Film Festival. The romantic comedy received positive reviews, with praise for its ensemble cast and intelligent script.
In 2010, an image of Keanu Reeves sitting on a park bench with a sad facial expression became an internet meme known as 'Sad Keanu.' The meme gained widespread attention, leading to the unofficial holiday 'Cheer-up Keanu Day' on June 15, created by a Facebook fan page. Reeves later downplayed the photo, attributing his expression to being hungry and deep in thought.
In 2010, Keanu Reeves starred in 'Henry's Crime', a romantic comedy about a man who targets a bank with his former cellmate after being released from prison for a crime he did not commit. The film did not achieve box office success.
In 2011, Keanu Reeves co-founded ARCH Motorcycle Company with Gard Hollinger. The company specializes in building and selling custom motorcycles, reflecting Reeves's passion for motorcycling and entrepreneurship.
In 2011, Keanu Reeves wrote an adult picture book titled 'Ode to Happiness', complemented by illustrations from Alexandra Grant. This marked a unique creative endeavor for Reeves outside of his acting career.
In 2012, Keanu Reeves co-produced and appeared in the documentary 'Side by Side', exploring digital and photochemical film creation. He also starred in 'Generation Um...', an independent drama that was critically panned.
In 2013, Keanu Reeves expanded his horizons in the film industry by directing the movie Man of Tai Chi, showcasing his talents beyond acting.
In 2013, Keanu Reeves made his directorial debut with 'Man of Tai Chi', a martial arts film inspired by the life of his friend Tiger Chen. The film, which premiered at the Beijing and Cannes Film Festivals, received praise for its fight sequences but was a commercial disappointment at the box office.
In 2014, Keanu Reeves starred in 'John Wick,' a film that revitalized his career and spawned a successful action franchise.
In 2014, Keanu Reeves starred in the action thriller John Wick, where he played a retired hitman seeking vengeance. The film was released on October 24, 2014, in the United States and marked a significant comeback for Reeves, receiving praise for its action sequences and his performance. The film grossed $86 million worldwide. This event in 2014 marked Reeves' return to the action genre.
Keanu Reeves made a significant career comeback in 2014 by playing the titular assassin in the action film John Wick and its subsequent instalments.
In 2015, Keanu Reeves had several film releases, including the horror feature Knock Knock and the documentaries Deep Web and Mifune: The Last Samurai. Knock Knock, described as 'over-the-top destruction,' featured Reeves as a father entangled in a dangerous game with two young women. His contributions in 2015 included both acting and narrating roles.
In a 2015 interview, director Francis Ford Coppola reflected on Keanu Reeves's performance in the 1992 film Bram Stoker's Dracula. Coppola noted Reeves's dedication to perfecting his English accent, which was criticized at the time for being overly posh and stilted. Despite the critique, the film was a commercial success, grossing $215.8 million worldwide, and won three Academy Awards.
In 2016, Keanu Reeves appeared in five film releases, including Exposed, Keanu, The Neon Demon, The Bad Batch, and The Whole Truth. While Exposed received negative reviews, the comedy Keanu was better received. His other roles varied from a minor part in The Neon Demon to a defense attorney in The Whole Truth. Additionally, Reeves appeared in the web television series Swedish Dicks.
In 2016, The Hollywood Reporter calculated that Keanu Reeves had earned $250 million from The Matrix franchise. This substantial earning made him one of the highest-paid actors in the industry.
In 2017, Keanu Reeves, along with Jessica Fleischmann and Alexandra Grant, founded the book publisher X Artists' Books. This venture highlighted Reeves's interest in literature and art, as he has also authored two books in collaboration with Grant.
In 2017, Keanu Reeves continued his role in 'John Wick: Chapter 2,' further cementing the series' success and his reputation as an action star.
In 2017, Keanu Reeves reprised his role in John Wick: Chapter 2, a sequel that grossed $171.5 million worldwide. He also starred in the drama To the Bone, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was later distributed on Netflix. Reeves made cameo appearances in A Happening of Monumental Proportions and SPF-18, diversifying his roles in 2017.
In 2018, Keanu Reeves reunited with Winona Ryder in the comedy Destination Wedding. He also starred in and co-produced two thrillers, Siberia and Replicas. Both films were critically panned and did not perform well at the box office. Despite the criticism, Reeves continued to take on diverse roles in 2018.
In July 2019, while filming Bill & Ted Face the Music, Keanu Reeves encountered a house with a banner reading 'You're Breathtaking' and 'Mini Keanu,' referencing memes from his appearance at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2019. Reeves took the time to sign the banner and interact with the family, further endearing himself to fans.
In November 2019, Keanu Reeves and Alexandra Grant made their relationship public. The couple had previously collaborated on two books together.
In 2019, Keanu Reeves shared his views on what happens after death during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, stating, "I know that the ones who love us will miss us."
In 2019, Keanu Reeves starred in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, which was a box office hit. He also voiced Duke Caboom in Toy Story 4 and played a role in Always Be My Maybe. On April 27-28, 2019, a film festival called KeanuCon was held in his honor in Glasgow, Scotland, showcasing nine of his films. Additionally, he started producing the Netflix series Conquest in São Paulo.
In 2019, Keanu Reeves starred in both 'John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum' and 'Toy Story 4,' showcasing his versatility and continuing his streak of successful films.
In June 2020, Keanu Reeves volunteered for Camp Rainbow Gold, an Idaho children's cancer charity. This effort was part of his ongoing commitment to aiding cancer research and support, motivated by his sister's battle with leukemia. Reeves's contributions to charitable causes further solidified his reputation for generosity and philanthropy.
In 2020, Bill & Ted Face the Music, the third film in the franchise, was released. The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising the chemistry between Reeves and Winter, while others were less impressed with Reeves' performance.
In 2020, The New York Times ranked Keanu Reeves at number four on its list of the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century. This accolade recognized Reeves's versatile talent and significant contributions to the film industry.
In 2020, The New York Times recognized Keanu Reeves as one of the greatest actors of the 21st century, acknowledging his significant impact on the film industry.
In March 2021, the comic book series BRZRKR, co-written by Keanu Reeves, began publication. The first issue sold over 615,000 copies, making it the top-selling single issue since Star Wars #1 in 2015.
In September 2021, Tae Kwon Do Life Magazine named Keanu Reeves the '#1 Martial Arts movie star in the world.' This recognition was based on his extensive work in martial arts films, their popularity, and box office success.
In December 2021, Keanu Reeves returned to the screen for the fourth film in The Matrix franchise: The Matrix Resurrections. Despite the film being a box office disappointment, Reeves' and Carrie-Anne Moss' performances were praised by critics who noted that while the film was well-acted, it did not revolutionize the franchise.
In 2022, Keanu Reeves's recitation of the Beat poem 'Pull My Daisy' for a virtual benefit concert for Tibet House US, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Dalai Lama, sparked controversy. Chinese nationalists were angered, leading to the banning of Reeves's films from streaming platforms in China.
In 2022, Time magazine named Keanu Reeves as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, highlighting his influence and contributions to culture and society.
In March 2023, after filming John Wick: Chapter 4, Keanu Reeves, along with Chad Stahelski and Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor Dave Camarillo, signed an exclusive training uniform. This was put up for auction to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, showcasing Reeves's continuous efforts in supporting children's health initiatives.
On March 24, 2023, John Wick: Chapter 4 premiered, with Keanu Reeves reprising his role as the titular character. The film continued the successful action-packed saga of John Wick.
In October 2023, the comic book series BRZRKR, co-written by Keanu Reeves, concluded its run with the third volume.
In November 2023, Boom! Studios published a spin-off comic of BRZRKR titled Fallen Empire, co-written by Keanu Reeves.
In 2023, Dogstar, Keanu Reeves' band, released a new album titled Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees. Following their first performance in 20 years at the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival, the band embarked on a 25-date tour in North America and Japan.
In 2023, a lipopeptide named Keanumycin, which is deadly to fungi, was named in honor of Keanu Reeves.
In January 2024, it was announced that Keanu Reeves is co-authoring a book titled The Book of Elsewhere with speculative fiction writer China Miéville. The book is set to be released in July 2024.
In 2024, Gold House recognized Keanu Reeves as one of the 100 most impactful Asian Pacific leaders who have influenced American culture and society in the last year.
In 2025, Keanu Reeves is set to star in several upcoming projects, including Good Fortune with Seth Rogen and Aziz Ansari, Jonah Hill's black comedy Outcome, and as the voice of Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. He will also reprise his role in John Wick Presents: Ballerina and co-produce a documentary about Benny Urquidez.