When you hear the name Keanu Reeves, I’m sure dozens of his movies come to mind. Whether your favourite is John Wick, The Matrix, The Lake House or Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Keanu has something for everyone. Plus, if you’re anything like me, your friends will turn into massive love hearts when they hear his name.
As a multi-millionaire, Reeves has remained humble and down to earth. He catches public transport, befriends the homeless, donates millions of dollars to charity and refuses to throw out his tattered old boots held together with duct tape.
His kindness exceeds limits as he has created a private foundation for cancer research and volunteered his own time and 70% of his pay from the Matrix was put towards leukaemia research. He bought the stunt crew from the Matrix franchise Harley-Davidson motorbikes and has been known to cut his pay on films to allow for the budget to hire other actors including Al Pacino and Gene Hackman… For Reeves it’s not about the money, it’s about integrity.
He is known for his insightful one-liners that always keep interviewers on their toes.
When asked…
‘What happens when we die Keanu?’
After a pause, he answered…
‘I know that the ones who love us will miss us.’
When asked…
‘How do you stay down to Earth?’
He responded…
‘Gravity.’
The man is obviously a deep thinker with a sense of humour. Now I could go on all day about what a wonderful human being he is… Reeves’ life however has not always been easy. He is a man of resilience and determination, facing his fair share of personal hardships and heartbreak.
In 2001 he and his late partner Jessica Syme suffered the loss of their child, who was stillborn. Several weeks later, torn apart from the tragedy, Reeves and Symes parted ways. Shortly after, Symes was killed instantly in a car crash. In 1993 Reeves lost his best friend River Phoenix from a drug overdose. His sister also suffered from leukaemia for close to ten years.
Reeves’ adversities have not made him bitter and sullen, but have rather made him strong, kind, compassionate and empathetic. It is evident that he puts the needs of others before his own and openly claims that acting is not about the money for him. He puts his experiences of grief into compelling performances and treasures the simple things.
‘Grief changes shape, but it never ends. People have a misconception that you can deal with it and say “It’s gone, I’m better” They’re wrong.’
Keanu Reeves
We all endure our share of hardships, but we are not alone. God will never let us go through anything we can’t handle and through it all, we will become tougher, kinder and resilient.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
WRITER: Rochelle Ward