Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves
Reeves in 2019
Born
Keanu Charles Reeves

(1964-09-02) September 2, 1964 (age 59)
Beirut, Lebanon
NationalityCanadian
Occupations
  • Actor
  • musician
Years active1984–present
WorksFull list
Partner(s)Jennifer Syme
(1998–2000, 2001; her death)
Alexandra Grant
(c. 2018–present)[a]
Children1[b]
AwardsFull list

Keanu Charles Reeves (/kiˈɑːn/ kee-AH-noo;[4][5][6] born September 2, 1964) is a Canadian[c] actor, musician, and comic book writer. Regarded as one of the most influential and acclaimed actors in modern history,[9][10][11] he is known for his versatile performances in numerous genres throughout his career, and is considered a sex symbol in the media.[12][13][14][15] Reeves's treatment of others, his relationship with his fans, and personal conduct have been a subject of widespread attention.

Born in Beirut and raised in Toronto, he made his acting debut in the Canadian television series Hangin' In (1984), before making his feature film debut in Youngblood (1986). Reeves had his breakthrough role in the science fiction comedy Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989), and he reprised his role in its sequels. He gained praise for playing a hustler in the independent drama My Own Private Idaho (1991) and established himself as an action hero with leading roles in Point Break (1991) and Speed (1994).

Following several box office disappointments, Reeves's performance in the horror film The Devil's Advocate (1997) was well received. Greater stardom came for playing Neo in The Matrix (1999), with Reeves becoming the highest paid actor for a single production for reprising the role in the sequels Reloaded and Revolutions.[16] He played John Constantine in Constantine (2005) and starred in the romantic drama The Lake House (2006), the science fiction thriller The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008), and the crime thriller Street Kings (2008). Following another commercially down period, Reeves started a successful comeback by playing the titular assassin in the film John Wick (2014). Reprising his role in subsequent instalments, the series has been considered to have revitalized the action film genre, and has been regarded as one of the greatest action film franchises of all time.[17][18][19] Time named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2022.[20]

In addition to acting, Reeves has directed the film Man of Tai Chi (2013). He plays bass guitar for the band Dogstar and pursued other endeavours such as developing the BRZRKR franchise and has participated in philanthropic causes.

  1. ^ Romano, Aja (November 6, 2019). "Keanu Reeves is dating a woman close to his own age. Why is that so shocking?". Vox. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  2. ^ "Keanu Reeves and Alexandra Grant's Sweet Love Story: Proudly Public After Years Together". People. July 6, 2020. Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  3. ^ Wise, Louis (March 11, 2020). "Alexandra Grant On Finding Love With Keanu Reeves & Her Upcoming Marfa Invitational Exhibition". British Vogue. Archived from the original on July 14, 2020. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  4. ^ "Keanu Reeve Biography". Norton Cinema (Virginia, USA). Archived from the original on 28 July 2019. Retrieved 28 July 2019. Keanu Charles Reeves, whose first name means 'cool breeze over the mountains' in Hawaiian, was born September 2, 1964, in Beirut, Lebanon.
  5. ^ Solski, Ruth (2010). Reading with Canadian Celebrities. S&S Learning Materials. p. 43. ISBN 9781770781719.
  6. ^ Zageris, Larissa; Curran, Kitty (2019). For Your Consideration: Keanu Reeves. Curran, Kitty. Philadelphia, PA: Quirk Books. p. 33. ISBN 978-1-68369-152-5. OCLC 1123192748. Archived from the original on October 27, 2020. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  7. ^ Champenois, Sabrina (March 2009). "Irresistible". Vogue Hommes International. Archived from the original on December 9, 2014. Retrieved December 6, 2014.
  8. ^ McArdle, Tommy (October 7, 2022). "Keanu Reeves Jokes About Plans to Become a U.S. Citizen: 'Yeah, Man — Why Not?'". People. Archived from the original on January 3, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
  9. ^ Suderman, Peter (February 14, 2017). "Why Keanu Reeves is a perfect action star". Vox. Archived from the original on December 1, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  10. ^ Dargis, Manohla; Scott, A.O. (November 25, 2020). "The 25 greatest actors of the 21st century (so far)". The New York Times. The New York Times Company. Archived from the original on December 1, 2020. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
  11. ^ Bastién, Angelica (June 24, 2019). "Keanu Reeves Remains Our Greatest Star, 30 Years On". Vulture. Vox Media. Archived from the original on March 21, 2024. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  12. ^ Lang, Cady (July 19, 2019). "Why Keanu Reeves Has Always Been the Internet's Soul Mate". Time. Time USA, LLC. Archived from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 22, 2019.
  13. ^ Drexel, Peggy (June 13, 2019). "Keanu Reeves: The mystery of the internet's boyfriend". CNN. WarnerMedia. Archived from the original on June 17, 2019. Retrieved July 22, 2019.
  14. ^ Romano, Aja (August 16, 2019). "Keanu Reeves, explained". Vox. Vox Media. Archived from the original on April 29, 2022. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  15. ^ Holson, Laura (July 3, 2019). "Keanu Reeves Is Whatever You Want Him to Be". The New York Times. The New York Times Company. Archived from the original on July 4, 2019. Retrieved July 22, 2019.
  16. ^ Block, Alex Ben; Wilson, Lucy Autrey, eds. (2010). George Lucas's Blockbusting: A Decade-By-Decade Survey of Timeless Movies Including Untold Secrets of Their Financial and Cultural Success. HarperCollins. pp. 616–617, 714–715, 824–825 & 832. ISBN 9780061778896.
  17. ^ Dyche, Olly (June 29, 2022). "John Wick: Why The Trilogy Belongs Among The Best Action Franchises". MovieWeb. Archived from the original on February 9, 2023. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  18. ^ Fear, David (May 16, 2019). "In Praise Of John Wick, The Last Great American Action-Movie Franchise". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 9, 2023. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  19. ^ Allen, Joe (March 23, 2023). "5 reasons why John Wick is the best action movie ever". Digital Trends. Digital Trends Media Group. Archived from the original on March 21, 2024. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  20. ^ "Keanu Reeves is on the 2022 Time 100 List". Time. May 23, 2022. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2023.


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