Keanu Reeves is a Canadian theater, television, and film actor. He is popularly known as Neo in the film, “Matrix.” Keanu is also famous for his titular role in the movie “John Wick.” The Canadian actor started working on action films with leading positions in “Point Break” and “Speed.” His real name is Keanu Charles Reeves.
He has also worked on other projects such as “The Devil’s Advocate,” “Constantine,” and “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” Keanu’s interesting romantic drama project is the motion picture, “The Lake House.” He also directed the movie, “Man of Tai Chi” and played bass guitar for the band “Dogstar.” Keanu Reeves also wrote books and participated in philanthropic activities. (1)
Keanu Reeves's Appearance (Height, Hair, Eyes & More)
| Height | 6 ft 1 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 79 kg |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Body Type | Fit |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Facts About Keanu Reeves
| Nationality | Canadian |
|---|---|
| Estimate Net Worth | $400 million |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Birthplace | Beirut, Lebanon |
| Birthday | September 2, 1964 |
Keanu Reeve's Net Worth
Keanu Reeves is a famous television star, theater, movie actor, director, musician, and entrepreneur. As of January 2023, Keanu Reeves has a net worth of $400,000,000. (2) He achieved phenomenal popularity when he worked on the “John Wick” franchise, “Matrix” series, and “Speed” in 1994. Keanu is also a writer, philanthropist, director, and musician.
The Canadian actor is well-known for living a simple life. Many people regarded him as one of the most down-to-earth celebrities. However, Reeves has a massive net worth earned from being in the industry from 1984 to the present.
Based on reports, Keanu’s income sources are acting, businesses, product promotions, brand collaborations, and more. One of his exciting business endeavors is co-founding Arch Motorcycle Company, which creates and sells personalized motorcycles.
See the net worth of other famous actors and actresses here.
Keanu Reeve's Early Life
Keanu Reeves was born on September 2, 1964, in Beirut, Lebanon. As of this year, 2022, Keanu Reeves is 58 years old. His father is Samuel Nowlin Reeves Jr., and he is of Native Hawaiian, Chinese, English, Irish, and Portuguese ancestry. On the other hand, his mother is Patricia Taylor, who originated from Essex. She worked as a costume designer and performer.
Keanu’s parents met in Beirut when his mother was working there. When he was three years old, his father abandoned them. They only met again when Keanu was 13 years old. In 1966, they moved to Sydney, Australia, and then to New York City. It happened after his parents were divorced. His mother married Paul Aaron, a Broadway, and Hollywood director, four years later.
They moved to Toronto, Canada. In 1971, Patricia and Paul finalized their divorce proceeding. Keanu’s stepfather remained close to him even though he was already divorced from her mother. He had given him advice and recommendation to work as a stage actor in Pennsylvania, United States. His mother also married four times. More often, a nanny took care of him and his sisters.
Keanu’s mother taught him English manners. His grandmother from his father’s side influenced him in Chinese art, furniture, and cuisine. The former is a Chinese Hawaiian. At 20 years old, Keanu Reeves moved to Los Angeles. His American stepfather helped him obtain a green card. (3)
Keanu Reeve's Education
Keanu Reeves attended Avondale Secondary Alternative School to pursue his education while working as an actor. He also studied at De La Salle College, where he became a successful ice hockey goalkeeper.
He was expelled from Etobicoke School of the Arts for being too unruly and silent as a student. Keanu Reeves admitted that he is a private kid. When he was 17, he dropped out of high school. Keanu pursued acting when he was 15 instead of becoming part of the Canadian Olympic team as he had initially planned by him.
Keanu Reeves's Girlfriend and Family Life
Keanu Reeves has never married. At present, he has a relationship with Alexandra Grant. The couple met in 2009 when they both attended a dinner party. Keanu and Alexandra worked together on two books. (4)
He had also dated China Chow and Brenda Davis in the past. In 1998, Keanu Reeves met Jennifer Syme at a party. On December 24, 1999, they had a stillborn daughter. The couple had a turbulent relationship afterward. After reconciling in April 2001, Jennifer Syme died in a car crash the day after they had brunch together.
Keanu Reeves spent time to have peace of mind after the incident. He acted as a pallbearer for Jennifer, who was laid to rest next to their daughter. Keanu didn’t participate in filming “The Matrix” right away after Jennifer Syme’s death.
Going back to Keanu and Alexandra’s story, they have been friends since 2011. They became a few months romantically in 2019 before going public. The action star wanted to share his life publicly with her, as told by entertainment writers.
Alexandra Grant has collaborated with Keanu Reeves on many projects. In 2017, they founded a publishing company, X Artists’ Books. For his two books, “Ode to Happiness” and “Shadows,” Alexandra illustrated for him.
In 2020, Alexandra Grant talked about her relationship with Keanu Reeves. She admitted that many people called her a few weeks later after the news broke out, and they were people she knew. The couple is one of the favorite subjects of photographers in the entertainment world.
Keanu Reeve's Career
Keanu Reeves worked as a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation CBC correspondent in 1984. The job is to support the youth television program “Going Great.” When the television series “Hangin’ In” was released that same year, he participated in an episode. That was his acting debut, then.
At Leah Posluns Theater in Ontario, Keanu played Mercutio for a “Romeo and Juliet” stage production. He also worked for another stage production, “Wolfboy.” But before that, he participated in a Coca-Cola advertisement. Reeves also appeared in “One Step Away,” a coming-of-age project by the National Film Board of Canada.
In 1986, he worked on the movie, “Youngblood.” His role in the said film is a goalkeeper. The film “River’s Edge” that he worked on in 1986 premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, and it provided him broad exposure in the entertainment industry. Many film critics described his acting performance in the said motion picture as affecting and sympathetic.
Due to his impressive acting in numerous teenage dramas, he was cast for a supporting role in “Dangerous Liaisons” in 1988. The movie received various nominations at the 61st Academy Awards. As a result, he received many acting offers.
One of Reeves’s outstanding performances is his portrayal as a slacker in the movie, “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” a time-travel project that earned $40.5 million at the international box office. In the said film, he worked with Alex Winter.
Keanu’s succeeding projects are “Parenthood,” “I Love You to Death,” “Tune in Tomorrow,” and Paula Abdul’s “Rush Rush” music video.
From 1991 to 1994, Keanu Reeves had a breakthrough with adult roles. The film “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey” was released in 1991. It was a sequel to “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.” The film received positive reviews. He also worked with River Phoenix in “My Own Private Idaho.” The movie was successful, and film critics call their performances an insightful post-modern road film.
In 1991, “Point Break” was released. Keanu Reeves played an undercover FBI agent in the movie. He starred alongside Patrick Swayze, Gary Busey, and more. Besides, the project earned $83.5 million. Film critics praised his performance, and Keanu Reeves trained with a professional surfer for the movie. Keanu earned the Most Desirable Male Award in 1992 at the MTV Movie Awards.
Since Keanu Reeves was interested in music, he created Dogstar, an alternative rock band. His part in the group is playing bass guitar. In addition to his rooster of commercially successful film projects, he played a role in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.”
Even though many people criticized his performance in the film due to his accent, Keanu Reeves became part of another award-winning project. It won Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, and Best Sound Editing at the Academy Awards. The overall sales of the movie are $215.8 million.
In 1993, Keanu’s projects were “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues,” and “Little Buddha.” The latter film left an impression on him.
Another impressive project of Keanu Reeves is the action thriller, “Speed.” He played a leading role in the movie alongside Sandra Bullock and Dennis Hopper. The film earned $350 million at the Box Office, a passive income from a $30 million budget. Besides, it won two Academy Awards in 1995, such as Best Sound Editing and Best Sound.
There were compelling stories about creating the film, though. Keanu Reeves shaved his head for the part and stayed in the gym for two months to gain muscle mass. While the film production process is ongoing, his friend and co-star in “My Own Private Idaho” died, so Keanu was given time to grieve.
From 1995 to 1998, Keanu Reeves participated in several projects such as “Johnny Mnemonic,” “A Walk in the Clouds,” “Chain Reaction,” and more. The first one received negative reviews, though. However, he regained prominence in the film, “A Walk in the Clouds.” It is a beautiful and emotionally rich movie.
In 1995, he stopped creating films and focused on the stage production of “Prince Hamlet” at the Manitoba Theater Center. One of the famous critics praised his performance, citing it as a splendid portrayal of Hamlet.
Keanu’s other projects include “Feeling Minnesota,” “The Last Time I Committed Suicide, “and “The Devil’s Advocate. He also revealed that 20th Century Fox production severed ties with him for ten years when he turned down a role in the film, “Speed 2: Cruise Control.” He didn’t sign on to the project despite the offer of a $12 million salary.
The reason behind the decision to sever ties with Keanu is its outcome. The film grossed $164 million worldwide, but the production budget is $160 million. Besides, many fans were looking for Keanu Reeves as the leading actor in the film’s first installment. It also earned less desirable titles such as the Worst Remake or Sequel.
From 1999 to 2004, Keanu Reeves worked on “The Matrix” film series. There are many preparations done before the filming of the famous movie franchise. First, Keanu needs to read “Out of Control: The New Biology Machines, Social Systems, and the Economic World” and some ideas on evolutionary psychology. Second, he needed to join the rigorous training led by Yuen Woo-ping to master the fight scenes during filming. (5)
As a result of their hard work and intense preparation, the film was regarded as one of the best science fiction films of all time. It also received various nods from award-giving bodies, including Best Film Editing, Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, and Best Visual Effects from the Academy Awards.
After the success of The Matrix, Keanu worked on several projects such as “The Replacements,” “The Watcher,” and “The Gift.” In addition, he participated in a romantic drama, “Sweet November, “alongside Charlize Theron. He also worked in the movie, “Hardball,” which was reviewed with a “glum and distant” performance by Reeves.
Later on, Keanu Reeves reprised his role in “The Matrix Reloaded and the “The Matrix Revolutions.” Both sequels gained favorable reviews. The second installment grossed $739 million worldwide, and the third has $427 million in earnings worldwide.
Keanu also appeared in the movie, “Something’s Gotta Give.” He garnered positive reviews for his portrayal of Dr. Julian Mercer.
From 2005 to 2013, Keanu Reeves has an exciting career progression. In 2005, he appeared in “Constantine” and played a remarkable role in an occult detective movie. It has massive income worldwide. However, it didn’t catch the attention of film reviewers, even grossing $320 million internationally from a $100 million production budget.
Next, many film reviewers noticed his impressive performance in the movie, “Thumbsucker” in 2005. But, he disappointed viewers in his next project, “A Scanner Darkly.” It was a box-office bomb, even though many movie reviewers praised his astonishing acting performance. Besides, it is one of the movies in which his co-star outshined a lead actor; in this case, Robert Downey Jr. did it.
Keanu Reeve’s next project was “The Lake House” in 2006. He appeared alongside Sandra Bullock in the drama adaptation of “Il Mare.” Many film reviewers didn’t like it. No wonder several viewers hilariously mentioned that the film’s title should be “Stop,” referring to Sandra and Keanu’s last movie, “Speed.”
Before the year ended, Reeves worked on a documentary with Alanis Morissette, “The Great Warming.” Two years later, he played a significant role in “Street Kings,” a crime thriller. Then, he signed on to the movie, “The Earth Stood Still,” which received negative reviews from many people.
From 2009 to 2012, Keanu Reeve’s projects are “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee,” Henry’s Crime,” an adult picture book “Ode to Happiness,” a documentary “Side by Side,” and “Generation Um.” The last one didn’t do well and was critically reviewed by film critics.
Keanu Reeves went on to direct his film, “Man of Tai Chi.” Partially inspired by the life of his friend, Tiger Chen, the movie was assisted by the fight choreographer of The Matrix franchise. Even though many people praised him for his fantastic work, the project only earned $5.5 million worldwide against the $25 million production budget. It was followed by another box office bomb venture, “47 Ronin,“ which also received negative reviews.
As mentioned earlier, Keanu Reeves experienced failures in the entertainment industry. However, he rebounded starting in 2014 with the movie series, “John Wick.” In the said film, he played the role of a retired assassin, hoping to avenge the death of his loved ones.
During the earlier motion picture productions, Keanu worked closely with the screenwriter. He wanted to know the whole story. After all, he believes in the potential of the “John Wick” film series.
When the first installment of the series was released, many people from the industry praised his performance. It brought him back to the action genre he usually reined in the past. The movies grossed $86 million worldwide.
After that, he worked on smaller projects such as “Knock Knock,” “Mifune: The Last Samurai,” and “Deep Webb.” For the last two films, Reeves also provided the narration part. Aside from that, he also performed in five films in 2016. These shows include “Exposed,” “Keanu,” “The Neon Demon,” “The Bad Batch,” and “The Whole Truth.” He also worked on a two-season TV website series, “Swedish Dicks.”
In 2017, Keanu Reeve’s second appearance in the “John Wick” film series was successful. The movie, “John Wick: Chapter II,” earned $171.5 million worldwide. Next, he worked on projects such as “To the Bone,” “A Happening of Monumental Proportions,” and “SPF-18.”
Winona Ryder worked with Keanu Reeves again after their previous projects such as “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” “A Scanner Darkly,” and “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee.” Their project together in 2018 is “Destination Wedding.” This film was followed by other low-earning projects such as “Siberia,” and “Replicas.”
“John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” brought him back to success in 2019. In the United States, it grossed $171 million. In other parts of the world, it grossed more than $155 million. The new cast members include Halle Berry.
The success of the third installment in the movie resulted in many awards and distinctions for Keanu Reeves, including 2019’s Favorite Male Movie Star, given by the People’s Choice Awards. The movie was nominated for Best Contemporary Film in the Art Director’s Guild Awards. Besides, Reeves was honored with his film festival in Glasglow, Scotland, named “KeanuCon.” At the said event, nine films by Keanu Reeves were shown to the guests. Before that, he worked on the fourth installment of Pixar’s “Toy Story” franchise, giving his voice to Duke Kaboom.
Then, Keanu Reeves went on to work with succeeding projects such as “Bill & Ted Face the Music,” “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run,” “Cyberpunk 2077,” and “The Matrix Resurrections.” The latter was a box office failure.
Keanu Reeves has also announced his upcoming projects. He worked on preparing the shows “Conquest,” “BRZRKR,” “John Wick: Chapter 4,” and its two additional installments, and “Cyberpunk 2077.” The film “John Wick: Chapter 4” is scheduled for release on March 24, 2023.
Keanu Reeve's Business, Philathropy, and Achievements
Keanu Reeves has several businesses, philanthropic activities, and achievements. First, he founded a private cancer foundation. The project is his response to his sister’s battle with leukemia. He also volunteered for a project named Camp Rainbow Gold in June 2020.
Keanu’s friend, Stephen Hamel, helped him create a new company, Company Films. Keanu Reeves also co-founded Arch Motorcycle. Then, he also helped build “X Publisher,” a publishing company.
Many people claim that Keanu Reeves is a “really private person.” He keeps his distance from other people despite working as an actor. One writer from Time magazine called him “Hollywood’s ultimate introvert.” Others notice him as hardworking, generous, charming, and shy.
In 2010, a picture of the actor became viral where he was photographed sitting on a park bench with a sad facial expression. It became a “Sad Keanu” meme, and fans created an unofficial holiday called “Cheer-up Keanu Day” on June 15.
In addition, Keanu Reeves is also known for his charming and down-to-earth personality that he’s called “Internet’s boyfriend.” There was one occasion when he signed two banners for him. He even took time to have a conversation with the family who created the banners.
The actor received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005. He is also regarded as one of the highest-paid actors. Keanu Reeves ranked number four among the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century. The “Tae Kwon Do Life Magazine” named Keanu Reeves as the number one “Martial Arts movie star in the world.” The bases of the title are his numerous films in the genre, the popularity of each film, and magnanimous box office gross. (6)
You may also be interested in: Jaleel White’s net worth
References
- Keanu Reeves Net Worth. Retrieved from https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/actors/keanu-reeves-net-worth/
- Keanu Reeves net worth: What is the fortune of the Matrix and John Wick actor? Retrieved from https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/celebrity-net-worth/2022/11/24/637f9b13268e3e7a1d8b45af.html
- Jessica Sager. How Much Did He Make From “The Matrix” and “John Wick”? What We Know about Keanu Reeves’s Net Worth. Retrieved from https://parade.com/1309778/jessicasager/keanu-reeves-net-worth/
- Rudro Chakrabarti. Keanu Reeves’s net worth – plus 12 more facts you might not have heard about. Retrieved from https://moneywise.com/life/entertainment/financial-facts-about-keanu-reeves
- Keanu Reeves Is “Embarrassed” By His $300 Million Net Worth. Retrieved from https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/keanu-reeves-embarrassed-by-his-300-million-dollar-net-worth.html/
- Muhammad Abdullah. Keanu Reeves Net Worth 2020. Retrieved from https://www.awakenthegreatnesswithin.com/keanu-reeves-net-worth-2020/