There’s something truly special about Keanu Reeves, and it’s not just his iconic roles in movies like The Matrix or John Wick. The legendary actor recently opened up during an interview with Stephen Colbert on The Late Show, where he got emotional while discussing the 25th anniversary of The Matrix. After a thoughtful pause, Keanu expressed how the groundbreaking film had changed his life—and the lives of countless fans. "I’ve met so many people who have told me that The Matrix touched them in a deeply positive way," he shared. "That’s the best feeling you can have as an artist. It’s incredible."
As one of Hollywood's most beloved figures, Keanu has been reflecting a lot lately, especially with seven exciting projects in the works and his 60th birthday just around the corner on September 2. Despite his busy schedule, the actor admits he’s been thinking deeply about life’s bigger questions. "At 59, I find myself pondering mortality all the time," Keanu told BBC News. But rather than letting these thoughts weigh him down, he sees them as a gift. "It’s not about being scared," he explained. "It’s about appreciating every breath we take, every relationship we build. That’s what makes life meaningful."
A Life Shaped by Adversity
It’s no secret that Keanu’s journey hasn’t always been easy. The same man immortalized in internet memes like "Sad Keanu" has faced more than his fair share of challenges. Raised by his single mother, Patricia Taylor, Keanu moved around frequently before settling in Canada. His father, Samuel Reeves, was largely absent from his life and passed away in 2018. Despite these hardships, Keanu found inspiration early on, thanks to Paul Aaron, a theater and movie director who encouraged him to pursue acting. By 1984, Keanu had already made his debut on a Canadian TV series, setting the stage for a remarkable career.
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But the road hasn’t always been smooth. In Los Angeles, Keanu endured a string of devastating losses, including the tragic death of his close friend River Phoenix in 1993. Just a few years later, at the height of his career, he and his girlfriend, Jennifer Syme, suffered the heartbreak of losing their unborn child during an eight-month pregnancy. To make matters worse, Jennifer died in a car accident in 2001, leaving Keanu to navigate unimaginable grief. Through it all, he found solace in creative outlets like playing bass in the band Dogstar and publishing poetry. His 2016 book of verse, Shadows, became a powerful way to process his emotions. "It’s not about staying stuck in sadness," Keanu said. "It’s about finding inspiration and giving those feelings a new shape you can carry with you."
Known for his incredible generosity, Keanu has consistently shown up for others, whether it’s surprising Matrix stuntmen with Harley Davidsons or spending over a decade caring for his sister, Kim, after her leukemia diagnosis. (Thankfully, she’s now in remission.) His kindness often sets him apart in the often-cynical world of Hollywood. "He’s someone who truly believes in doing the right thing," an insider told Closer. Still, Keanu remains humble about his reputation. "I’m not some saint who gives everything away," he joked. "I love owning things, too. But if I can help someone, why wouldn’t I?"
A New Chapter with Alexandra Grant
For the past five years, Keanu has been happily dating artist Alexandra Grant, marking a brighter chapter in his life. The couple began as collaborators, working together on the 2011 book Ode to Happiness and founding a publishing company in 2017. Their partnership eventually blossomed into romance. "Keanu has found a true soulmate in Alexandra," an insider revealed. "She brings a sense of calm and stability to his life that he hadn’t experienced before. He’s genuinely happy."
Alexandra feels the same way. In a rare 2023 interview, the 51-year-old spoke about their bond, calling Keanu "such an inspiration." "He’s incredibly creative, so kind, and works tirelessly," she gushed. "He’s just released his first novel, The Book of Elsewhere, and it’s amazing." After years of loss and triumph, Keanu seems to have found a deep sense of peace. "He’s such a sensitive and sweet person," the insider added. "Even though he’s one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, he hasn’t changed. There’s no pretense with him. He’s the real deal."
