11 Curious Facts About Keanu Reeves, Who Just Turned 59

Amid the glitz and glamour of Hollywood exists an individual who defies the status quo. Keanu Reeves has carved his unique path through the entertainment industry and become known as one of the kindest actors. His life story, characterized by his resilience, diverse talents, and authentic personality, only makes us love him even more.

In honor of his 59th birthday, let’s look at some rarely known facts about his life.

1. He dropped out of school at 17.

When Keanu Reeves was 17, he dropped out of school. He admitted that he would often get in trouble and get suspended. Part of it was because of his dyslexia and the fact that he couldn’t read well.

2. He does his own stunts.

AP Photo / Chris Pizzello / East News

Keanu Reeves is known for doing his own stunts in movies. He started doing most of these back when he was working on Speed and The Matrix trilogy. His experience in The Matrix sparked his passion for martial arts.

In fact, for The Matrix: Resurrections, he jumped off a building around 19 or 20 times to make sure he got the stunt just right. Even now, when filming movies, he still prefers to do most of his own stunts.

3. He can speak several languages fluently.

Keanu Reeves speaks several different languages, though he’s better in some than others. He’s comfortable with English and French. He picked up French in school because Canada recognizes both English and French as official languages.

4. He has a strong love for motorcycles.

The John Wick actor loves riding, but he didn’t know how to do it until the late ’80s when he was taught by a woman in Munich how to do it properly. He is now the co-founder of ARCH Motorcycle and owns several bikes himself.

5. He could have married Winona Ryder.

In a joint interview with Keanu, Winona revealed that the on-screen couple may have married in real life, “We actually got married in Dracula. No, I swear to god I think we’re married in real life.” In another interview, Keanu said, “We did a whole take of a marriage ceremony with real priests... So I guess we’re married under the eyes of God.”

6. He holds a rank in Jiu-Jitsu.

Keanu Reeves holds a White Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). He’s skilled in various martial arts disciplines, including Judo, Karate, Krav Maga, and Jiu-Jitsu. The legendary Machado brothers, who are world champions in BJJ and have strong connections to the Gracies, a well-known martial arts family, serve as his coaches.

7. He’s turned down some major movies.

Keanu Reeves declined Speed 2: Cruise Control, Heat, Captain Marvel, and Speed Racer.

8. He used to play hockey as a kid and later debuted with a similar role.

Keanu used to play ice hockey for his college and was really good at it. At one point, he wanted to compete in the Olympics. But he eventually decided to be an actor. Interestingly, his first feature film debut role was that of an ice hockey goalie.

9. He used different names during his early years as an actor.

Instead of “Keanu”, which means “cool breeze,” the actor went by the name K.C. Reeves at the beginning of his career. He was asked to do so to better fit into Hollywood. He also changed his name to Casey Reeves but then ended up changing his name back because, during auditions, they would call for “Casey,” and he would forget to respond.

10. He often engages in charity work.

Keanu Reeves operates a private foundation dedicated to supporting cancer research and children’s hospitals. His approach to philanthropy is marked by modesty, as he prefers not to publicize his involvement, stating, “I don’t like to attach my name to it. I just let the foundation do what it does.”

He also often gives gifts to the filming crews he works with. He gave the whole stunt team of The Matrix movies Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

11. After suffering various personal losses, he is finally in a happy relationship.

Keanu and Alexandra have been friends for a long time. They even worked on a book together in 2011. However, they debuted as a couple in 2019 and have been going strong ever since.

You can read more about their relationship here.

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