Keanu hits 60: You've seen him using pencils in a unique way

Keanu Charles Reeves, born on September 2, 1964, in Beirut, Lebanon, is a Canadian actor and musician who has become one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood.

Known for his versatility, charm and down-to-earth personality, Reeves has carved out a unique place for himself in the entertainment industry.

Early life and career

Reeves' early life was marked by frequent moves and a diverse cultural background. He spent his childhood in various places, including Hawaii, Australia and Toronto, Canada. This nomadic upbringing perhaps contributed to the adaptability he would later show in his acting career. 

His journey into acting began in the 1980s with appearances in Canadian television productions and commercials. His breakthrough came with the 1986 drama film "River's Edge," which garnered critical acclaim and put Reeves on the map as a promising young actor.

Rise to stardom

Reeves' career took off in the late 1980s and early 1990s with a series of successful films:

• "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" (1989): This science fiction comedy became a cult classic and showcased Reeves' ability to play lovable, comedic characters.

• "Point Break" (1991): As FBI agent Johnny Utah, Reeves demonstrated his action hero potential.

• "Speed" (1994): This high-octane thriller cemented Reeves' status as a leading man in Hollywood.

The Matrix and beyond

I'm sure most of you will agree that the turning point in Reeves' career came with "The Matrix" (1999). His portrayal of Neo, the computer programmer turned saviour of humanity, became iconic. The film's groundbreaking special effects and philosophical undertones, combined with Reeves' performance, created a cultural phenomenon. I mean who doesn't absolutely love Neo stopping bullets like we Bengalis stop the traffic!

Reeves continued to take on diverse roles, such as:

• The romantic lead in "The Lake House" (2006)

• The revengeful character in "John Wick" (2014)

• A parody of himself in "Always Be My Maybe" (2019)

John Wick: The man, the myth, the legend

One of Reeves' most iconic roles in recent years is that of John Wick, the action-packed character in the highly successful franchise. The first "John Wick" film, released in 2014, revitalized Reeves' career and established him as a formidable action star well into his 50s. Keanu and this franchise will always live in my head and on my PC, rent free.

"Well, John wasn't exactly 'The Boogeyman.' He was the one you sent to kill the f***ing Boogeyman."

- Viggo Tarasov In John Wick (2014)

John Wick is a former hitman who comes out of retirement to seek vengeance. Reeves brings a unique blend of stoic determination, physical prowess and emotional depth to the character. Wick is a man of few words, but Reeves' nuanced performance conveys volumes through subtle expressions and intense physicality. The portrayal of his love life, the dog, the car … I'm getting flashbacks as I even write this.

I believe the John Wick series has had a significant impact on action cinema; reinventing the "gun-fu" style, blending firearms and martial arts; emphasizing practical effects and stunts over CGI; showcasing long, unbroken shots during action sequences; introducing a rich, stylized underworld with its own rules and currency.

"He stole John Wick's car, Sir and uhhh...killed his dog."

- Aurelio In John Wick (2014)

John Wick has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring memes, video games and even a spin-off TV series. The character's stoic demeanour, love for his dog and unstoppable nature have made him an enduring figure in popular culture.

Personal life and philanthropy

Off-screen, Reeves is known for his private nature and philanthropic efforts. He has faced personal tragedies, including the loss of his close friend River Phoenix and his former girlfriend Jennifer Syme. These experiences have shaped his outlook on life and contributed to his reputation as a thoughtful and compassionate individual. Reeves is also known for his generosity. There are numerous stories of him donating significant portions of his earnings to charities and crew members on film sets.

Off-screen, Reeves is known for his private nature and philanthropic efforts. Photo: Collected

I will never forget these lines that he said on one of the episodes of The Drew Barrymore Show aired on December 21, 2021, where the host, who's also his old friend, Drew Barrymore says, "I'm not a fighter, I'm a lover" and to that Keanu replies "I don't know, no, because if you're a lover, you got to be a fighter. Because if you don't fight for your love, then what kind of love do you have?" and then he humorously gets off the couch saying "no, I can't." What an angel of a man this guy can be. It always struck a chord in me. And yes, it's because I relate to it and live by it, highly.

Music and other pursuits

Beyond acting, Reeves has explored other creative avenues. He has been the bassist for the alternative rock band Dogstar since the 1990s. He's also ventured into writing recently, co-authoring the comic book series "BRZRKR."

Despite reaching this age, Reeves continues to defy expectations, maintaining his status as a leading action star and a beloved figure in Hollywood. His impact on popular culture extends beyond his filmography. His laid-back demeanour, kindness and philosophical outlook have made him an internet darling. In an industry often criticized for its superficiality, Reeves stands out as a genuine, hardworking artist who continues to captivate audiences with his performances and his persona.

As he enters his seventh decade, Reeves remains a beloved figure, admired not just for his acting skills but for his character and the positive influence he exerts both within and outside the entertainment industry.

On the occasion of Keanu Reeves's 60th birthday, we send our best wishes. May you (Keanu) never run out of guns (and roses)!