Keanu Reeves Success Story

Childhood

Keanu Reeves was born on September 2, 1964 in Beirut, Lebanon to Patricia Bond and Samuel Nowlin Reeves, Jr. His mother was a costume designer/performer of British origin. He learnt his English mannerisms from his mother. His parents got divorced when Reeves was just three years old. His mother re-married several times. Reeves grew up primarily in Yorkville, near Toronto. He attended several schools. Reeves suffered from dyslexia, due to which he did not do well in academics, but he excelled in sports. He played ice hockey.  Reeves went to the  Avondale Secondary Alternative School, while at the same time pursuing his acting career.

Early Career

Reeves embarked upon his acting career through a stage production, Damn Yankees at the age of nine. He shifted to Los Angeles and lived with his step-father, Paul Aaron, a Hollywood and Broadway director. Reeves assisted Aaron in production. He made his debut on screen in the telvision sitcom, Hangin' In. Reeves remained quite busy in the 1980s, doing commercials, short films and theatricals. He was an epistolarian for Going Great, a television youth programme by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation TV. Reeves acted in his first studio movie, Youngblood in 1986. He was critically accalimed for his acting prowess in River's Edge. Reeves featured in the comedy film, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventur and its sequel. The film did well at the box-office.

Reeves played the bass guitar for the band, Dogstar in 1991.

Heights

Reeves experienced his first taste of success with the action film, Point Break. The film earned him MTV's “Most Desireable Male” award in 1992. His career skyrocketted with the action thriller, Speed. Reeves was the protagonist in the romantic film, A Walk in the Clouds. The film fared well at the box-office. Reeves' portrayal of 'Hamlet' in the stage production Hamlet by Manitoba Theatre Centre in 1995 won him critical appreciation. His film, The Devil's Advocate, a horror-drama gave a news lease of life to Reeves erratic acting career. The film was well-received at the box-office. Reeves starred in the box-office hit, The Matrix and its sequels. His film Constantine brought him back into the limelight. Reeves stint with the band, Becky lasted a year.

Reeves was conferred a 'star' by the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005. He was the protagonist in the films, Street Kings and The Day the Earth Stood Still in 2008. Reeves acted in the film, The Private Life of Pippa Lee. The film's premiere was held at Berlinale.

Reeves debuted as a director with his film, Man of Tai Chi. The film was released in 2013 at the Beijing Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival. He forayed into other artistic mediums and tried his hand at writing. He wrote the content for the 'picture-book', Ode to Happiness. He produced the documentary, Side by Side in 2011. Reeves was cast in the title role in the action thriller, John Wick. The film was “Certified Fresh” by Rotten Tomatoes, a well-known review site.

Reeves projects for 2015 include, the horror film, The Neon Demon, the love story, The Bad Batch and The Modern Ocean.

Reeves film, Exposed, a skillfully made crime thriller is slated for release in early 2016. Reeves has acted as well as co-produced this film.

Personal Life

Reeves is a British citizen through his English mother. Reeves lived in rented houses and hotels during his initial years of stardom. He bought his first house in 2003 in Hollywood Hills. Reeves owns an apartment in Central Park West in Manhattan.

Recognitions

Keanu Reeves won the MTV Movie Award for 'Most Desirable Male' for the film, Point Break in 1992. Reeves won the MTV Movie Award for 'Best On-Screen Duo' for Speed in 1995. He was conferred the MTV 'Movie Award for Best Fight', the MTV 'Movie Award for Best Male Performance' 2000 and the 'Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actor - Action/Science Fiction' 2000 for the film Matrix.  Reeves was conferred a 'star' by the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005. He was bestowed the 2006 'Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Liplock' for The Lake House.  Reeves' action thriller, John Wick was “Certified Fresh” by Rotten Tomatoes, a well-known review site.

Keanu Reeves Interview on Jimmy Fallon