It's a universally recognized truth that Keanu Reeves is, without a doubt, one of the kindest souls in Hollywood.
Year after year, heartwarming stories emerge from fans who have crossed paths with Keanu, known for his roles in iconic films like "The Matrix," "John Wick," and "Speed." These tales never fail to brighten our day.
That's why we've decided to compile a list of Keanu Reeves' most touching moments, demonstrating that chivalry is far from extinct and offering a dose of joy to anyone who might be having a tough day.
But be forewarned: if these anecdotes don't make you exclaim 'awwwww,' you might want to check if you're still alive inside.
Waiting in the Rain for His Own Wrap Party
In 2014, Keanu Reeves revealed his exceptional kindness when he patiently waited for 20 minutes in the pouring rain outside the wrap party for his own film, "Daughter of God." This act of humility stemmed from a mix-up, as he didn't want to create a scene. He never once invoked his celebrity status or demanded special treatment. The club's owner, upon discovering this, was mortified and commented, "I didn't realize he was kept waiting, and he didn't say anything to me! He's a very relaxed person."
Taking Pay Cuts and Generously Supporting Others on Set
Keanu's on-set behavior is legendary, but in all the right ways. Instead of being a diva, he's a true legend. Although he earned a substantial sum for starring in "The Matrix" in 1999, he chose to give a significant portion (an estimated $75 million) of his earnings for the subsequent two films to the special effects teams and behind-the-scenes workers, whom he felt deserved it more.
During the height of his heartthrob status, Keanu willingly took a $2 million pay cut for "The Devil's Advocate" to ensure that the studio could afford to cast Al Pacino in the lead role. He also reportedly accepted a 90 percent pay cut for "The Replacements" to enable the hiring of Gene Hackman.
A heartwarming story shared on Reddit illustrates his generosity: "A family friend works on movie sets, not as a designer, but as one of the hardworking individuals who build them. He was part of the team that worked on 'The Matrix,' and when Keanu learned about the family issues he was facing, he gave him a $20,000 Christmas bonus to assist him. Keanu was one of the few people on set who genuinely cared about knowing people's names, greeted them sincerely, and treated them as equals, regardless of their modest wages. Based on this second-hand experience, I've never heard anyone say that Keanu is anything but a genuinely nice person in Hollywood."
Lending a Helping Hand on Set
Despite being a leading actor, Keanu Reeves is more than willing to roll up his sleeves and assist the crew by carrying equipment while filming. His willingness to collaborate is undoubtedly a key reason why he's involved in so many successful film franchises.
Giving Up His Seat on Public Transport
Keanu Reeves goes a step further than most celebrities—he rides public transport. And, what's more, he's one of the few individuals who will graciously give up his seat on the subway.
Spending Time with Homeless Individuals, Genuinely
In 1997, at the peak of his heartthrob status, Keanu met a homeless man and simply hung out with him on the streets of West Hollywood. Photographs captured them sharing snacks, a drink, and engaging in conversation. Remarkably, this wasn't a PR stunt; a couple of photographers stumbled upon the scene by accident.
Going the Extra Mile: A 50-Mile Detour to Help a Stranger
While this story is unverified and originates from a Reddit thread where people share their Keanu encounters (a heartwarming read), it's worth noting. According to a commenter, their friend was stranded on the roadside due to a broken-down car when a Porsche pulled up—Keanu Reeves emerged. He attempted to jump-start the vehicle, called AAA when that failed, and when they towed the car, he offered to drive the stranded individual home, going about 50 miles out of his way to do so. He didn't make any advances; instead, he exhibited pure gentlemanly behavior, dropped her off at her house, shared his phone number, and urged her to call if she needed further assistance.
Self-Deprecation and Humility
Despite his fame, Keanu Reeves hasn't always been lauded for his intellect or his distinctive LA accent. When faced with such criticism during an interview, Keanu's response was both brilliant and humble: "I'm a meathead, I can't help it, man. You've got smart people and you've got dumb people. You just happen to be spending some time with a dumb person." While his intelligence may be debated, his kindness is unquestionable.
Kindness to Fans
The saying goes, "Never meet your heroes," but it appears that this adage doesn't apply to Keanu Reeves. Reddit is filled with heartwarming stories from fans who have met the actor and attest that he lives up to his thoughtful public persona. One particularly charming story recounts an encounter in July 2019 when Keanu, while in a car filming "Bill and Ted," noticed a fan holding a handmade sign. He immediately exited the car to sign it for them.
Another story shares how Keanu patiently answered a young boy's numerous questions after a long international flight.
Secret Charitable Contributions
Keanu Reeves reportedly maintains an entire foundation dedicated to donating funds to children's hospitals. In a 2009 interview, he revealed, "I have a private foundation that's been running for five or six years, and it helps aid a couple of children's hospitals and cancer research."
In a world that often seems chaotic, Keanu Reeves serves as a beacon of kindness, reminding us that small acts of compassion can make a profound difference. He embodies the notion that being nice is the greatest virtue of all.
