The Heartbreaking And Uplifting Life Of Keanu Reeves

The gods of Fate slipped every time it came to Reeves. Imagine watching a couple tear-jerking movies back to back? That’s been his life. Unfortunately, they haven’t been simply movies.

However, he is a fighter. In spite of life plummeting him down face-first, Reeves has always found a way to stand up again.

People all over the world have been inspired by his nerve wracking story, and rightfully so. He embodies a kind of Herculean mental strength that is so uplifting.

We’ve gathered the true story of Keanu Reeves here, and by the end of it, you will respect him a lot more.

His Father Abandoned His Family At A Young Age

An absent dad is far from the best thing for a child. He walked out on Reeves’ family when the latter was 3-years-old. They kept in touch for the 3 consecutive years.

Following the divorce, his family traveled between residences, shifting across the country. This instability meant that Reeves could never stick to a single educational institution.

As if that wasn’t enough, he was also affected by dyslexia. When he moved from high school, he wasn’t awarded a diploma, but that has not stopped him. He kept on reads books with a fervent passion.

This is an example of another great figure that shows you how little certificates really mean. It does not take a Masters degree to achieve your dreams.

He’s Surrounded By Death

It was 1993 when his closest buddy River Phoenix died in the aftermath of a drug overdose. He was only 23 years old. This sort of occurrence weighs on people for the rest of their lives. I mean, put yourself in his shoes. I can say for certain that I could not go through it easily.

The previous year, during his Reddit AMA, he replied to a segment about his friend. He praised River’s exceptional personality, and acting skills. He said they were very close, and that he misses and thinks of him very much.

Reeves’ encounter with Jennifer Syme in 1998 sparked another story. They loved each other and tied the knot the next year itself. She conceived a child, but fate struck again when 8 months later she suffered a miscarriage. Their relationship was shattered by this death, but they remained fond of each other. However, one and a half years later, Jennifer lost her life to a car accident.

Parade Magazine reported Keanu as stating that the structure of grief may be altered, but it’s an infinite process.

But Despite All Of That, He Has Persevered!

Reeves has taken all this trauma, and turned it upside down. Nothing has been able to stop this man. All of us have gawked over The Matrix at some point in our lives. It’s a testament to the superhero that Reeves is in real life.

As if some evil witch had put a bad spell on him. This kind of trauma is unfair.

It is surprising that despite all of this, he holds no grudge against the universe. Instead of grumbling over the past, he does what he can to heal this world. All the social-media-protesters, please take note.

He Doesn’t Care About Money

He puts the P in philanthropy. The movie-world recognizes him as the guy who gave his all to all the people who have ever aided him in his journey. It is common to arrange for a party or exchange gifts after a movie-shooting has been completed. Keanu Reeves took it a hundred steps forward by giving $75 million of his earnings from The Matrix, to the special-effects and makeup teams. He thinks they deserve it.

In movies like The Replacement and The Devil’s Advocates, he cut down on his profit margin so that the producers could fit in Al Pacino and Gene Hackman. Honestly, who is this man? How is such a pure soul even possible?

But It’s Not Just Professionally

It’s not just showbiz that sees the kindness of Keanu Reeves. A Redditor with the username ‘Kahi’ revealed some details about him. Somebody she knew was helping to build the set-up of a movie that Keanu was starring in. The star was informed of some monetary issues that he was undergoing and gave him $20,000 for Christmas. On set, he has been reported to be the kindest human being. He is extremely friendly, greets everybody irrespective of their social status, and communicates with them as if they were his equals.

In his AMA, he revealed that he does not like to complicate his life or indulge in extravagance. Hello Magazine took an interview in 2003, where Reeves revealed that he does not think much of money. He understands that he can survive off whatever resources he has, for several hundreds of years to come.

Hopefully this is also a hint at his immortality, because this world doesn’t want to lose this piece of sunshine.

He’s Genuinely A Considerate Guy

Reeves’ net worth surpasses $100 million, but he still takes the subway. It could be because he’s helping the environment or trying to stay rooted. It’s brilliant, whatever it may be for.

He even relinquishes his seat to any lady, without a moment’s pause. This is some A-level human right here.

He Has A Sense Of Humour

His interviews reveal the fun side of Keanu Reeves. During the AMA, when asked how he felt about the – not entirely flattering – Sad Keanu meme, he responded with:

“My first experience with that was Sad Keanu, and I thought it was funny!”

He Takes Care Of His Family

When leukemia struck his sister (God, stop already!) he took charge of her. While her fight struggle went on for a decade, Reeves donated to several cancer foundations: researchers, medical facilities, anything at all.

Some of the charities he supports are Stand Up to Cancer and the Sick Kids Foundation.

He Is So Wise It’s Almost Scary

When asked in 1995 how he would define happiness, Reeves reportedly made the following statement:

“Lying in bed with my lover, riding my bike, sports, happy times with my friends, conversation, learning, the earth, dirt, a beautiful repast with friends, family with wine and glorious food and happy tidings and energy and zest and lust for life. I like being in the desert, in nature, being in extraordinary spaces in nature, high in a tree or in the dirt, hanging out with my family, my sisters.”

This is such a refreshing perspective from somebody who has all the money in the world. He isn’t somebody who chases after material gain. I hope this man finds all the happiness this world has to offer, because he deserves every last bit of it.

Image source: buckyturco