Keanu Charles Reeves, born on September 2, 1964, in Beirut, Lebanon, is a renowned Canadian actor and musician. With a career spanning over four decades, Reeves has established himself as a versatile and enduring figure in Hollywood, known for his iconic roles in comedy, science-fiction, and action films. Here is a timeline of some of the most significant events and milestones in his career.
Birth
Keanu Charles Reeves was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to an English performer and costume designer mother and a Hawaiian geologist father. His family would later move to various locations, including Sydney, New York City, and finally Toronto, Canada, where he grew up.
Acting Debut
Reeves made his acting debut in the Canadian television series "Hangin' In". This marked the beginning of his career in the entertainment industry. He also worked as a correspondent for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) youth television program "Going Great" the same year.
Breakthrough Role
Reeves gained widespread recognition with his breakout role in the science-fiction comedy "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure". This film showcased his comedic timing and charisma, setting the stage for his rise to stardom.
Critical Acclaim
Reeves received critical acclaim for his roles in "My Own Private Idaho" and "Point Break". "My Own Private Idaho" highlighted his dramatic acting skills, while "Point Break" established him as an action hero, particularly for his portrayal of an FBI agent investigating a group of bank robbers.
Action Star Status
Reeves solidified his status as a leading action hero with the high-octane thriller "Speed". The film's success at the box office further cemented his position as a bankable star in Hollywood.
The Matrix
Reeves achieved greater stardom with his role as Neo in the sci-fi cult classic "The Matrix". This film launched a highly successful franchise and is often cited as one of the most influential films of the 21st century.
Directorial Debut
Reeves made his feature film directorial debut with "Man of Tai Chi", a martial arts film in which he also starred. This marked a new chapter in his career as he ventured into directing.
John Wick Franchise
Reeves starred in the title role of "John Wick", a film that became an unexpected critical and box-office success. This role revitalized his career and led to a successful franchise with multiple sequels.
Recent Roles and Accolades
Reeves reprised his iconic roles in "Bill & Ted Face the Music" and voiced characters in "Toy Story 4" and the video game "Cyberpunk 2077". He was also named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by "Time" magazine in 2022, reflecting his enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
Continued Creative Ventures
Reeves reunited and toured with his band Dogstar in support of their first album in over two decades, "Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees". This highlights his ongoing involvement in music alongside his acting career.