Keanu Charles Reeves is a Canadian actor, director, producer, and musician. Reeves is known for his roles in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, Speed, Point Break, and The Matrix trilogy as Neo. He has collaborated with such major directors as Stephen Frears; Gus Van Sant; and Bernardo Bertolucci. Referring to his 1991 film releases, The New York Times' critic, Janet Maslin, praised Reeves' versatility, saying that he "displays considerable discipline and range. He moves easily between the buttoned-down demeanor that suits a police procedural story and the loose-jointed manner of his comic roles." A repeated theme in roles he has portrayed is that of saving the world, including the characters of Ted Logan, Buddha, Neo, Johnny Mnemonic, John Constantine and Klaatu. Reeves has acted onstage. His performance in the title role for the Manitoba Theatre Centre's production of Hamlet was praised by Roger Lewis of The Sunday Times, who declared Reeves "one of the top three Hamlets I have seen, for a simple reason: he is Hamlet." On January 31, 2005, Reeves received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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» All Alternative Artist InterviewsHello. Sorry I'm late.
Let's talk!
I'm here in New York City promoting my new film, John Wick (http://johnwickthemovie.com/). Victoria's helping me out today.
Proof: http://imgur.com/UvYLDu1
Update: Thank you everyone for spending some time with me. It was great to spend some time with you.
I hope all is well. I wish you all the best. See you down the road.
Have you considered joining the Marvel universe? There are a lot of rumors running around you taking the role of Doctor Strange. I just wanted to say that nothing would make me happier than seeing you take it. You would be perfect.
You know, I just cough ...I just recently started to hear about that. I didn't grow up reading the character of Dr. Strange, but the past few days, the people have been telling me about the character, and I have to call my Agent!
You were awesome as Constantine. Is there a chance that we could get a sequel? Would you come back?
I love Constantine, too. I loved playing John Constantine. I wish there was a sequel. With me in it.
You had two stalkers break into your house within 3 days of each other! Did you forgot to close the back door or something? But, seriously, how was it like finding someone in your house? How did you manage?
Yeah, I guess my security wasn't good enough... it's better now!
And, uh, it was really scary. The first time was at like 4 in the morning on a Saturday, and it was scary.
How did you come to the role of Neo?
I was very lucky.
Heh.
Um, I got a call from my agent, saying that these directors, the Wachowskis, wanted to meet, and they sent me the script, and the script was absolutely amazing, and I went in to meet with them, and they showed me some artwork, of their vision, and an early version of "bullet time," and it was very exciting and inspiring, and we looked at each other, we ended up hanging out in a parking lot outside the offices just talking and riffing, and we basically just kinda shook hands - they told me they wanted me to train for 4 months prior to filming, and I got a big grin on my face and said: "Yes."
That's how it happened.
Fantastic job on Man of Tai Chi. That movie was awesome. Any plans to direct again soon?
Thank you very much, for that!
I'm hoping to direct again. I'm, uh, right now i"m looking for the next story to tell.
Hi Keanu, What's a great George Carlin memory? Are you looking forward to coming back to the next BILL & TED and shouldn't GEORGE CARLIN be honored in some way...perhaps a RUFUS statue?
Yeah, it was such an honor to get to work with George. He was really nice to Alex and I. I think when he came on the set the first day, he kind of had this twinkle in his eye that was like "What the heck is going on here?!"
But he was, you know, he was kind of in character, he was very serious. And over the days of filming together, he just kind of started to hang out with us, we told him how much we loved his work, his comedy, and...yeah. We miss him. I miss him.
Who's the biggest movie star that you're friends with?
HMMMM.
Heheh!
Uh, let's see. The biggest movie star I'm friends with would be... uh... Sandra Bullock! Yeah, through the years we kinda get together, have a dinner, catch up, see how it's going.
Who's your favorite superhero?
Growing up as a kid, my favorite superhero was... WOLVERINE!
Hey Keanu, thanks for doing another AMA. Do you have any updates on Bill and Ted 3?
We are currently trying to...get the rights to the story, and get the go. And if that comes together, then maybe we'll get to tell the story!
Heya Keanu,
Do you like chocolate milk?
I do like chocolate milk. But it has to be cold. You know? It has to be cold.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
chuckle
My favorite childhood memory... being born! Childhood memory... today, I'm going to pick - here's a fun one for me.
In the summers, when the school was out, we would build go-karts.
And then just ride 'em down the hills until the wheels fell off.
That was a good day.
Keanu, what is the secret to happiness?
I don't know that secret!
But I'm working on it.
As we all are!
Are you in fact Jesus? Don't worry we won't tell anyone.
Heh!
Um, NO.
Hello Keanu, I am a big fan of yours and I am very excited to see John Wick. I wanted to know, when you're going out for a drink what do you typically order? Are you a beer or a cocktail guy? Thanks so much! - Natasha
Sidling up to the bar! Um...hahah!
Usually, it's like, a nice glass of red wine? Or sometimes, depending on the spirit of the evening, sometimes it's a Jack Daniels, a Jack and Coke.
And then there's other times when you have to order a sparkling water with a lime.
But also, in the afternoon, sometimes a nice ice-cold beer, with a chilled glass.
Hey Keanu, you seem like a great guy and I enjoy seeing you in things. What is a movie you are really proud of, but wasn't hugely popular and you'd like more people to check out?
Thanks for doing this, have a great day!
Hi, THANK YOU!
Today I will pick: If you haven't seen A Scanner Darkly, Please watch A Scanner Darkly. A film I'm fond of is Henry's Crime. I'll pick those 2 today.
Hi. I hear that you take the subway quite a bit. Is there any particular reason for that? Is it just something simple like because it's cheaper and more convenient than a car or is it something deeper, like it makes you feel less alienated, being super famous and all?
My mom has the biggest crush on you by the way.
Hi, thank you, Hi Mom!
Yeah, the subway in New York is really convenient, and uh, I've been taking subways since I was a little kid. So... somedays it's just a really smart way to travel.
What's your favorite animal?
My favorite animal?!
I don't have a favorite animal!
Let's see, um... I don't have a favorite animal!
Hello, Mr. And-Reeves-son. Let me start by saying that this is by far my most anticipated AMA ever, and I would be honored beyond belief (and/or rationale) to get a response from you, the man himself.
Can I still hold out hope for the live-action version of “Cowboy Bebop” to grace/bless my vision? Afterward I would gladly go blind as payment for the opportunity. Also, I’m sure you’ll get some kind of royalties.
Are you, as some have speculated, truly immortal? What is the best way you’ve found to deal with suffering and loneliness?
I have so many more questions. Perhaps I could schedule a meeting with you in the afterlife?
1) Um... Cowboy Bebop, yeah! For me it seems like that ship has sailed. :(
Unhappy face. Sad face! I love that series, and you know, a few years ago, when it came my way, I was really hoping we could make it. I don't know what's going on with the project now. I feel like I'd have to play Spike's older brother now...
2) Gosh, when it comes to suffering, sadness and loneliness... hmmm. I guess I do the best I can? I'm sorry, that's a general answer. You know, it really depends on the circumstance. Oh yeah, and I'm not immortal (unfortunately).
Hi Keanu,
First of all I just wanted to say thank you for being an awesome screen presence and an inspiration to me as a human being. It's always a joy to watch the films you're in.
I read somewhere that you've signed on to portray the character John Rain in an upcoming TV-adaptation of the book series. What's your opinion on TV as opposed to movies? It seems to be getting increasingly popular for well known actors to join TV productions and I'm wondering what you like about it or why you want to try it?
And a bonus question because I don't get to ask you questions that often, what is it about John Rain as a character that makes you want to portray him?
Thanks for reading and have a nice day!
Yeah, there's a lot of great writing, and characters, and stories being told in television nowadays. And much more than there used to be. The opportunities to tell stories, because of the opportunities to show content. And so it's drawing actors from cinema, movie actors, actors to where there's a lot of opportunities to where you can tell stories. Specifically for John Rain, I first went to it thinking that it would be - it's a wonderful series, it's 8 books, I was thinking that maybe this would be a character in one of the books to make a film, but after getting familiar, it felt like it didn't want to be a movie, it wanted to be serialized, learning more about who he was through serialization. It's perfect for that. And that's in the works.
Hi Keanu, thanks for all those great movies. Any chance you'll work with the Wachowskis again?
What did Neo say to Trinity and Morpheus when he didn't get any Christmas presents?
^("There is no Santa")
Hehehehe!
Um, hello! And Hi! Yeah, I would love to work with the Wachowskis again. They're such visionaries, and their films, their stories, have offered us so much in terms of who we are and how we think and matters of the heart and spirit. So yes! I hope they call me!
Hi Keanu, In the movie SPEED, you were rather pumped up. How do you currently stay in shape? Do you still PUMP IRON and who are your FITNESS role models / exercise motivators?
When I work on a film, you know, I try to get or inhabit the body of the character -from the vision of the directors or how i think the character should be - so if it's a film like SPEED, you hit the gym, you get to do some, train with SWAT People, hehe, but in general, I'm really focused and dedicated, and then in regular life, I don't go to the gym as often.
And I have a wonderful trainer, someone that I've worked with for over 20 years, who - we've just become friends and they are an inspiration into getting the shape of the character.
Keanu! My Wife doesn't want to go See John Wick in IMAX with me. What can you say to convince her to go!?!
Also congratulations on Arch!
Oh, thank you so much for the Arch! I do love that bike.
And JOHN WICK IS A DATE MOVIE! It's got great action, great characters... and a puppy! And it's fun. And funny. Emotional. And I'm avenging the death - someone killed my dog.
What's your favorite song?
Today I am going to pick: LOVE WILL TEAR US APART by Joy Division!
Please write: today I will pick. Okay, thank you!
Hey Keanu!! Whats your favorite city in the whole wide world?
My favorite city in the whole wide world...
I dunno. I would say... I can't pick just one city. But today, since I'm in New York City, I'm going to say New York is definitely at the top of the list, you know. I grew up a little bit here when I was a kid, and the city has inspired me, you know, in my early studies, Broadway and off broadway and theater, and getting older and living in New York, the energy of the city, I've just had so many great moments and times here.
What is one of your guilty pleasures?
Hmmm, GUILTY PLEASURE. Guilty pleasure is good, and then bad. But good.
Today I will pick (I don't know if it's a guilty pleasure, though)... what would be a guilty pleasure? The second Caramel-Pecan chocolate. Deliciousness.
Or is it the THIRD?
As a Hawaiian, who moved inland, what is your current thoughts of SPAM in modern haute cuisine?
I know the islanders along with their Japanese immigrants and tourists have incorporated SPAM into many dishes. Do you still indulge?
Oh yeah!
SPAM... and breakfast! Fried spam with some rice, yeah! Like in a skillet! Spam from a skillet into the white rice - Ono! But I haven't had that dish for a long time, since I was a kid. Oh, are you kidding me? That was Fantastic. That was a good meal.
Good Morning, Mr Reeves. Thank you for doing this AMA. And thank you for the great entertainment you've provided us over the years. Like most people here, I am a big fan. My questions are mostly about your costars. Can you tell us some of your favorite stories about working with Patrick Swayze? In Dracula, you shared some screen time with 2 of my personal favorite actors, Gary Oldman and Sir Anthony Hopkins. Did you have any trepidation or anxiety about your scenes with them? Can you share some of the stories of working with them? Again, thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. Best of luck on all your future endeavors.
Thank you.
You know, the memory that i have of Patrick, um, at this moment, is - I remember meeting him when we were starting on POINT BREAK, and he kind of walked up and he had a big smile on his face, and he kind reached out and shook my hand, and he was just like, "Hey man, nice to meetcha! This movie's crazy great! and LET'S DO IT!"
And so... he really was, in a way, the captain of the film in the sense of how he just inspired and motivated everyone during the film. His passion and his enthusiasm, I mean, he started jumping out of airplanes while we were filming, and then he got some of the other guys who were in the gang jumping out of airplanes. I mean, he was just... this bright light.
Working with Anthony Hopkins and Gary Oldman was a great honor, very exciting, and yes, pretty scary the first time we did scenes together.
They were both very gracious, and I remember when I was doing - we went up to the director's house, for a week of rehearsals, and I just- to me Gary Oldman at the time (and continues to be ) one of the greatest actors, and so for me I was just kind of watching him and trying to learn. And Anthony Hopkins was, he was very - his HUMOR, I was surprised by his humor and his quiet wisdom. He just had this wisdom and humor. It was great to be around.
Do you ever cook for yourself or others (what recipes)?
I don't cook.
I wish I did.
But I don't.
But let's see - um... but if someone else prepares the meal, I always offer to do the dishes!
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark action movie SPEED, with you, the late Dennis Hopper, and rise star Sandra Bullock. Would you care to share some of your experiences in the making of one of the greatest action films of the last 25 years?
Happy Anniversary, SPEED!
Hmm. Well, a fun day once was the day when they let us drive down the street smashing through cars on the bus. And everyone started to scream, hehe, and then laugh when it was over, and it really bonded everyone together. It was early on in the filming, yeah, but it was really fun to be smashing through cars! And with Dennis... gosh, I got to know him over the years and I'd first worked with Dennis on a film called River's Edge, and it was cool to see him again while we were making SPEED. And something that I thought I would never do in my life was have a fight scene with Dennis Hopper on top of a subway car! Heheh! And it was just - it was a really good day. He had such a wonderful intelligence and sense of humor. So the chance to spend time with him was one of the highlights of my life.
Keanu,
What's your favorite sandwich?
OHHHH. TODAY I AM GOING TO PICK: A hot pastrami sandwich, with Russian and mustard. On rye. With a kosher dill pickle. Sliced in quarters. With some potato chips. And a Coca-Cola with crushed ice.
Which characters do you like to act more- bad guys or heroes?
HMmmm.
Today I am going to pick: Heroes.
But complicated heroes!
Hey Keanu.
Waffles or pancakes?
That's a tough one!
Heheheh!
Um... right now, I wouldn't mind... a waffle with melted butter, and maple syrup, and on the side, an ice-cold glass of 2% milk with some... bacon... crispy... and sliced banana on the side.
What would you say to anyone considering picking up (or currently playing) the bass guitar?
Mmm.
Have fun! Have fun... that's what Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers said to me, when I sat with him once for a lesson. He said "Just play." He said "Just play and have fun."
Hello from the Philippines! Would you really kill for a dog?!
John Wick would! You know, in the story, it's not just the dog. The dog was the gift from his dying wife. And a gesture of love, to help him grieve with her passing. And people come into my home - beat me up - and in front of my eyes, stomp that dog to death. And leave.
I must reclaim my life. My love. John Wick.
What is your favorite fruit?
That's a tough one, it depends on the day.
I dunno, maybe it's one of the ones that I don't get that often, but there's something about a really fresh ripe peach. Slightly chilled.
Do you watch anime?
I haven't watched anime for a while. I recently re-watched Ghost in the Shell a few months ago. But in the past couple years I actually haven't been checking out any anime.
Hi, loved the Matrix, youre a great actor. Tell me please what do you do in your free time?
Whats your favorite movie? Who is your idol??
Um... hi!
You know, an inspiration for me to start acting was really when I was a young kid was the performances of Peter O'Toole. And in my free time, I tend to work on working, and when I'm not doing that, trying to spend time with friends and family. And I most certainly enjoy a good motorcycle ride. And today for my favorite movie, I will pick - AHAAHAHAAAAAA I can't decide!
Today I will pick: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (the original, not the remake).
Good morning, Mr. Reeves!
Are you a coffee or a tea person, and how do you like your drink prepared? --Maria G.
Hmm.
If I had to choose between Coffee and Tea TODAY, Today I will choose coffee!
And if it's just straight coffee, I like it with a little milk or cream, usually no sweetener or no sugar. I like the bitterness.
Hi, Keanu, i love all your movies and I'm looking forward to watch John Wick here in London. Apart from collecting motorcycles what else do yo collect? Can you cook? Can you play a piano? And if your going to do another motorcycle adventure where would you go?
I have a few typewriters. I have a few Olivetti typewriters, compact portable typewriters.
Yes, I can play a piano. Badly.
Hmmmm. Today I would like to go on a motorcycle adventure through France!
Hello, I'm a huge fan! How is your day going Mr. Reeves? And how are you liking reddit?
Hello!
Today is a good day, here in New York City.
And I am enjoying my time with you on reddit.
Keanu I know that you're a hockey goalie, do you have a favourite goalie? Maybe somebody you style your game after?
When I was a kid, the goaltender influence was Jacques Plante.