Although Keanu Reeves’ successful career generated wealth that could afford a lavish lifestyle, he preferred intangible luxuries that money couldn’t buy. Reeves focused on health, love, and friendship instead of material things. Instead of using technology to communicate, he typed letters to loved ones.
Keanu Reeves is often associated with blockbuster hits that bring him significant income. While his job comes with glitz and glamour, the actor lives much simpler behind the scenes.According to the “John Wick” star, his personal life is quiet and boring. Instead, it is his career that usually brings fun and adventure.
Keanu Reeves remained humble and was even embarrassed by the estimated $315 million he had made from his work. A close friend of the actor said:
“Keanu’s given away a lot of money and done a lot more for people than most will ever know. He knows how lucky he is. Unlike many Hollywood mega stars, he never takes any of this for granted.”
Keanu Reeves walking on the streets on January 21, 2017, in Salt Lake City, Utah. | Source: Getty Images
Besides charitable donations, Reeves generously compensates his co-workers and employees. After starring in “The Matrix,” Reeves gifted his 12 stuntmen with Harley Davidson motorcycles for their hard work.
While he knows that technological advancement has made communication easier, Reeves hopes people won’t completely stop other forms of communication, such as writing letters.
Keanu Reeves filming for “John Wick 4” on Roosevelt Island on February 03, 2022, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
He also gives lavish presents to his family. Reeves previously bought his mom a house before purchasing one for himself, as she had always supported his dream of becoming an actor.
In 2011, Reeves made headlines for selflessly giving up his seat for another Q express train passenger with a heavy bag. In another instance, Reeves sat down and ate with a homeless person on the street.
He Doesn’t Own a Computer
Reeves undoubtedly has the means to purchase the latest technology, but he refrains from being a slave to the latest gadgets. Ironically, one of his most famous films, “The Matrix,” is all about technology. As the actor revealed, he does not own a computer and does not email.
He is most intrigued by people who expect to get an instant reply once they send out an email. While he knows that technological advancement has made communication easier, Reeves hopes people won’t completely stop other forms of communication, such as writing letters.
Keanu Reeves drops by The Hollywood Reporter 2017 Sundance Studio At Sky Strada – Day 2 on January 21, 2017 in Park City, Utah. | Source: Getty Images
He tries to do regular stunt work and continuously learns new skills to make him a better fit for action roles.
Personally, he prefers using a typewriter to write. “I enjoy the sensation of sitting down and taking time to think about what I want to say and then typing, which has a kind of physicalness to it,” he said. “It’s also something that doesn’t take batteries.”
Focusing on Health and Not Money
Besides making his connections more personal through letters, Reeves values his health – the true wealth that money can’t buy. Many of the actor’s on-screen roles require strenuous movements and actions, so he has to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle to keep up.
He tries to do regular stunt work and continuously learns new skills to make him a better fit for action roles. During an interview with Men’s Journal, Reeves claimed that the 1991 film “Point Break” moved him to care for his body more through fitness and training.
Keanu Reeves at the “Man Of Tai Chi” premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Ryerson Theatre on September 10, 2013, in Toronto, Canada. | Source: Getty Images
Admittedly, his body no longer functions the same way. He is a bit slower on the stairs and needs more time to recover. Nevertheless, his endurance remains strong.
It was also around that time that he met his fitness guru, Denise Snyder, who he has worked with for over 25 years. His role in the “John Wick” movie franchise also required him a substantial amount of training. His trainer, Patrick Murphy, said:
“The choreography, along with the multiple fight disciplines, tumbling stunts, horseback riding, stunt car driving, gun training […] means Keanu’s body had been through hell and back. […].”
Murphy’s goal is to help Reeves feel less pain while doing action scenes. Some of his exercises include balance and stability training, muscular endurance training, corrective exercise, recovery training, and power training, to name a few.
Keanu Reeves walks the streets on July 8, 2022, in New York, New York. | Source: Getty Images
Although Reeves gets closer to turning 60 each day, he still continues his exercise regimen. Admittedly, his body no longer functions the same way. He is a bit slower on the stairs and needs more time to recover. Nevertheless, his endurance remains strong.
He is also disciplined in his food consumption, maintaining a low-sodium and low-fat diet. However, he indulges in a piece of steak, preferably a New York cut, every night before a big fighting scene.
Sadly, a second tragedy hit Reeves when Symes died in a tragic car accident in 2001. A guest dropped Syme home from Marilyn Manson’s house party when she left her residence again, reportedly to return to the event.
Reeves knows that health is wealth. After working hard to reach financial independence, money is the least of his priorities. “I want to enjoy life and not stress myself building my bank account,” Reeves said. “We all know that good health is more important.”
Keanu Reeves during the stage greeting for “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” Japan premiere at Roppongi Hills on September 10, 2019, in Tokyo, Japan. | Source: Getty Images
The Hollywood star believes that having less in life will gain more advantages than having more. Peace of mind and a stress-free life is more than enough for Reeves.
Although Reeves seems to be living a wonderful life today, he previously experienced tragedy. Several years ago, Keanu Reeves almost welcomed a baby with his then-girlfriend, Jennifer Syme. Unfortunately, their daughter, Ava Archer Symes-Reeves, was stillborn eight months into the pregnancy.
The couple’s devastation and grief caused them to drift apart. Although they ended their relationship, the duo later reconciled as friends.
Sadly, a second tragedy hit Reeves when Symes died in a tragic car accident in 2001. A guest dropped Syme home from Marilyn Manson’s house party when she left her residence again, reportedly to return to the event.
Keanu Reeves during the premiere of Netflix’s “Always Be My Maybe” at the Regency Village Theatre on May 22, 2019, in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Once after her death, Reeves revealed that he found difficulty in coping with grief. It wasn’t until eighteen years later that the public learned of Reeves’ new love interest, Alexandra Grant.
The duo went public with their romance in 2019 and graced several red-carpet events together, including the MOCA Benefit event and the Saint Laurent’s fashion show.