In the glitzy realm of Hollywood, where fame and fortune often go hand in hand with ego and extravagance, one actor who has become known as one of the nicest and most generous people in Hollywood, having set up a fund to help children suffering with cancer and bestowing film stunt teams with five-figure gifts.
Keanu Reeves, celebrated for his iconic portrayals in cinematic classics like The Matrix, John Wick and Speed, has garnered not only widespread admiration for his acting prowess but also an unparalleled reputation as an all-round stand up guy.
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Beyond the silver screen, Reeves has devoted his spare time to doing selfless acts for others, from his philanthropic endeavors to his heartwarming encounters with fans, here’s a journey through all the acts of kindness Keanu Reeves’ has share with the world as he celebrates his landmark 60th birthday.
Inspiring Fans
(Image: Getty Images)
A video of Reeves at the E3 convention in June 2019 went viral after Reeves had a heartwarming response to an audience member.
When a fan yelled out, “You’re breathtaking!” as Reeves walked onstage, the star endeared himself to the crowd by responding in kind.
“You’re breathtaking,” the actor said as he pointed to the audience. “You’re all breathtaking.”
This heartwarming exchange resulted in widespread online attention, generating memes and touching posts.
Reeves further melted hearts in July 2019 by autographing a handmade sign with the same phrase that a fan had left on the floor on his route to the set of his movie, Bill & Ted.
He hopped out of the car, crawled on the floor and signed it for an ecstatic fan before getting back in car and driving off.
No contact with women
(Image: Twitter)
Everyone’s favourite actor is being praised for the way that he takes pictures with fans.
He gained attention on Twitter as fans noticed he respectfully refrains from holding women while taking photos with them.
This endearing behaviour quickly became viral, with admirers praising his respect for women.
Photos of Reeves with several women — including Dolly Parton — show him avoiding making contact with his hands.
(Image: Twitter)
Other photos for red carpets show the Always Be My Maybe star often keeps his hands visible, or in his pockets.
People called Reeves a “respectful king” and praised him for being “considerate and respectful.”
Subway Gesture
(Image: Getty Images)
The star garnered attention in 2015 when he was captured on camera, courteously relinquishing his subway seat to a fellow passenger who was carrying a heavy bag.
The video includes a train announcement which indicates that this act of chivalry took place on a Q express train headed towards Brooklyn.
A train announcement heard in the video suggests that the star was on a Brooklyn-bound Q express train when he performed that chivalrous act.
Reeves’ kind act was one of his first gracious gestures to go viral.
Fan Autograph
(Image: Argenpress/REX/Shutterstock)
James Dator, a writer and producer for SBNation.com, shared a story on Twitter about his encounter with Keanu Reeves while working at a movie theater as a teenager.
Dator attempted to get Reeves’ autograph but was initially unsuccessful.
However, shortly after, Reeves surprised Dator by knocking on the door of the box office.
He handed Dator a signed receipt from the concessions stand and casually discarded an ice cream before going to watch his own movie.
Emergency roadtrip
(Image: Kimimasa Mayama/EPA/REX/Shutterstock)
In March 2019, Keanu Reeves was on a Los Angeles-bound flight that had to make an emergency landing.
Despite the situation, Reeves took the time to take photos with passengers and went the extra mile by assisting in arranging transportation to their intended destination, San Francisco.
Reeves then embarked on an impromptu road trip with his fellow stranded passengers, filled with country music and camaraderie.
Secret charity donations
(Image: Twitter)
In addition to his general goodness, Reeves has also donated money to children’s hospitals and to cancer research.
The star reportedly runs a private charitable foundation that aims to help sick kids, but his name isn’t attached to the organisation.
“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,” Reeves told the Ladies’ Home Journal in 2009.
“I don’t like to attach my name to it, I just let the foundation do what it does.”
Salary Cut
(Image: Warner Bros/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)
Reeves’ contract for sequels The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions offered up a significant pay cut for the actor, so that some of his salary could be used for better costumes and special effects in the films.
After he was cast in the 1997 movie The Devil’s Advocate, Reeves found out that Al Pacino wasn’t able to work on the project due to the film’s budget.
Reeves, however, was so eager to work with the legendary actor that he took another sizeable pay cut. And then his dream became a reality.
On-set Gifts
(Image: Roadshow/REX/Shutterstock)
One of Reeves’ more famous moments of generosity came during the filming of The Matrix, when he gifted a dozen stuntmen with Harley-Davidson motorcycles to thank them.
“I just wanted … to give a bigger thank-you to all these guys who helped me make this,” Reeves said of his generous act.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
