In 1999, Keanu Reeves became most famous for his role in the groundbreaking science fiction film, The Matrix.
Now 50 years old, Keanu’s life has been full of more tragedy than you would expect from a movie star. Despite each setback, he’s kept pushing forward. It’s helped develop himself into the awesome person that he is on and off the screen.
At the age of three, his father left their family. They stayed in touch for a few years, but after the divorce and moving from city to city, they fell out of contact.
Keanu attended four different high schools and struggled with dyslexia, making his education more challenging than it is for most. Eventually he left high school without earning a diploma, though through sheer will, he is an avid reader now.
At the age of 23, his closest friend River Phoenix died of a drug overdose. During a Reddit AMA last year, Keanu said: “He was a remarkable human person and actor. We got along very well, and I miss him. I think of him often.”
In 1999, the love of his life, Jennifer Syme, was pregnant with their daughter. But the child was stillborn, and it cost them their relationship.
18 months later, Jennifer was killed in a car accident.
His sister had leukemia. She was cured, and he donated 70 percent of his money from “The Matrix” to hospitals that treat leukemia.
He’s worth over $100 million, and still rides the subway and give up his seat to lady.
When asked about his generous act the actor said ‘Money is the last thing I think about.
‘I could live on what I have already made for the next few centuries.’
