In 2020, The New York Times ranked Keanu Reeves as the fourth-greatest actor of the 21st century. However, there's much more to him than his roles.
There are many great actors in Hollywood, and Keanu Reeves is inarguably one of them. Having played various exemplary characters over the years, Reeves stands tall as a versatile actor and is loved by millions across the world. But it's not just his acting chops that define him. Precisely, he is a remarkable human being who makes this world a better place. He is kind, gentle, and humble, and sets an example of how an ideal person should be. As Snopes wrote about him, he is "so beloved that he's a cultural fixture".
Born on September 2, 1964, Keanu Reeves burst onto the scene during the mid-80s, and had his breakthrough later in the decade with 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure'. During the 90s and 2000s, he became absolutely unstoppable with films such as 'The Matrix' franchise, 'Constantine', 'The Devil's Advocate', 'John Wick' franchise, and 'The Day the Earth Stood Still', among others. And what sets him apart is that he has time and again reinvented himself, staying relevant and how!
However, speaking about Reeves' career, it's also worth noting that he has ventured into several other fields over the years, and found success everywhere. Today, on his 60th birthday, let's have a look at his career beyond acting.
Yes, the celebrated actor is also a writer - and quite a good one. Back in 2011, he published his poetry book, 'Ode to Happiness', which consists of a single, long poem by him. Later, he co-wrote as well as created the 'BRZRKR' franchise which gained enormous acclaim from across the world. And recently, he made his debut as a novelist with 'The Book of Elsewhere' (co-written by China Miéville).
The Book of Elsewhere sees the Most Excellent Keanu Reeves collaborating with the acclaimed China Mieville, in this new work from @DelReyUK & @boomstudios #books #livres #fantasy pic.twitter.com/V3lKzCQ1nL
— The Edinburgh Bookshop (@EdinBookshop) July 17, 2024
(Credit: The Edinburgh Bookshop)
'The Book of Elsewhere' was published on July 23, 2024, by Boom! Studios and Del Rey Books. Set in an alternate world of the BRZRKR comic book universe, the book follows an "immortal warrior on a millennia-long journey to understand his immortality".
This is a widely known fact that Keanu Reeves is a skilled musician. He started learning music in his childhood and went on to master several instruments with time. In 1991, he founded an alternative rock band called Dogstar where he would play the bass guitar. The other members of the band included Robert Mailhouse, Gregg Miller, and Bret Domrose.
Keanu Reeves playing bass for his band Dogstar, 1996 pic.twitter.com/T8g9kD7b3v
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) October 27, 2023
(Credit: cinesthetic.)
The band was active from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s and then discontinued. Reeves (along with Mailhouse) later performed in another band called Becky.
Dogstar announced their reunion in 2022. Their recent album "Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees" garnered huge love from music lovers.
The Hollywood icon is into entrepreneurship as well and is a co-owner of several successful companies. Decades ago, he co-founded a production company, Company Films, with his friend Stephen Hamel.
In 2011, he co-founded ARCH Motorcycle Company, which builds and sells custom motorcycles. Over the years, it has produced several models of motorcycles such as the KRGT-1, 1s, and Method 143. These motorcycles have been described as "American Performance Cruisers".
“What a fantastic machine and motorcycle, makes me so much fun. It does everything, it’s beautiful.” Keanu Reeves on track at Calafat Circuit with the Panigale V4 S.
— Ducati (@DucatiMotor) October 14, 2019
📸 Lennart Andreas#PanigaleV4S #Panigale pic.twitter.com/JZRz9Q8UpU
(Credit: Ducati)
In 2017, Reeves (along with Jessica Fleischmann and Alexandra Grant) founded the book publishing company, 'X Artists' Books'.
Keanu Reeves is a man of many talents - and whatever he touches turns to gold. On his 60th birthday, we extend our best wishes to him for all his upcoming endeavors!