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Keanu Reeves | Source: Getty Images
Keanu Reeves | Source: Getty Images

Keanu Reeves Isn’t Shy about Wearing Worn-Out Shoes: He Helps the Needy as ‘Money Is the Last Thing’ He Thinks About

Jana Stevens
Oct 12, 2023
09:00 P.M.

Keanu Reeves has worn the same simple look for the last 25 years or more, and even though he has made millions in his lifetime, he would rather give it away than spend it on a lavish lifestyle.

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Keanu Reeves is a Canadian actor, born in Beirut on September 2, 1964, and raised in Toronto. He is mega-successful by most standards, having starred in blockbuster films like "Speed," "The Matrix" trilogy, and "John Wick."

Despite his notoriety, Reeves is one of the most humble people in Hollywood. Not only is he modest, but he is also relatable and has no problem rubbing shoulders with ordinary people. He has none of the bravado and entitlement that fame inspires in some.

Keanu Reeves arriving to the 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' Show on October 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Keanu Reeves arriving to the 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' Show on October 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

And because he can connect with the wealthy or homeless man on a basic, human level. it's proven hard to find someone who doesn't like Reeves.

The "Point Break" actor is known for his generosity. Not only does he take a genuine interest in people, he is known to give large amounts of his money away.

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Friends say that the actor is willing to give to those in need partly because he is "embarrassed" by how much money he has made during his career.

Keanu Reeves at the "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" Japan premiere at Roppongi Hills on September 10, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. | Source: Getty Images

Keanu Reeves at the "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" Japan premiere at Roppongi Hills on September 10, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. | Source: Getty Images

Having signed a profit percentage deal for one of his most significant projects, "The Matrix," Reeves has made over $300 million. Nevertheless, he has been quoted as saying that money is meaningless. One casting director said of the actor:

"The reason Keanu's starred in 60 movies is that, on top of audiences, directors love him, co-stars love him, crews love him. He's always prepared; he's always on time. Considerate, communicative, caring — there's no one whose name he doesn't know or hasn't had a conversation with.”

He is not motivated by amassing wealth and power but prefers to live a simple life and is thankful for good health. Perhaps this explains why cancer research is one of the "John Wick" front man's pet causes.

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Keanu Reeves at Sunday Today with Willie Geist on May 12, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Keanu Reeves at Sunday Today with Willie Geist on May 12, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Inspired by his sister Kim's fight against leukemia, he reportedly donated $31.5 million of his salary towards cancer research. During the pandemic, Reeves auctioned off a Zoom date to raise money for Camp Rainbow Gold, a children's cancer charity.

The star has been known to grace many an occasion wearing a well-worn pair of boots.

An anonymous bidder paid $75,200 for the virtual meeting with the "Speed" leading man. In September 2020, he admitted to funding an organization that has helped make valuable efforts in cancer research and provides funding to children's hospitals in the United States.

Bojana Novakovic, Keanu Reeves, and Adelaide Clemens arrive at the Los Angeles premiere of "Generation UM" at ArcLight Hollywood, on May 2, 2013, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Bojana Novakovic, Keanu Reeves, and Adelaide Clemens arrive at the Los Angeles premiere of "Generation UM" at ArcLight Hollywood, on May 2, 2013, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

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Keanu Reeves' Look Has Not Changed in Decades

Despite earning millions, Reeves has been known to wear a variation of the same look for the past 25 years or more. This aesthetic matches any situation, from the red carpet to interviews.

The actor prefers darker colors with a fitted silhouette but not figure hugging. The "Bill and Ted Face the Music" actor has been quoted as saying:

"Money doesn't mean anything to me. I've made a lot of money, but I want to enjoy life and not stress myself building my bank account."

Keanu Reeves at Hotel De Rome on May 6, 2019 in Berlin, Germany. | Source: Getty Images

Keanu Reeves at Hotel De Rome on May 6, 2019 in Berlin, Germany. | Source: Getty Images

He has also said, "Money is the last thing I think about. I could live on what I've already made for the next few centuries." And his shoes always tell a story.

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The star has been known to grace many an occasion wearing a well-worn pair of boots, the perfect counterpoint to a suit, dark jeans, and a biker jacket.

This aspect of his style is signature Keanu, exceptional yet approachable. Because of his inclination to keeping a low profile, buying expensive accessories and posting pictures on social media is not his style.

Keanu Reeves in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Keanu Reeves in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

Instead, he invests in people who make his work easier. He is known for buying gifts for the often-forgotten crew members who work on his movies. Speaking about what it's like to work with Reeves, a Hollywood source said:

"Trust me, stunt guys are all dying to work with Keanu, not just for the gifts. It’s because he takes them so seriously and credits them with helping contribute to his success. Stuntmen, fight trainers — these people rarely get that."

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The leading man reportedly gave a $20,000 bonus to a set-builder on a "Matrix" film because he struggled. He has been known to provide lavish, personalized gifts to crew members who work closely with him like Rolex watches and Harley Davidsons to his stunt team members. If he believes in a project, he will take less pay so that other cast members can receive more.

Keanu Reeves is seen on November 29, 2005, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Keanu Reeves is seen on November 29, 2005, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Spending Time with Homeless People

That's just the kind of guy the "Constantine" actor is. He can meet a homeless man and decide to hang out with him. Photographers once came upon him by surprise and saw him sharing snacks and listening to his new friend in the 1990s. He has also been photographed giving money to un-housed people.

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A Vanity Fair profile labeled him homeless in August 1995, but as someone living between hotels, he was in a better space than most people who bear this label.

However, he has endured hardship, which leads him to value people more. His father abandoned the family when he was young, and his mother, Patricia Taylor, single-handedly raised Reeves and his two sisters, Karina and Kim. They had to endure tough times to get by, but the costume designer did the best for her children.

In addition to Keanu Reeves's generosity of spirit, there is evidence of him being an old-school gentleman. A YouTube clip uploaded in August 2011 shows him casually giving up his seat on the subway for a woman.

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