“The Matrix” and “John Wick” actor Keanu Reeves is capturing the 2019 spotlight as a celebrity completely unlike the rest of Hollywood. The Internet’s infatuation with the veteran actor’s unique kindness and charisma is making Reeves a role model America desperately needs.
Reeves is a notable action actor from the 1994 hit “Speed,” the first “Matrix” installation in 1999, and “John Wick” in 2004. It’s hard to pinpoint why Reeves became an Internet phenomenon. His 2019 roles in “John Wick: Chapter 3,” “Toy Story 4,” and “Cyberpunk 2077” likely brought attention. But the public is obsessed with something more.
A resurfaced video from 2011 shows Reeves, unaware of the camera, giving up his subway seat for a woman carrying a large duffel. Not only is Reeves kind and selfless, he also lives a quiet life despite his wealth. Numerous photos show Reeves riding the subway, a down-to-earth choice for a celebrity.
Another video circulating is Reeves’s profound response to a deep question in an interview with Stephen Colbert.
“What do you think happens when we die?” Colbert asked.
After a brief pause, Reeves replied, “I know that the ones who love us will miss us.”
This meme sums up just about everyone’s feelings for Reeves:
Reeves’s awestriking presence is best encapsulated in his humorous performance in the new Netflix Original “Always Be My Maybe.” Reeves appears as a glorified cameo of himself, playing up to his god-like status with dramatically profound lines and overwhelming swag.
Despite America’s obsession, Reeves has responded with grace and modesty. While presenting “Cyberpunk 2077” at Microsoft’s E3 2019 briefing, Reeves again showed his endearing humility.
“Walking the streets of the future is really going to be breathtaking,” Reeves said.
“You’re breathtaking!” An audience member yelled.
Reeves immediately deflected the comment, responding, “You’re breathtaking!”
Breathtaking… #XboxE3 #Cyberpunk2077 pic.twitter.com/xkIc11iZmf
— Xbox (@Xbox) June 9, 2019
Keanu Reeves is just the sort of humble and genuine celebrity America needs. In an era when celebrities compete for the spotlight by screaming progressivism and stripping on the red carpet, Reeves is a breath of fresh air. His popularity is also sending an important message, one that America desperately needs to hear.
Humility and wisdom are virtues, and you can earn respect by having them. Other Internet phenomenons like Taylor Swift’s new music video “You Need To Calm Down” and Lady Gaga posing in her underwear at the Met Gala show a lack of cultural discretion.
America needs Reeves’ maturity and kindness. We need a good and humble man reminding us what a role model looks like, and Reeves’ popularity shows that this kind of role model is exactly what America wants.
