Has Keanu Reeves being in ‘The Matrix’ made him humble or just plain cheap?

Keanu Reeves was making a name for himself wayyy before he starred in the blockbuster hit The Matrix. He was everyone’s favorite goofball with a silly smile and floppy hair. His iconically backbreaking action role saw him eventually turn into an action star.

More than that, though, he became known as the nicest guy in Hollywood. In a world where celebrities often come across as entitled & ungrateful, Reeves was a shining beacon of what it means to not let the money or fame go to your head. . . or so it seems.

Some say that the $4 million Reeves made for The Matrix trilogy has made him humble, while others believe that he’s just plain cheap. No matter what the reason may be, it’s clear that Reeves could use a little public relations help right now when it comes to money.

Humble beginnings

Most actors these days are nepotism babies. They got their feet into some very A-list doors because their parents got there first. Not to say they aren’t deserving. Maya Hawke, for example, maybe the lovechild of Uma Thurman & Ethan Hawke but she’s genuinely talented. It just makes it harder for actors with no connections to strive for the same success.

While Keanu Reeves was born to a costume designer and a performer, he paved his own road to starring in The Matrix. Before he was stopping bullets mid-air, he played the lovably stupid Ted in the 1989 cult classic Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. Like Seann William Scott, he made a name for being a fan-favorite himbo.

From his birth in 1964 to play against Al Pacino in The Devil’s Advocate, Reeves has been a quietly rising star. No one would have been surprised if the fame turned him into a walking stereotype of the rich & the famous. Turns out, though, he had something different in mind.

Mr. Nice Guy

Keanu Reeves turned international heads with his performance as Neo in The Matrix. His dramatic turn as an actor saw him star in indie hits like Point Break & My Own Private Idaho. Behind the scenes, he was making his name as the industry sweetheart.

Everyone from critically-acclaimed actress Octavia Spencer to random fans has a story of Reeves helping them in a time of need. He once gave $20,000 to a crew member who was struggling to make ends meet, and he’s been known to help out fans who are down on their luck. In short, he’s a good guy, and you can trust him to do the right thing.

Is that why he’s been able to amass a $380 million net worth? He doesn’t spend it on luxury cars, giant houses, or expensive accessories for his wife Alexandra Grant. Rather, he puts it mostly toward giving to others and saves little for himself. It leaves people looking for a hidden motive when in reality maybe he really is just a good person.

Cheap shots

No matter how nice or good someone is, there’s always someone looking for an easy laugh. Just look at social media! Plenty of people are quick to make fun of others because it’s funny. Poking fun at celebrities is even easier because they’re in the public eye.

There’s been no fruit that hangs lower than Keanu Reeves, even though he’s known for his iconic role in The Matrix. You’d think his tendency toward playing badass characters like Neo or John Wick would give him street cred. Instead, all it did was make him an easier target.

So the guy isn’t the best actor. He’s got exactly the range for the movies he’s starred in, no more or no less. It’s not his fault that his handsome mug doesn’t really translate into subtle expressions. Too bad being surrounded by enough greatness hasn’t distracted comedians like alleged predator Chris D’Elia.

Just Keanu

Keanu Reeves may have flexed on his peers in The Matrix, but he’s still got a target on his back. Matthew Perry caught flack recently for bad-mouthing Reeves, insisting he’d lived when greats had died. People basically started booing him, but maybe he was on to something.

It’s hard to know who to trust when it comes to making money. With all of the scams and get-rich-quick schemes out there, it’s hard to know which investments are legitimate. Reeves may be an example of smart investing or he could just be your run-of-the-mill cheapskate.

Just because Reeves doesn’t live life in the glitzy fast lane doesn’t mean he’s tight with money. However, just because he’s generous doesn’t make him smart with it either. Is it a sign of humility or is he a real-life Scrooge McDuck? At least doesn’t seem to have an inner Agent Smith.

—

Do you think Keanu Reeves is thoughtful with money? Or do you think he’s hoarding it? Spend a couple of comments and let us know your financial thoughts below!