Benihana

Found this on another forum.

Keanu Facts

* His first name means "the coldness".
* Dad abandoned the family when he was 3, never reconnected with him.
* Mom was a showgirl.
* Had a long string of stepfathers, constantly moving.
* Different high schools.
* Dyslexic.
* Had a keen interest in hockey but the Olympic dream ended after an injury.
* Dropped out of high school to become an actor.
* His daughter died stillborn.
* Girlfriend died in a car crash after being plied with drugs by Marilyn Manson.
* His best friend is his sister...she's dying of leukemia.
* His remaining money probably pays for her medical bills.
* Never married.
* His best friend (River Phoenix) died of...drugs?
* Avoids most relationships.
* Turns down big roles if he believes the character's too violent.
* Gave $50 million to the crew of the Matrix.
* Donates most of his money to charities for cancer research.
* Took a 90% pay cut on his salary on The Replacements (2000) so Gene Hackman could be cast. Previously, he had deferred $2 million of his salary so that Al Pacino could be cast on The Devil's Advocate (1997).
* Gives most of his earnings to charity and the backstage people who help on the set.
* Is quite humble when he speaks of himself, quoted saying: "I'm a meathead, man. You've got smart people, and you've got dumb people. I just happen to be dumb." - Keanu
* He owns a house in Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island BC, Canada and is reported to have said "I like your chicken" to a employee at the local grocery store

I'd chill with you any day Keanu.

mingster

why is being a buddhist depressing?

Benihana

"When the Buddha achieved Enlightenment, he escaped from the cycle of rebirth. What does this mean? Buddhism is often perceived as nihilistic or depressing. The idea of nirvana and a lack of soul or self is seen as negative."

EDIT: I don't necessarily agree with all of it, just posting everything he posted.

Cal2010

I doubt it , Buddhism is a peacful , humble and a very respectful religion. It also teaches love towards all human and animals, (instead of trying to convert other people to their religion like some other religions which i wont mention, lmao). When was the last time you heard people getting murdered in the name of Buddhism? never.

Maybe the reason why Keanu is so humble and strong is because of his faith in Buddhism.
most people that has theyr father abandoning them , and has a mother thats a showgirl, I would put money on that person to grow up being screwed up.
Its sad that he lost his best friend, lost a child and losing a sister. That would also humble anybody too.

I didnt know he gave so much to charity, and taking such high paycuts so other big star can be in the movie. You wont see what with most of the stars.

I was always a fan of Keanu from "Bill and Ted" to the "matrix". I am a much bigger fan now.

NuncoStr8

I don't dislike the guy, but he needs to take some acting classes. There is this thing called "emotion" that is supposed to be telegraphed by the actor. I'm not sure he does that. It's ok in some roles, kind of annoying in others.

All the extraneous trivia about his life is more than I need to know. IMHO.

WarrenW

Off topic...very good point. Now there's a topic worth pursuing.

Vik2000

just stay away from religious arguments.

gaus

Buddhism is NOT a religion.

Gymkata

"When the Buddha achieved Enlightenment, he escaped from the cycle of rebirth. What does this mean? Buddhism is often perceived as nihilistic or depressing. The idea of nirvana and a lack of soul or self is seen as negative."

Buddhism might be perceived as "negative" to people who don't understand it. One can argue the Abrahamic religions are far more nihilistic and depressing if not more.

Benihana

I took out the buddhist part since that wanted to be the huge talk for you guys. This isn't politics and religion, this is Keanu Reeves. Back on topic.