Keanu Reeves Once Went Homeless Just To Prepare For This Role

For fans who have followed Keanu Reeves since the start of his career, the actor has etched his name as one of Hollywood's most respected Hollywood actors. His charisma, personality, and acting talents set him apart and garnered him fame over the years.

It is not unusual to see Reeves going all out for his roles. The actor performs his stunts in action movies, showing how much dedication he is willing to bring to the screen. Looking at his numerous acting credits, Reeves once went homeless for a role, doing more than most of his colleagues might ever attempt to do.

While preparing for a film adaptation of Brian J. Robb's Keanu Reeves: An Excellent Adventure, Reeves chose to leave his life of privilege and live as a destitute on the streets to embody the role. However, from his description of his first night in such an environment, it felt like he had almost bitten off more than he could chew.

"The first night I bedded down was terrifying because I could hear people screaming in their sleep or talking with each other, plotting to take my cardboard box from me," Keanu said. "There were four guys in the alley, and they didn't recognize me because I looked so bad."

The ongoing conversations around Reeves made him scared at first. Luckily, the guys around him quit their intimidation acts and befriended the disguised actor, teaching him all they knew about surviving and fending for himself in the streets.

Before signing up for the film adaptation of Brian's book, Reeves had lived in luxury hotels while carrying out research on a role or as his place of rest after a long day on set. As such, his choice to switch to a homeless status came with its difficulty.

"I had to live, eat, mingle and breathe with these people, so I knew what made them tick," Reeves said. "Now I know the true luxury of an undisturbed night's sleep in a soft bed, in a warm, quiet room."

During his adventure, Reeves only came along with a toothbrush and $20. The actor barely lasted a week, stopping the research and returning to his hotel for a reason.

Although Reeves planned on embodying the role for more than a short while, he went back to his hotel after four days. His reason did not stem from loathing his condition but due to onlookers who had spotted him.

However, he did not forget the friends he made on the streets. Reeves returned to visit them and invited them to have dinner in the hotel. Astonishingly, their choice for dinner shocked the actor. Reeves' new friends choose to go to McDonald's instead of ordering steak or lobster at the hotel.

Ultimately, the movie project got scrapped by the sponsors. Reeves didn't reveal the movie title, but fans knew it would revolve around "a homeless man who experiences a big win on the US lottery."

Beyond his passion for acting, Reeves is also known for a personal trait. He has the tag of being the nicest man in Hollywood as he eschews the prima-donna behavior of some Hollywood stars, choosing to always treat his peers and fans with respect and kindness.

He once gifted his stunt crew a chunk of his paycheck to appreciate their works during a film production in addition to his other acts of philanthropy without openly claiming credit.

Reeves recently reprised his role as Neo in "Matrix Resurrections." He would also return in an upcoming installment of the action thriller "John Wick" universe. However, some delays due to the pandemic have pushed the premiere from May 2022 to March 24, 2023.