Keanu Reeves: Why 'The Matrix' Star Has Given So Much Of His Wealth Away

Keanu Reeves is one of the most loveable actors on the planet and he takes giving pretty seriously, as revealed by a close friend.

The star's generosity has been linked to some personal tragedies he has endured in life and he has made it his goal to spread the wealth he has acquired.

A longtime friend of Reeves who spoke with The Post revealed that the actor is "somewhat embarrassed" that the public is aware of his charitable gestures.

“Keanu’s given away a lot of money and done a lot more for people than most will ever know,” said the family friend. “He knows how lucky he is. Unlike many Hollywood megastars, he never takes any of this for granted.”

Keanu Reeves

Earlier, it was reported that the Matrix star donated a substantial part of his salary from the first film to cancer research, something that doesn't come across as a surprise to his co-stars and others he has worked with.

"Keanu is infamous for his generosity", a Hollywood producer said of the actor, disclosing how he (Reeves) gave a $20,000 bonus to a set builder after learning of his financial challenges.

A casting director also had the following words to say about Reeves: "The reason Keanu's starred in 60 movies is that, on top of audiences, directors love him, co-stars love him, crews love him.

Reeves

"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.”

Insiders say part of the star's desire to share comes from those he has lost in his life; River Phoenix, his best friend who died of a drug overdose in 1993, Jennifer Syme,  and his ex-girlfriend who perished in 1999 after in a car accident.