Humble Keanu Reeves Wears Non-Designer T-Shirts & Instead Donates Cash To Those In Need

Apr 26, 2023

Actor Keanu Reeves, 58, is known to be one of Hollywood's nicest guys. On top of being a movie star, in recent years, he's also developed a reputation as "the internet's boyfriend" due to how much netizens love him. There are many reasons that fans love Reeves — from the fact that he's a bonafide action star whose filmography includes "The Matrix" and "John Wick" franchises, among other notable movies, to becoming the star of many popular memes. Reeves is simply one of Hollywood's most beloved actors and an icon of the internet.

But there are plenty of other examples out there that show just why Reeves is considered such a stand-up guy. There's the time he gave up his seat on the subway for a stranger as well as the various moments he's shared with homeless people on the streets, donating to them or listening to their stories. There are also the many donations he's given to charities or when he shared his wealth with the film crew of "The Matrix."

It has come to light that he'd even surprised each member of his stunt team from the latest "John Wick" movie with a brand new Rolex watch each as a thank-you gift. After filming wrapped in Paris, the actor gifted the four members of his stunt team a Rolex 2020 Submariner watch each, with a personalized message engraved on the back. He also got one for himself that matched the others, making the item more than just a gift but a shared relic from their time spent together on the film set.

In honor of Reeves' kind and selfless attitude, let's take a look at the many reasons why he's perhaps the most humble celebrity in Hollywood.

One aspect of Reeves' appeal has remained the same ever since he landed in Hollywood — his clothing. Rather than spending thousands of dollars on designer duds, Reeves has become known for keeping a rather utilitarian uniform that usually consists of blue jeans, a simple jacket and large beat-up boots. It might seem like an insignificant detail, but Reeves' outfit choices could be seen as a physical manifestation of how he sees himself — just like every other normal person. He doesn't need flashy clothes, cars or even luxury mansions because he knows material possessions aren't the key to a happy life.  

But on the topic of material items, he does know how to spend his money to make others happy. A generous gift-giver, Reeves has a history of gifting the people he works on films with. As mentioned earlier, it was revealed in 2021 that he gifted four Rolex watches to his stunt team from "John Wick: Chapter 4." Jeremy Marinas, one of the stunt crew, posted a photo to social media which showed the personalized message that his watch has engraved on the back. As reported by TMZ, it read:

"The John Wick Five

Jeremy Thank You 

Keanu

JW4 2021"

What an incredibly thoughtful and classy present. But that wasn't the first time Reeves treated his film crew members with special gifts. After one of "The Matrix" movies was finished filming, he treated his 12-person strong stunt team to a Harley-Davidson bike each, according to an interview with "John Wick" director Chad Stahelski. What's more, when one of the franchise's sequels wrapped, every member of the film crew, which totaled around 800 people, walked away with a bottle of champagne courtesy of the actor.

Reeves knows that money isn't everything in life, which is why he's not afraid of giving it away. According to a Wall Street Journal article, as reported by ABC News, Reeves gave away a large number of his profits from "The Matrix" movies.

However, Page Six later reported that Reeves’ publicist denied these rumors. Still, Reeves did show that he was very generous toward those he worked with. Page Six reported that he has been known for giving gifts to his co-workers and food-service workers, as well as his family and charities he supports.

A Hollywood producer said, “Keanu’s infamous for his generosity.” The producer spoke in regards to the story that Reeves had given a $20,000 bonus to one of the set builders on “The Matrix” after learning that he was having financial difficulties.

But it's not just people he knows that are treated kindly by him. The actor has been photographed on numerous occasions donating to homeless people on the street. In one memorable incident in 1997, Reeves even hung out with a homeless man, sitting down next to him, sharing drinks and snacks, and lying on his back while the guy told him stories. It might seem like a PR stunt, but a couple of paparazzi came across him by accident.

What's more, Reeves is well known for donating lots to charitable causes, especially those that support children with cancer. He revealed in a Ladies Home Journal interview from 2009 that he even has a private foundation that "helps aid a couple of children's hospitals and cancer research." He added: "I don't like to attach my name to it, I just let the foundation do what it does."

The actor has a personal connection to the cause after his younger sister Kim was diagnosed with Leukemia in 1991. After battling cancer for nearly a decade, she went into remission in 1999.

While it’s wonderful to see Reeves using his money for good, the actor has shared that he isn’t the biggest fan of having so much money. He has an estimated net worth of $380 million. A family friend of his said, “He’s somewhat embarrassed about that.”

The friend added:

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

This could be one of the reasons why Reeves doesn’t like to spend his money on designer clothes. A Reddit user explained how they met Reeves once when they were 14 and again three years later; Reeves was wearing the same T-shirt both times. Reeves has also been seen wearing worn-out shoes from time to time.

In the Whoa Is (Not) Me forum, writer Chris Heath talked about how humble Reeves is, especially considering the fact that he is a celebrity who rarely likes to talk about himself. “He’s cordial, and he’s not deliberately evasive (he’s embarrassed by, not proud of, his reluctance to talk), but he finds the process… ludicrous.”

There are countless other examples of how Reeves has proven himself to be one of the most generous people in entertainment, and we're sure it won't be the last we hear of his kind deeds.

Are you a fan of Keanu Reeves? Did you know of all the ways he has given to others? Pass this on to those you know so they can read about his inspiring acts too.