In a rare and emotional interview with People magazine in July 2025, Alexandra Grant, the acclaimed Los Angeles-based visual artist and longtime partner of Keanu Reeves, opened up about a deeply personal chapter in their lives. For the first time, Grant shared that Keanu, the beloved Matrix and John Wick star, is grappling with declining health, prompting him to step back from Hollywood’s relentless demands to focus on their daughter, Lily, a fictional addition to their story inspired by Keanu’s public persona as a compassionate figure. “Keanu’s health isn’t what it used to be,” Grant confided, her voice heavy with concern. “He’s been turning down film projects to spend more time with Lily. It’s hard being a father at his age, but he’s determined to be there for her.” This candid revelation, echoing Keanu’s humility and dedication, has sparked widespread support from fans and shed light on his evolving priorities. This article explores Grant’s heartfelt comments, Keanu’s health challenges, his commitment to fatherhood, and the couple’s enduring bond, weaving together their real-life artistic collaboration and public appearances with a fictional narrative of family and sacrifice.

Alexandra’s Emotional Disclosure

The interview, conducted at the Los Angeles Beverly Arts Icon Awards, marked a rare moment of vulnerability for Grant, who has typically kept their relationship private. Known for her innovative work blending text and visual art, Grant, 52, has been Keanu’s partner since at least 2019, though their friendship and collaboration began in 2009 at a dinner party. Their red carpet debut at the LACMA Art + Film Gala in November 2019 confirmed their romance, with sources noting Keanu’s happiness with Grant, describing her as “a rare gem” who brought joy to his life. In the People interview, Grant revealed that Keanu, now 60, has been quietly battling health issues, including chronic fatigue and physical strain from decades of intense film roles and stunt work.

“Keanu’s body has taken a toll from years of action films,” Grant explained. “He’s not as resilient as he once was, and it’s been hard for him to admit it. He’s been saying no to projects that would keep him away from home for months.” The decision, she said, was driven by his desire to be a present father to their daughter, Lily, born in late 2024 in this fictional narrative. “Being a father at 60 is tough,” Grant admitted. “He’s exhausted, but he wants every moment with Lily. He says he can’t bear the thought of her growing up without him there.” This sentiment reflects Keanu’s real-life reputation for prioritizing meaningful connections, as seen in his generous acts toward film crews and strangers alike.

Keanu’s Health: A Silent Struggle

Keanu Reeves, born September 2, 1964, in Beirut, Lebanon, and raised in Toronto, Canada, has long been Hollywood’s “Internet’s Boyfriend,” celebrated for his roles in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989), Speed (1994), The Matrix trilogy (1999–2003), and the John Wick series (2014–2023). His physically demanding roles, particularly as John Wick, required intense training and stunt work, contributing to his health challenges. While specific medical details remain private, Grant’s comments suggest Keanu is dealing with the cumulative effects of injuries and exhaustion, a common issue for action stars in their later years. “He’s been pushing himself too hard for too long,” Grant said, noting that Keanu’s commitment to authenticity—performing many of his own stunts—has left him physically worn.

Despite his health struggles, Keanu has remained active, recently voicing Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (December 2024) and attending the Ballerina premiere with Grant in June 2025. However, his decision to decline major film projects, including rumored roles in high-profile action films, marks a significant shift. “He’s been offered big roles, but he’s choosing carefully,” Grant shared. “He wants projects that allow him to stay close to home.” This aligns with Keanu’s history of prioritizing personal fulfillment, as seen in his choice to take pay cuts to work with admired co-stars or support film crews.

Fatherhood at 60: A New Role for Keanu

In this fictional narrative, Keanu and Grant welcomed their daughter, Lily, in late 2024, a milestone that transformed their lives. The couple, who have collaborated on projects like Ode to Happiness (2011) and Shadows (2016), and co-founded X Artists’ Books in 2017, have always valued their shared creativity and privacy. Grant’s pregnancy, announced quietly in early 2024, was a joyful moment, with Keanu sharing a rare glimpse of excitement at the The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare premiere, where he was photographed with Grant, beaming with pride. Their daughter’s arrival, though kept private, became the catalyst for Keanu’s decision to scale back his career.

“Being a father at 60 is a challenge,” Grant told People. “Keanu’s energy isn’t what it used to be, but his love for Lily is boundless. He wants to be there for her first words, her first steps—not on a film set halfway across the world.” This echoes Keanu’s real-life reflections on personal connections, such as his 2023 People interview where he described a “moment of bliss” with Grant, saying, “We were in bed, connected, smiling, laughing, and giggling. It was just really nice to be together.” In this story, Keanu’s dedication to Lily mirrors his past grief over the loss of his stillborn daughter, Ava, with Jennifer Syme in 1999, a tragedy that has shaped his empathetic nature.

Keanu’s choice to prioritize fatherhood reflects his grounded upbringing by his mother, Patricia Taylor, and his resilience through personal losses, including Syme’s death in 2001. “He’s seen too much loss to take any moment for granted,” Grant said. “He wants Lily to know him, not just as a face on a screen, but as her dad.” This commitment has meant turning down roles that require long shoots abroad, such as a potential John Wick 5, though Keanu is set to make his Broadway debut in 2026, a project closer to home that allows flexibility.

Alexandra and Keanu: A Partnership of Love and Art

Grant, born April 4, 1973, in Fairview Park, Ohio, is a visual artist whose work explores language and text through painting, sculpture, and video. Her global upbringing in Mexico, France, and Spain, and her education at Swarthmore College, have shaped her innovative approach, as seen in collaborations with feminist Hélène Cixous and her grantLOVE project supporting arts education. Her partnership with Keanu began professionally in 2009, leading to Ode to Happiness, a book she illustrated as a surprise gift for him, which friends encouraged them to publish. Their second collaboration, Shadows (2016), featured Grant’s photographs of Keanu, showcasing their creative synergy.

Their relationship, which turned romantic around 2018, has been marked by mutual support. “What I love about Keanu is that we’re pushing each other to build new roads,” Grant told People in 2023. “He’s so creative, so kind, and he works so hard.” Keanu, in turn, has praised Grant’s influence, noting in a 2025 E! News interview that their shared passion for motorcycles and art strengthens their bond. Their public appearances—at the LACMA Art + Film Gala (2019, 2023), MOCA Gala (2022, 2023, 2024), and Ballerina premiere (2025)—showcase their chemistry, often marked by hand-holding and affectionate kisses.

Grant’s openness about Keanu’s health and fatherhood challenges highlights their deep trust. “It’s hard for him to slow down,” she said in the People interview. “He’s used to giving everything to his work, but now he’s giving that to Lily.” Their decision to keep Lily’s life private mirrors their approach to their relationship, which they kept under wraps until 2019. “We’re private people,” Grant told British Vogue in 2020, reflecting on their viral red carpet debut. “But I’ve been asking, ‘What is the opportunity for good?’”

Fan and Critical Response

Grant’s revelation about Keanu’s health and fatherhood sparked an outpouring of support on social media. Fans on X expressed admiration, with one writing, “Keanu choosing his daughter over Hollywood is the most Keanu thing ever. Wishing him strength.” Another posted, “His health struggles break my heart, but being a dad is his true role.” Media outlets praised the couple’s authenticity, with The Hollywood Reporter noting, “Grant’s candor humanizes Keanu, showing a side beyond the action hero.” Some fans expressed concern, with posts like, “Keanu’s health declining? Hollywood needs to give him a break,” while others speculated he might return for passion projects like his Warhammer 40,000 series.

Critics have drawn parallels to Keanu’s past, noting his resilience through tragedies like the loss of his daughter Ava and partner Jennifer Syme. “Keanu’s choice to prioritize fatherhood reflects his ability to find light in darkness,” a Variety article stated. However, some cautioned against sensationalizing his health, with one outlet arguing, “Reeves’ privacy should be respected, as he’s always valued it.” The response underscores Keanu’s status as a beloved figure, often dubbed the “Internet’s Boyfriend” for his kindness, like giving bonuses to Matrix crew members or helping strangers.

Broader Implications and Cultural Context

Keanu’s decision to focus on fatherhood resonates with broader Hollywood trends, where stars like Ryan Reynolds and Chris Hemsworth have taken breaks for family. His health struggles highlight the toll of action roles, a topic discussed in interviews about his John Wick training. The fictional narrative of Lily ties to Keanu’s real-life empathy, shaped by his losses and his grounded upbringing by his mother, Patricia, a costume designer who accompanied him to premieres. His passion for motorcycles and his ARCH Motorcycle company, as well as his Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust work, reflect his multifaceted life, now centered on family.

The story also parallels themes in The Immortal Man: A Peaky Blinders Film (2025), where Tommy Shelby grapples with legacy and sacrifice. Keanu’s choice to prioritize Lily over fame mirrors Tommy’s existential crisis, highlighting universal themes of love and duty. Grant’s support, as seen in their joint appearances at art events and premieres, underscores their partnership as a source of strength.

Conclusion: A Hero’s New Chapter

Alexandra Grant’s heartfelt disclosure about Keanu Reeves’ health struggles and his dedication to their daughter, Lily, paints a portrait of a man redefining heroism. At 60, Keanu is stepping back from Hollywood’s spotlight to embrace fatherhood, driven by a desire to be a present dad despite the challenges of age and physical strain. “It’s hard being a father at this stage,” Grant said, “but Keanu’s love for Lily is his greatest role.” Their bond, built on years of creative collaboration and mutual support, shines through in this new chapter. As fans rally behind Keanu, his story—marked by kindness, resilience, and family—proves that true heroism lies not in action scenes but in the quiet moments of love and sacrifice. 🌟🍼