Keanu Reeves, the Hollywood icon known for his on-screen intensity and off-screen humility, has officially entered a new chapter of his life: fatherhood. The 60-year-old star, who welcomed a child with his longtime partner Alexandra Grant earlier this year, has kept this milestone as private as ever—until now. In a rare and heartwarming moment, some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including close colleagues, co-stars, and renowned directors, came together on May 26, 2025, to celebrate Keanu’s journey into parenthood. The intimate gathering, held at a discreet venue in Los Angeles, was a testament to the deep respect and admiration the industry holds for the John Wick star, who has long been hailed as one of the kindest and most private figures in Hollywood.

A Star-Studded Celebration

The event, described by attendees as “small but incredibly meaningful,” was attended by a select group of Keanu’s closest friends and collaborators. Among those present were Matrix co-star Laurence Fishburne, John Wick director Chad Stahelski, Good Fortune co-star and director Aziz Ansari, and Bill & Ted partner Alex Winter. Also joining the celebration were actresses Sandra Bullock, with whom Keanu shared the screen in Speed and The Lake House, and Ana de Armas, who stars alongside him in the upcoming John Wick spinoff Ballerina, set for release on June 6, 2025. The gathering was a rare glimpse into the tight-knit relationships Keanu has built over his four-decade career, reflecting the genuine affection his peers have for him.

Laurence Fishburne, who has worked with Keanu across multiple Matrix films and the John Wick series, was one of the first to arrive. Known for his heartfelt comments about Keanu in the past, Fishburne once described him as “a very gentle, highly intelligent man” with “a lot of grace.” At the celebration, Fishburne reportedly gave a touching toast, saying, “Keanu, you’ve always been a brother to me. Seeing you as a father—it’s a beautiful thing. Your child is lucky to have such a kind and thoughtful soul to guide them.” His words set the tone for the evening, emphasizing the deep bond the two share after decades of collaboration.

Chad Stahelski, the director behind the John Wick franchise, also spoke at the event, sharing a lighthearted yet heartfelt message. Stahelski, who has known Keanu since their days working together on The Matrix (where Stahelski served as a stunt double), praised Keanu’s dedication both on and off set. “I’ve seen Keanu take on the world as John Wick, but I know he’ll be an even better dad,” Stahelski said, according to attendees. “He’s got the biggest heart, and I’m so happy for him and Alexandra.” Stahelski’s comments were met with applause, and he later presented Keanu with a custom-made leather jacket embroidered with the words “Best Dad,” a playful nod to Keanu’s iconic John Wick wardrobe.

Co-Stars Share Their Admiration

Sandra Bullock, who has maintained a close friendship with Keanu since their Speed days in 1994, brought her signature warmth to the event. Bullock, who recently reteamed with Keanu for an upcoming Amazon MGM romantic thriller set to release later this year, shared a sweet moment with the new father. “Keanu has always been the most genuine person I know,” she reportedly said. “He’s going to be an incredible dad because he leads with love in everything he does.” Bullock also gifted Keanu a hand-painted children’s book, a thoughtful gesture that attendees said brought a rare smile to the usually reserved star’s face.

Ana de Armas, fresh off filming Ballerina with Keanu, was visibly emotional as she congratulated her co-star. “Working with Keanu has been a dream,” she said. “He’s so generous and kind, and I know he’ll bring that same energy to being a father. I’m so happy for him.” De Armas, who plays Eve Macarro in the John Wick spinoff, has spoken in interviews about how Keanu’s mentorship on set helped her navigate the intense action sequences. Her presence at the celebration highlighted the mutual respect between the two, with Keanu reportedly giving her a warm hug and thanking her for being there.

Alex Winter, Keanu’s longtime friend and co-star from the Bill & Ted franchise, brought some levity to the evening. Winter, who has known Keanu since their time-traveling days in 1989, shared a humorous story about how Keanu once helped him with a flat tire in the middle of the night while filming Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. “If Keanu can handle that, he can handle fatherhood,” Winter quipped, earning laughter from the group. He then added, “Seriously, though, Keanu’s the best. His kid is going to grow up with the coolest, most down-to-earth dad.” Winter’s words underscored the decades-long friendship the two have maintained, a bond that has only grown stronger over the years.

Directors and Colleagues Weigh In

Aziz Ansari, who directed and starred alongside Keanu in the upcoming comedy Good Fortune (set for release on October 17, 2025), was another highlight of the evening. Ansari, who has previously called Keanu “an angel” for his kindness on set, shared a funny anecdote about how Keanu powered through a fractured kneecap during filming to ensure the project stayed on track. “That’s the kind of guy Keanu is—always putting others first,” Ansari said. “I have no doubt he’ll be the same as a dad. Congrats, man, you deserve all the happiness.” Ansari’s comments were met with cheers, and he presented Keanu with a small angel figurine, a playful reference to Keanu’s role as a guardian angel in the film.

The celebration also saw messages from directors who couldn’t attend in person but sent their congratulations via video. Francis Lawrence, who directed Keanu in Constantine and is currently working on Constantine 2, sent a heartfelt message, saying, “Keanu, you’re one of the most genuine people I’ve ever worked with. Fatherhood suits you, and I can’t wait to see you shine in this new role.” Similarly, Lana Wachowski, the visionary behind The Matrix series, shared a video message, noting, “Keanu, you’ve always brought humanity to every role you play. I know you’ll bring that same magic to being a dad. Love you.” Wachowski’s message was particularly poignant, given Keanu’s condition for returning as Neo in Matrix 5—he has said he would only reprise the role if Wachowski invites him back.

Keanu’s Private Journey to Fatherhood

Keanu’s journey to fatherhood has been as private as the man himself. True to his “Mickey Mouse” philosophy—“I’m Mickey Mouse. They don’t know who’s inside the costume”—Keanu has kept his child’s name, gender, and birth details out of the public eye. He and Alexandra Grant, his partner since at least 2019, have been fiercely protective of their family, a decision that aligns with Keanu’s lifelong commitment to privacy. The couple, who first met at a dinner party in 2009 and collaborated on art books before going public, have been spotted together at various events over the years, most recently at a charity gala in Los Angeles in April égal 2025. Their relationship has been a source of inspiration for fans, who admire their mutual respect and shared values.

Keanu’s decision to shield his child from the media mirrors the way he handled his relationship with Grant for years, only confirming it when he was ready. This protective instinct is likely influenced by his own experiences with loss—namely, the stillbirth of his daughter with former partner Jennifer Syme in 1999 and Syme’s tragic death in 2001. These events, which Keanu has rarely discussed publicly, have shaped his perspective on what matters most: keeping his loved ones safe from the pressures of fame. As he once told Esquire in 2023, “I want to keep the people I love safe, and that means keeping them out of this world [of fame] as much as I can.”

A Night of Joy for a Beloved Star

The celebration was a rare moment of openness for Keanu, who is known for his shy and reserved nature. Attendees noted that he seemed genuinely touched by the outpouring of love, even if he remained his usual humble self. “He kept saying, ‘Thank you, I don’t deserve this,’” one guest shared. “But that’s Keanu—he never realizes how much he means to everyone.” The evening was filled with laughter, heartfelt speeches, and even a few tears, as Keanu’s friends and colleagues toasted to his new role as a father.

As Keanu continues to balance his bustling career— with upcoming projects like Ballerina, Good Fortune, and Outcome—with his private life, this celebration served as a reminder of the profound impact he has had on those around him. From his early days in Bill & Ted to his action-packed roles in The Matrix and John Wick, Keanu has built a legacy not just as a talented actor, but as a genuinely good human being. Now, as a father, he’s embarking on what may be his most important role yet, and Hollywood’s finest couldn’t be happier to cheer him on. 🌟