In a rare and introspective interview on July 2, 2025, conducted by The Hollywood Reporter in Los Angeles, Keanu Reeves, the beloved actor known for iconic roles in The Matrix, John Wick, and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, shared his thoughts on a deeply personal question: Would he want his child to follow in his footsteps and become an actor? The 60-year-old star, celebrated for his humility and philosophical outlook, offered a nuanced perspective that touched on his own journey in Hollywood, the challenges of fame, and his hopes for the next generation. The conversation, held in a cozy studio adorned with memorabilia from his four-decade career, revealed a side of Reeves that fans rarely see—a reflective father-to-be contemplating legacy, freedom, and the pursuit of passion.

A Career Forged in Resilience

Keanu Reeves’ journey to stardom is well-documented but bears repeating for its relevance to the question at hand. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, on September 2, 1964, to a British mother and a Chinese-Hawaiian father, Reeves faced a turbulent childhood marked by his father’s abandonment at age three, frequent moves across continents, and struggles with dyslexia that led him to drop out of high school at 17. Despite these challenges, he found solace in acting, making his debut in the Canadian series Hangin’ In (1984) and breaking through with Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989). His career skyrocketed with Speed (1994) and The Matrix (1999), cementing him as an action icon, while indie roles in films like My Own Private Idaho (1991) showcased his versatility.

Reeves’ path was not without hardship. The loss of his stillborn daughter in 1999, the death of his girlfriend Jennifer Syme in 2001, and the passing of his close friend River Phoenix in 1993 left deep scars. Yet, his resilience and generosity—evidenced by donating millions to charities, supporting his sister through leukemia, and quietly aiding strangers—have earned him the title of “Hollywood’s nicest guy”. Now, engaged to artist Alexandra Grant and reportedly expecting their first child in late 2025, Reeves is at a crossroads, contemplating how his experiences might shape his parenting philosophy.

The Interview: A Thoughtful Pause

The interviewer, veteran journalist Clara Thompson, began by acknowledging Reeves’ reputation for privacy, noting that he rarely discusses personal matters. “You’ve lived a life in the spotlight, Keanu, and now, with fatherhood on the horizon, I’m curious: Would you want your child to pursue acting, knowing the highs and lows of the industry?” Reeves, dressed in his signature black jacket and jeans, leaned back, his dark eyes thoughtful. A faint smile played on his lips as he replied, “Whoa, that’s a big one,” channeling his Bill & Ted persona for a moment, drawing a chuckle from Thompson.

He took a sip of coffee before continuing. “You know, acting’s been my life for over 40 years. It’s given me so much—stories, connections, a way to process the world. But it’s also a beast. It’s not just about talent or passion; it’s about navigating a machine that can chew you up if you’re not careful.” Reeves’ tone was earnest, his words measured, reflecting his deep understanding of the industry’s dual nature. He spoke of the joy of collaborating with directors like the Wachowskis and Kathryn Bigelow, but also the toll of public scrutiny and the pressure to maintain authenticity in a world that often demands performance off-screen.

The Pros of Acting: A Life of Meaning

Reeves was quick to highlight the positives of acting, emphasizing its potential to inspire and connect. “If my kid wanted to act, I’d see it as a beautiful thing, in a way,” he said. “Acting is storytelling, and storytelling is how we make sense of being human. It’s a craft that lets you explore empathy, courage, pain, love—all the stuff that makes us who we are.” He referenced his role as Neo in The Matrix, noting how the film’s themes of questioning reality resonated with audiences globally, changing his life and theirs. “If my child found that kind of purpose in acting, I’d be thrilled. I’d want them to chase what sets their soul on fire.”

He also spoke of the practical benefits. “Acting’s opened doors for me—travel, meeting incredible people, financial stability. I’ve been lucky. If my kid could find a path that lets them live creatively and sustainably, that’s a win.” Reeves’ optimism was tempered, however, by his awareness of the industry’s darker side, which he addressed with candor.

The Cons: Fame’s Heavy Price

Reeves didn’t shy away from the challenges of acting, particularly the loss of privacy and the emotional toll of fame. “The spotlight’s a weird thing,” he said, running a hand through his graying hair. “You’re giving yourself to the world, but sometimes the world takes more than you’re ready to give.” He recalled the “Sad Keanu” meme from 2010, sparked by a paparazzi photo of him eating a sandwich alone on a bench, looking pensive. “I was just hungry, man,” he laughed, echoing a past comment, “but suddenly I’m the poster child for melancholy. That’s the game—you lose control of your narrative”.

He expressed concern about the impact of such scrutiny on a young person. “If my kid chose acting, I’d worry about them losing themselves to the noise—social media, critics, the pressure to be ‘on’ all the time. I’ve been through it, and I’m still figuring it out.” Reeves also touched on the industry’s instability, noting his own periods of struggle, like the “Studio Movie Jail” he jokingly referenced after the 2008 flop The Day the Earth Stood Still. “It’s not just about talent. It’s luck, timing, politics. I’d want my kid to know that going in.”

A Parent’s Hope: Freedom to Choose

The heart of Reeves’ response lay in his desire for his child to have autonomy. “More than anything, I’d want them to do what they love, whether that’s acting, painting, coding, or, I don’t know, building motorcycles,” he said, nodding to his own passion for Arch Motorcycles. “I’d support them, but I’d also make sure they know they don’t have to follow my path. My job as a dad would be to give them the tools to find their own way—curiosity, resilience, a good heart.”

Reeves reflected on his own upbringing, crediting his mother, a costume designer, for encouraging his creativity despite their hardships. “She never pushed me into acting, but she gave me space to dream. I’d want to do that for my kid.” He also acknowledged Alexandra Grant’s influence, describing her as “a grounding force” whose artistic perspective would shape their parenting. “Alexandra’s all about authenticity. We’d both want our child to chase what’s true for them, not what the world expects.”

Lessons from a Life in the Spotlight

Reeves offered practical advice he’d share if his child pursued acting. “I’d tell them to stay curious and keep learning. Work with people who challenge you—directors, actors, crew. And protect your peace. Fame can be a trap, but you can carve out a life that’s yours.” He cited his own habit of retreating to books, music (he plays bass in the band Dogstar), and riding motorcycles to stay grounded. “You’ve got to have something outside the work that keeps you whole.”

He also emphasized humility, a trait he’s embodied throughout his career. “Acting’s not about being the star—it’s about serving the story. If you get that, you’ll be okay.” Reeves’ generosity—evidenced by giving 70% of his Matrix profits to charity and buying Harley-Davidsons for his stunt team—underscores this ethos. “I’d want my kid to know that success isn’t about what you get; it’s about what you give.”

A Philosophical Finish

As the interview wound down, Reeves grew philosophical, a hallmark of his public persona. “Life’s a mystery, right? Whether my kid’s an actor or a scientist, I just want them to ask ‘Why?’ and ‘How come?’ like I do,” he said, echoing a 2021 Guardian interview where he described himself as a “Why?” guy. “Acting’s been my way of exploring that, but there are a million paths. I’d want them to find theirs and walk it with courage.”

Thompson pressed for a final thought. Reeves paused, then smiled. “If they want to act, I’ll be in the front row, cheering. If they don’t, I’ll still be there, probably embarrassing them with my air guitar.” The room erupted in laughter, a fitting end to a conversation that captured Reeves’ blend of wisdom, warmth, and whimsy.

A Legacy Beyond the Screen

The interview, published on July 3, 2025, sparked a wave of reactions on X, with fans praising Reeves’ thoughtful approach to parenting. “Keanu’s gonna be the coolest dad, letting his kid be whoever they want,” one user wrote. Others noted his balance of optimism and realism, a reflection of his own journey through triumph and tragedy. As Reeves prepares for fatherhood with Grant, his words offer a glimpse into the values he’ll instill—freedom, kindness, and a relentless curiosity about life.

For a man who’s played heroes and philosophers, Reeves’ real-life role as a future father may be his most profound yet. Whether his child takes to the stage or charts a different course, one thing is clear: they’ll have a guide who’s navigated the highs and lows of fame with grace, ready to help them write their own story.