Keanu Reeves 101
One of the most inscrutable actors to ever hit it big, Keanu Reeves has been by turns adored, reviled, and grudgingly respected by the movie-going public. As the controversy over his talent rages on, his career choices and paychecks show him inching toward A-list status.

Reeves, whose first name means "cool breeze over the mountains" in Hawaiian, was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1964. His mother, Patricia, was a showgirl; his father, Samuel Nowlin Reeves, a geologist. After their marriage dissolved, Keanu moved with his mother and younger sister Kim to New York City, then Toronto.

Despite his deadpan delivery style and reputation as an oaf, Reeves continues to reel in choice roles and fat paychecks. Whatever he knows, he's not telling the public; his self-deprecating interview tactics and mysterious private life provide little insight into his artistry. As far as Reeves is concerned, it seems, he's just a regular guy who rides a motorcycle, plays in a band, and shows up every now and then for a movie shoot.

Why am I a Keanu Reeves fan?
I admit it: Keanu has been in some movies that are way too bizarre for my tastes. However, he's also been in movies that I can watch again and again, such as Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and Speed.

"My name can't be *that* tough to pronounce."

"When I don't feel free and can't do what I want I just react. I go against it."

When told, "You'll just have to bite the bullet", his reply was, "Yes, but I don't have to eat the whole rifle."

"I'm a meathead man. You've got smart people, and you've got dumb people. I just happen to be dumb."

I really like the scene in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, where Ted (Keanu) is going on about how cute Bill's stepmother is, and Bill, fed up, shouts, "Shut up, Ted!" Unphased, Ted just gives Bill the most brilliant smile.