Keanu Reeves opened up about starting in Hollywood on the “SmartLess” podcast.
The Matrix actor looked back on the past during his film’s press tour. Also, he recalled what it was like when he first started acting in the mid-1980s at his recent appearance on the podcast SmartLess.
Reeves revealed how his agents at the time asked him to change his name. Just because it was “too ethnic.”
Keanu Reeves is opening up about his early days in Hollywood.
On Monday, the “John Wick” star, 58, appeared on the “SmartLess” podcast. There he recalled his decision to move from Toronto to Los Angeles in pursuit of his acting career.
While Reeves ultimately found major success, his journey didn’t come without a few obstacles.
“I got my first car when I was 20, and I drove to Hollywood,” Reeves shared. “Of course, when I got here, they wanted to change my name.”
“Yeah, they were like Keanu, it’s too, uh, ethnic.”
The Real Reason Keanu Reeves Almost Changed His Name
Keanu Reeves has changed a lot since 1987 when he first began acting in commercials and television movies. Over the years, he has honed his skills. He established himself as one of the most famous (and unconventional) actors in Hollywood.
From playing the epic role of Johnny Utah in “Point Break” to his groundbreaking performance. In “The Matrix” and its sequels, Reeves has showcased his impressive range with every credit. He adds to his acting resume (via IMDb).
Though we know him for being a chameleon in terms of the way he changes on-screen. Reeves refrained from altering a key aspect of his true identity at the beginning of his career.
According to a 2017 interview with Jimmy Fallon. Reeves almost changed his name when he arrived in Hollywood as a 20-year-old actor. At the time, he said he contemplated different alternatives to his unique moniker. He wrestled with the idea of changing such a crucial part of who he was as an individual (via YouTube).
Keanu Reeves almost changed his name at his manager’s request
Keanu Reeves is iconic for several reasons, including his unique name. It’s hard to believe that, at one point, he considered changing it. Also, that’s exactly what happened when he arrived in Hollywood as a young actor.
During an interview with Jimmy Fallon, Reeves revealed that when he came to Los Angeles in the 1980s. His manager and agent suggested that he change his name (via YouTube). This made him very sad. Keanu since he felt that his name was a huge part of his identity (and rightfully so).
Reeves went on to describe how he drove to the beach to think about what he could change his name. Also, how he came up with a completely hilarious alternative: Chuck Spadina.
When Reeves posed the potential new name to his manager and agent. They immediately shot down the idea of him changing his name altogether. Reeves said that wasn’t his original intention. As he was merely trying to find suitable options for what he assumed for commonly accepted names.
Also read: “Antman” Paul Rudd Earns The Title Of Sexiest Man Alive
