While Keanu Reeves’ latest edition in the “Matrix” trilogy wasn’t exactly the blockbuster that Warner Bros. had planned for, a new report indicates the actor continues to be praised as one of Hollywood’s most decent and well-liked superstars.
The 57-year-old “Resurrections” actor gave up to 70% of his pay from the original “Martrix” film to cancer research, according to a recent report from Lad Bible. According to the New York Post, Reeves was paid $10 million up front for the landmark 1999 science fiction thriller before receiving an additional $35 million when it became a box office smash. Seventy percent of those revenues went to leukemia research, resulting in $31.6.
According to Lad Bible and the Post, Reeves had personal motivations for being so giving. Kim, his younger sister, had been battling leukemia for roughly eight years at the time of his donation. She was diagnosed with cancer in 1991 and went into and out of remission for a decade until being declared cancer-free in 2001.
Reeves also took time off work, delaying the release of “The Matrix” sequels, and sold his house to be closer to his sister and care for her while she was through treatment.
“I have a private foundation that’s been running for five or six years, and it helps aid a couple of children’s hospitals and cancer research,” Reeves said. “I don’t like to attach my name to it, I just let the foundation do what it does.”