To date an “age-appropriate” woman is entirely in keeping with Keanu’s reputation and persona as a gentle soul who’s unlike many other Hollywood A-listers his stature.
They First Met Back in 2009
Reeves had a pretty busy year back in 2009. Firstly, he had the movie "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee" to promote alongside his co-stars, Robin Wright and Winona Ryder. He also played a role in a web-based television series "Sparhusen," as a comedic Swede.
But in between his work, Reeves attended a dinner party, which is where he encountered the woman who, ten years later, would practically break the internet.
A Budding Friendship
It may seem that Reeves and Grant's budding friendship came as a surprise to many. They are from different worlds, after all, Reeves being a famous actor and celebrity and Grant being an artist. The actress, and mutual friend, Jennifer Tilly had discovered about their relationship long before the rest of the world, she was no less confounded.
Tilly told Page Six magazine that her response at the time had been “Wait. What? What? What?” She went on to say that Grant was effortlessly cool and calm when she met Reeves for the first time.
What Surprised Most People Was Her Hair
As unexpected as it was to see the famously single Reeves arriving with a date for the first time in years, Grant’s flowing silver hair and natural appearance grabbed even more attention. Grant is still in her 40s, but her tresses are already a bright shade of white we more often see on women much older than her.
It's certainly refreshing to see a woman who doesn't appear to mind at all about her gray hair. She didn’t dye her locks, either; they naturally turned that way before she turned 40.
Why She Doesn't Dye Her Hair
Apparently, Grant also has concerns about the safety of hair dye. She once posted an article on her Instagram account about the seeming risks of breast cancer among women who artificially colored their hair.
And alongside the post, she wrote, “I used to dye my hair every color until I couldn’t tolerate all the toxicity in the dyes anymore.”
They Worked on a Book Together
Before they disclosed their relationship, Reeves and Grant joined forces and conceived a book together called "Ode to Happiness." Reeves composed the poem in the book – with one line featuring on every page – while Grant worked on the accompanying illustrations.
And, notably, this was the first book that the Hollywood A-lister had ever released.
Their Collaboration
In an interview regarding their book, Grant said of her and Reeves’ collaboration, “I’ve seen people cracking up over it. Then I showed it to someone at the local bookstore, and she started weeping, so you never know what the reaction will be."
Together, Grant and Reeves co-founded an art-focused publishing press in 2017, and she also used her art to start a charity to help other artists.
Their Age Difference
When news of their relationship first came to light, people remarked with glee that they looked as though they were approximately the same age. Not only did this shocker maintain the public’s view of Reeves as a man who has renounced the typical ways of A-list celebs.
It has also started a debate about why it’s so unusual for us to see older male movie stars dating age-appropriate women. Reeves is older than Grant by nine years; he was born in 1964 and she was born in 1973.
Hollywood Relationships
Their relationship sparked no small measure of comment about Hollywood double standards and how women are quickly seen as “past their prime.” Age-appropriate relationships in Hollywood are so rare that they’ve become topics of intrigue and fascination.
While the Reeves-Grant relationship is a “refreshing” one, Hollywood has conditioned us to view a 55-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman as the same age.
Bonding Over Motorcycles
The Matrix star also happens to be a big fan of motorcycles – both when it comes to riding them and creating them. Reeves loves the vehicles so much that he’s amassed a pretty extensive collection as time has passed. Grant has also begun enjoying riding on motorcycles with Keanu now that they are dating.
That being said, any woman who wants to go out with the actor probably needs to have an appreciation of his passions.
A Healthy Relationship
It would seem that their relationship flew under the radar for a little while. After all, the actor isn't active on social media, so he hasn't posted any pics of them together. Grant has never shared anything online about her boyfriend, either.
And although people who saw the couple in a social setting noticed that they were very fond of each other, it took some time for the media to realize that they were more than friends. We can look up to Reeves and Grant as an excellent example of a healthy Hollywood relationship.
Reeves' Mother
At first, people thought Grant was Reeves’ mother. Unremarkably, Grant faced plenty of ageism when news got out that she and Reeves were dating. And sometimes, while this was accidental, it was no less insensitive.
Once the actor took his mother, Patricia Taylor, to the Oscars in 2020, some photo captions misidentified his parent, claiming that she was his partner.
Spiteful Jibes
Yes, when photographs of them together began appearing on the internet, there were trolls online that unfortunately made cruel remarks, with the saying, 'Men age like wine, while women age like milk.'
Reeves has a good reputation for kindness, and he was most certainly appalled by these remarks. Since when does a woman's worth only depend on her age?
Plenty of Strings on Her Bow
Alexandra is unfazed by these comments as she keeps herself busy with many creative pursuits. Grant directed a film back in 2015, she worked with the Bemis Center for Contemporary Art to direct a documentary film called "Taking Lena Home."
As if that wasn't enough, Grant is entitled to officiate them; in August 2019, she posted pics to her Instagram page that showed her officiating a couple of her friends' wedding.
Reeves’ Mom Likes Grant
Reeves's mom, Patricia Taylor luckily likes her son’s new love interest. In February 2020, an anonymous source told Life & Style that Keanu Reeves and his girlfriend regularly meet up with his mother and go for coffee together.
They added that Reeves was “extremely close” to his mom – but knowing Keanu, would we expect it to be any other way?
They Co-Founded a Publishing House
It was recently reported that Keanu Reeves was one of the co-founders of new publishing company X Artists’ Books, with other designers and Alexandra Grant herself. And at the official launch of the project, Reeves described it as including people collectively coming together with all their talents and creativity.
Meanwhile, the official website for X Artists’ Books reads, “Our books are works of art; gateways to envisioned worlds; treasured companions; the framework of a community. We cherish the same things about our books as we do about our friends: kindness, open-heartedness, and intelligence.
A New Movie
There is another exciting Reeves-related reveal; finally, there will be a fourth movie in the Matrix franchise, meaning the Hollywood A-lister will be reprising his starring role as Neo. And in 2020, filming on the flick officially began. Reeves was, spotted on and around the movie’s sets. And when the cast of the film flew out to Berlin, his partner came along too.
TheDaily Mail recently reported that Reeves and Grant had been spotted having dinner in the German city of Berlin as well as – of course – touring the city and visiting an art gallery.
Both Grant and Reeves are Philanthropists
The actor has used his money to help finance cancer research and children’s hospitals, among other philanthropic pursuits. What is most remarkable of all, he’s kept all of this pretty much secret. It seems that they are very well matched in this regard. In 2008, the artist formed the grantLOVE project, which uses artwork and jewelry to benefit charities financially.
And the funds that were raised went to various good causes, including Project Angel Food, The Union for Contemporary Art, as well as Heart of Los Angeles.
Grant was Reeves’ first serious relationship for a while
Reeves’ romance with Grant has signified a turning point, as it was known that his last serious relationship had ended in intense grief. The actor had once been with a woman named Jennifer Syme, she was pregnant with his child but, tragically, the baby arrived into the world stillborn.
Naturally, Jennifer began suffering from depression after the loss of their child. In the wake of their struggle, she and Reeves also separated. they were never able to rekindle their relationship, as in 2001, she passed away in a car accident.
Grant Has Helped Reeves Heal
After Reeves lost his unborn baby, he then lost the mother of his child. And while he doesn’t speak about these tragedies, he has indicated that they are still very much on his mind. In 2019 he said in an interview, “Grief and loss – those are things that don’t ever go away.”
Given all this, it’s no wonder many people are relieved that Reeves is dating someone new, and being with Grant has made Keanu happy, which warms our hearts.
Who is Keanu Really?
Is Reeves the friendly, laid-back dude of popular legend? Well, one guy who knows the star better than most is Jeremy Fry. And when speaking to the press, his stuntman has given the world a little taste of the actor's true nature.
In June 2020, Jeremy Fry, the stuntman, disclosed details about working on the John Wick movies with the A-lister. Of course, it was the stuntman’s remarks about Reeves’ character that caught people’s notice.
But How Was It Working with Reeves?
According to Fry's assessment of the star, he revealed that Reeves is every bit as amazing as we could hope. "He is a giver, he is selfless, and he's a hard worker" confirmed Fry.
Jeremy Fry also made a point of first appreciating Reeves’ dedication to stunt work. Fry also said Reeves didn’t always insist on doing everything himself. Instead, Fry knows what he is capable of accomplishing and knows when to leave it to the professionals.
Doing Stunts with Keanu Reeves
Fry acknowledges how Reeves doesn’t put himself in unnecessary danger. Instead, he puts his faith in stunt coordinator Darrin Prescott and director Chad Stahelski. As an actor, Reeves is known for exceeding expectations when it comes to working hand-in-hand with his stunt team.
Reeves first rose to fame acting as metalhead Ted "Theodore" Logan in 1989's "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure," has starred in numerous iconic movies during his profession, after all. "Point Break" and "Speed" were 1990s hits, but the 1999 sci-fi classic "The Matrix" changed everything.
Then Came John Wick
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Reeves is worth a staggering $360 million. And a decent-sized lump of that wealth comes from the "John Wick" franchise – which was a revival of sorts for the actor. Before his first outing as the assassin in 2014, you see, Reeves had encountered a series of commercial flops, such as 2008’s "The Day the Earth Stood Still."
But "John Wick" grossed its budget four times over at the box-office and was instantly lauded as an action classic. Then came the two sequels, "John Wick: Chapter 2" in 2017 and "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum" in 2019. Each sequel upped the stakes for action on-screen; and the box-office figures also grew accordingly.
Private Mr. Reeves
Yet Keanu Reeves is one of those select Hollywood stars whose personal life has mostly remained something of a mystery. It’s no surprise, then, that the internet went beserk when he took a date to a Los Angeles gala. And when details of the mystery woman finally emerged, Reeves’ fans noticed something rather exceptional about her.
Yes, social media exploded when photographs surfaced of Reeves posing happily on the red carpet with artist Alexandra Grant in November 2019. And it turns out that the couple’s relationship goes way back.
Friendship First
Reportedly, Reeves and Grant have been genuine friends since the late 2000s. Over the years, though, their once-platonic connection appears to have evolved into something more romantic.
Fans of the actor may have gathered that he once had a three-year relationship with one of his earliest big-screen co-stars. Reeves started dating Jill Schoelen after they appeared together in "Babes in Toyland."
The Single Life
Yet while Jill Schoelen went on to have a brief engagement with Brad Pitt following her separation from Reeves, the actor himself appeared to have relished the single life, with a few rumored romances.
In 1992 Reeves supposedly began stepping out with Sofia Coppola, whose father, Francis, had directed Reeves movie "Bram Stoker's Dracula." Mind you; their relationship has never been confirmed.
Is Keanu Married?
Reeves even got ‘married’ while shooting a movie together – although the wedding is unlikely to be formally recognized anywhere outside of the Romanian film set. During an interview, his co-star Winona Ryder recalled when her and Reeves’ characters walked down the aisle – and she made the startling claim that the pair could be husband and wife for real.
Winona Ryder revealed, “Francis employed a real Romanian priest for the scene. We shot the scene, and I think we’re married.” Reeves originally expressed his surprise at this recollection. After Ryder jogged his memory a bit further, though, the star jokingly relented, responding, “Oh my gosh, we’re married.”
His Other Relationships
Reeves was also connected to Clare Forlani – his co-star in 1997 biographical drama "The Last Time I Committed Suicide." The pair were rumored to have been engaged during an apparent three-year relationship in the mid-'00s.
During an interview in 2006 with the New York Daily News, however, Reeves insisted that he and Forlani had only ever been good friends.
China Chow
Another celebrity that became attached to Reeves romantically was actress and model China Chow in 2008. And the star may have become accustomed to sharing the limelight with other high-profile boyfriends.
Apparently, Chow has dated such A-listers as Mark Wahlberg, Steve Coogan, and Jared Leto, over the years.
Now He Has a New Flame
As Reeves’ love life has appeared to be relatively uneventful over the past recent years. And that’s precisely why so many fans were left startled when he emerged on the red carpet in 2019 with a mystery date. But the lady in question didn’t remain an enigma for too long.
As refreshing as it is to see Reeves holding hands with someone, it might be intriguing to wonder: Why are we so invested? Reeves’s acclaim aside, this is just another celebrity relationship, right?
He's Happy
Keanu’s unique relationship to the public, one founded on his demeanor of a “kind smile masking centuries of loneliness,” makes many of us feel a massive investment in his happiness. He’s notoriously suffered through tragedies over the years; so many of his fans are just pleased to see him happy.
And he isn’t making much out of the relationship or his new partner’s age. Not that we would expect differently. Reeves continues living his life out of the public eye, albeit with the curtain pulling back slightly more than usual.
Grant Originally Came from Ohio
Grant studied history and studio art at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. After graduating in 1994, she began to make a name for herself on the art scene. Grant is renowned for her artwork, particularly her paintings and sculptures, which are usually inspired by the spoken word of fellow creatives.
It's worth noting, too, that Grant had also had experience in the film world when she took the director's chair for the first time to shoot a 60-minute documentary. The movie centered around the return of a tombstone that had been unlawfully taken from the state of Nebraska.
Talented Artist
Grant has been good with languages from an early age, too, having spent a portion of her adolescence in Mexico, France, and Spain. She’s also had her work displayed at venues such as New York’s Harris Lieberman Gallery, Paris’ Galerie Gradiva, as well as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
And, of course, it was at her gala appearance with Reeves at LACMA that Grant’s profile as an artist skyrocketed.
Collaborating as Professionals
Their collaboration on the book "Ode to Happiness," the picture book aimed at an adult audience, was so well received that they decided to join forces again in 2016 on a second book, called "Shadows." Indeed, they appear to enjoy each other’s company. They were photographed together for the Spanish edition of Vogue, for example, and attended many book signings as a duo.
And Grant couldn’t stop welling with pride about the actor in interviews to promote "Shadows" – a book that combined her silhouette photography with his poetic words.
More Than Meets the Eye
At a particular interview, a journalist from the Los Angeles Times indeed seemed to understand that there was more than meets the eye to his relationship with Grant. In the piece, the reporter observed that the two friends share easy compatibility and spoke in easy conversations kindled by inside jokes and appreciating smiles.
Meanwhile, in another 2016 interview, Grant explained how she and Reeves encourage and inspire each other when collaborating, adding that they can spend a lot of time debating.
Helen Mirren?
However, it was their ease as friends and how they could relate as professionals that gradually led to a full-blown romantic relationship. And they seemingly can't hide their joy as they posed for photos together.
Their appearance as a couple prompted a flurry of conversation on the internet. Most of it centered on Grant's identity, with many people thinking she was Helen Mirren.
Strict Beauty Standards
So why do people assume she's Helen Mirren? It's mostly because of her gray hair? Yet stricter beauty standards for women mean that we generally assume a woman with gray hair must be older — otherwise, wouldn't she dye those lone gray strands?
This resulted in people manifesting confusion about Grant’s hair dependent on her age — and succeeding backlash to that confusion.
Age-Appropriate
You see, most of the talk on the internet focused around the fact that, unlike many of his Hollywood peers, Reeves was dating someone who was considered age-appropriate. Compare him with Leonardo DiCaprio, who has been publicly ridiculed for only dating women half his age.
And while admittedly Grant is still nine years younger than the much-loved actor, 65-year-old Dennis Quaid had announced his engagement to Laura Savoie – a Ph.D. student 39 years his junior.
Is Keanu Settling Down?
Many of Keanu's admirers were just genuinely pleased that one of Hollywood's most notable actors had finally found someone to settle down with.
Keanu is a blessing to us all, not only as an actor, as Reeves is often in the headlines for his random acts of kindness, ranging from giving up his seat on a crowded subway train to donating vast sums of money to children's hospitals.
In Praise of Their Relationship
Others have praised reeves on the social media platform for dating a “smart, artistic, independent woman.” Nevertheless, not everyone was as enthusiastic about the actor’s red-carpet appearance with Grant.
Even though she is a decade younger than him, we're still pleased that he has found someone to love and share life with.
What is it About Keanu?
In an age of fractured media scenes and niche celebrities, is there anyone in Hollywood who still has universal name approval and appeal? Does a public figure like this exist, whose persona can unite and speak to polarized audiences without alienating or excluding anyone?
If we had to choose someone, it would have to be Keanu Reeves, in particular. Pop culture exploding with a new respect for him, at the precise moment that his career has been on an upswing and he began dating Alexandra Grant.
Keanu's Reputation
While it'd be near impossible to collect and gather all of the times Reeves has warmed our hearts with his kind gestures, some moments have stuck out more than others and set Reeves' reputation as our favorite boyfriend.
The Keanu renaissance, or “the Keanaissance,” has generated one discussion after another, each suggesting a culture fascinated by his versatility and enduring career — but even more in love with his very personable way and likability.
What Makes Keanu so Likable?
But what makes Keanu so different, so likable? And why did it take the public so long to realize his talents and shift toward profound respect? Why is it that Keanu’s moment is arriving right now and in such force? The audience’s awareness of Reeves’s authenticity has only grown throughout his career as an actor.
At a glimpse, there are loads in his filmography to review; there may be no one else at Reeves’s level who has appeared in such diverse, culturally dominant films over such a sustained time.
His Offscreen Persona
He embodies some of our most rigidly masculine cinematic tropes — the badass action hero, the unstoppable cop, the martial arts master, the guy who levels up to save the world and rescue the girl — can also be a gentle, soft-spoken, wholesome guy who avoids all those tropes.
Reeves has made an impact in nearly every film genre — and most of that work has earned him progressively more endearing as a talented, relatable, fun, even wholesome celebrity.
With All That Being Said
All of this only confirms to us that it’s not just Keanu’s roles that have made him into 2019’s unexpected breakout healthy star: It’s also his offscreen persona. Keanu seems to be symbolic of our new interest in reevaluating and reassessing what we value most in our most beloved actors.
Reeves’s generosity was perhaps the most important factor in why people adore him so much, with news of him taking pay cuts and funding production budgets. And yet, there are still many who bemoaned the fact that Grant’s age had come into the equation at all.
Comparing Alexandra Grant to Helen Mirren
Is the most interesting thing about Grant really her age? She’s a highly accomplished artist, a philanthropist, and a babe. Can she please not be reduced to ‘Keanu’s age-appropriate girlfriend?' Many fans have posted on various social media platforms about Grant's resemblance to Helen Mirren, who herself is a stunning woman with silver locks as well. Of course, Helen Mirren is flattered by the comparison.
While Helen Mirren may not be in a romantic relationship with Keanu Reeves, as she's been married to director Taylor Hackford for over two decades and she has nothing but respect for Keanu, saying he's a "lovely person."
Rumors of Engagement
As they have been dating for a while, they still manage to keep a low profile. Their relationship is not that visible to the public eye, and they've done well to hide their involvement. There aren’t many reports about them, but there are rumors that they are already engaged recently.
The unnamed source went on and claimed that Reeves and Grant are ready to tie the knot, but we're not so sure just yet as this could all be hearsay.
She Has a Positive Outlook
For a long time, Reeves was in such a dark place, but Alexandra’s positivity and emotional support have played a huge part in helping him turn his life around.
Another friend of theirs remarked that Reeves was attracted to Grant as “she is kind, warm and spiritual… and she is a great communicator.”
An Unconventional Relationship
Overcoming loss is never an easy process, but having someone loving by your side can make all the difference. It’s crystal clear that Keanu Reeves and Alexandra Grant are playing by their own rules — and it’s working.
After a tragic string of losses, Keanu seemed to close his heart off almost completely, but now that he's found someone, that seems to have changed and we're so happy for him.