The homeless being bullied and brushed off is nothing new.
When the Pope visits Brazil, elite police forces are sent to 'clear' the slums before he arrives. Homelessness was criminalized leading up to the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles to make way for athletes and tourists. There is also an uproar over homeless families who might be displaced to accommodate Beyonce's tour in England.
And let's be honest, we often block the homeless from our vision during our morning commute.
Yet it's what makes one big-hearted, wavy-haired A-list celeb shine so bright, and it started far before you might think.
How Keanu Reeves Connected With a Homeless Man
With the nation's second-highest poverty rate, California is a hotbed of homelessness. Once known for Hollywood glitz and glamor, they're now known for tents and trouble.
But time after time, there is one person who sees them through different Matrix-colored glasses.
Though he has a net worth of $380 million, Keanu Reeves has never put a lot of value in his bank account. "Money is the last thing I think about. I could live on what I've already made for the next few centuries," he told the Chicago Tribune.
It's a part of his character that makes him so down to earth to cast, colleagues and cast-offs, like the homeless. Nothing illustrates that better than one sunny day in West Hollywood.
It was back in 1997, when Reeves was a star was rising from the success enjoyed from Speed and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. He spotted a homeless man on the street and instead of ignoring him, approached him. Cameras catch him sitting with the man, sharing drinks, snacks and stories.
It's a crazy scene fit for, well, a movie.
Keanu Reeves’s Brush With Being Homeless
This actually wouldn't be the Jon Wick star's last time dabbling in being destitute. Per cheatsheet, in preparing for a role (the movie was never made), he spent time being homeless.
With only a toothbrush and $20 with him, a limousine dropped him off and he was on his own. He recalled that frightening first night.
"The first night I bedded down was terrifying because I could hear people screaming in their sleep or talking with each other, plotting to take my cardboard box from me,” he said.
He said that the experience gave him the gift of gratitude.
“I had to live, eat, mingle and breathe with these people, so I knew what made them tick,” Reeves said. “Now I know the true luxury of an undisturbed night’s sleep in a soft bed, in a warm, quiet room.”
He lived on the streets for four days before being spotted.
True to his brand, Reeves returned to his new friends and offered to buy them dinner. “I expected them to ask for a steak or lobster," Reeves said, “But all they wanted was to go to McDonalds!”
How Keanu Reeves Is Humbled by His Hardships
Keanu also grounded by some tough life experiences. His girlfriend Jennifer Syme gave birth to their daughter Ava, who was stillborn. Two years later, she tragically died in a car crash where prescription drugs were found in her car.
Also, his father walked out on the family when Reeves was only three years old. He recalled that painful day in a rare interview.
"On our last day we sat on the veranda and stared at the dark sky. He hardly said anything that evening. The next day he brought us to the airport. Then we didn’t hear anything from him for 10 years. No calls, no letters, nothing.”
How Keanu Reeves Proves That Love Is the Answer
Those tragedies would be enough to turn anyone sour on life. Instead, he's used it as motivation for him to be a kinder person (and awesome actor). How he's managed to lean into love through riches and rough patches is what truly makes him a success.
For those reasons and oodles more, he's been aptly named 'The Internet's Boyfriend' (I definitely can't compete with that).
While we might not have Neo's shades or John Wick's fearless fighting, we can all tap into Keanu Reeves's kindness.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.