20 Rare Photos of Keanu Reeves Early In His Career

Keanu Reeves, the esteemed star born in Beirut, Lebanon and raised in Toronto, has been capturing hearts since the ‘80s when he first came onto the scene. Through the years, the versatile actor has starred in comedies like Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, adaptations of literary masterpieces such as Much Ado About Nothing and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and even snagged the lead in multiple franchises including The Matrix and John Wick. On top of all that, he’s managed to fit in time to perform with his band Dogstar (they’re David Bowie-approved and opened for him in the ‘90s).

From one of his first television roles to walking the red carpet with the likes of Winona Ryder and Sofia Coppola, scroll on to check out rare photos of Reeves. There’s no doubt that he’s had quite the career!

1986: The Magical World of Disney

One of his first roles was in The Magical World of Disney, a television series that aired from 1954 to 1997. He appeared in an episode titled "Young Again," which was about a businessman wishing to become a teenager again.

1986: With Co-Star Jessica Steen

Here is Reeves on set of The Magical World of Disney with his co-star Jessica Steen. Over a decade later, Steen starred as Co-Pilot Jennifer Watts in Armageddon.

1986: ‘Under the Influence’

That same year, Reeves appeared in Under the Influence, a made-for-TV movie alongside Andy Griffith. Reeves made an impact as the character Eddie Talbot, the son of an alcoholic.

1987: Smiling for the Camera

Catch the actor’s dapper smile in this photo. In 1987, he appeared in an episode of the show Trying Times as well as a Kellogg's Corn Flakes commercial.

1988: Dangerous Liaisons

A year later, he joined forces with John Malkovich in Dangerous Liaisons, a period drama with A-listers including Glenn Close, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Uma Thurman. The film won three Oscars.

1988: A Busy Year

Other roles he took on in 1988 were The Night Before, Permanent Record, and The Prince of Pennsylvania.

1989: Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure

He went on to star in Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure with Alex Winter. It’s a must-see adventure comedy.

1990: Tune in Tomorrow

Then, in 1990, Reeves starred in Tune in Tomorrow with Barbara Hershey, Peter Falk, and Patricia Clarkson. Young Reeves is pictured here with slick, short hair.

1991: Point Break

He also worked with Patrick Swayze in Point Break. It was the early beginnings of his stint in thrillers.

1992: With Sofia Coppola at the Independent Spirit Awards

Reeves starred in Francis Ford Coppola’s film adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Here, the young actor is seen arriving at the Spirit Awards with Coppola’s daughter, Sofia. Additionally, Reeves worked with Winona Ryder on the film where they apparently got married on set and possibly in real life.

1992: With David Bowie

Next up is a mind-blowing photo with Reeves and David Bowie. Three years later, the actor’s band Dogstar managed to open for Bowie.

1993: Much Ado About Nothing

Reeves was in the film adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing with Denzel Washington, Emma Thompson, and Kate Beckinsale. He played the villain Don John.

1993: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Reeves also appeared in an episode of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno that year.

1994: With his Band, Dogstar, at Glastonbury

In 1994, Reeves performed with his band at the famed Glastonbury Festival.

1994: A Walk in the Clouds

See Reeves on the set of A Walk in the Clouds with Spanish-Italian actress Aitana Sanchez Gijon. They’re a charming pair worth watching and adding to your binge-watch queue.

1994: Speed Los Angeles Premiere

Here’s a Reeves and Sandra Bullock sighting. They’re at the Los Angeles premiere of Speed—the movie won two Oscars.

1995: Johnny Mnemonic

Reeves was the lead in Johnny Mnemonic, a cyberpunk sci-fi thriller. Dolph Lundgren and Ice-T are also in the film.

1996: Feeling Minnesota

Fast forward a year and Reeves joined Cameron Diaz in Feeling Minnesota, a comedy film about two brothers in love with the same girl.

1996: Stealing Beauty Los Angeles Premiere

Though he’s on crutches, Reeves still made it to the premiere of Stealing Beauty with actress Rachel Weisz. The two end up being co-stars in Chain Reaction.

1997: Playing Ice Hockey

Finally, we found a fun snap of the star after a celebrity all-star hockey game. Growing up in Canada, Reeves played when he was young and also starred in the 1986 hockey movie Youngblood with Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze.

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