Keanu Reeves' Made-For-Television Disney Movie You Probably Didn't Know Existed
Contrary to what some may think, Keanu Reeves wasn't born with the next-level celebrity status he has attained within the industry, and like everyone else in Hollywood, he had to start somewhere.
There are numerous things people don't know about Keanu Reeves, but it is no secret that everyone loves working with him, which is probably why he has had so many opportunities to shine on screen over the years. From his days of preventing bus explosions in "Speed" to going undercover as a surfer to stop bank robberies in "Point Break," the man's resumé is as unique as it is impressive.
He is most assuredly known for dodging bullets as Neo in the "Matrix" films and scaring everyone who hears his name in the "John Wick" franchise, but he has played many fascinating characters throughout his career and his persistence has ultimately paid off. According to The New York Times, Reeves is one of the greatest actors of the 21st century, with the news outlet praising his uncanny ability to improve a feature with his presence alone.
Before achieving such fame and recognition, Reeves started at the bottom, taking on whatever parts came his way. His earlier roles were not as high-octane as his later endeavors. Prior to his time on the big screen, Reeves did some work with the House of Mouse in a Disney made-for-TV movie that many probably didn't even know existed until now.
Keanu Reeves starred in Young Again
In the late 1980s, Disney released made-for-TV movies during a weekend TV block that was called "The Disney Sunday Movie" and "The Magical World of Disney." One of the TV features released in 1986 was called "Young Again" and followed a 40-year-old man who is turned into a 17-year-old by a mysterious old man on a bus. Robert Urich played the adult Michael Riley, and Keanu Reeves played the younger version. In the feature, Michael quickly finds out that being a teenager again isn't quite what he expected, learning valuable lessons along the way (via IMDb). Three years later, Reeves would star in "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure," beginning his rise to stardom in Hollywood.
Since then, Reeves has had a roller coaster ride of a career, full of box office behemoths, near-career-ending flops, and thrilling comebacks, while essentially becoming a larger-than-life star. In an interview with Gina's Vid Corner (via YouTube), the prolific performer talked about how he managed his ego throughout his journey.
"Ever since I was a young kid, I wanted to act and I entered professional acting when I was 15," he said. "And you know, I've been really lucky to have the chance to have a career, and I don't know, I have always just managed to keep it simple." Early on, Keanu managed to keep things as uncomplicated as possible, appreciating every role he had, and as a result, he has definitely grown as an actor since his time in Disney's "Young Again."