“I can’t change my name”: Keanu Reeves Almost Changed His Name to ‘Chuck Spadina’ Before His Manager Hated His Idea

Keanu Reeves is one of those A-Listers who has established his name in the industry through his talent and hard work. The actor is renowned for his cool and calm demeanor. After starring in films like The Matrix and John Wick, the actor has become a household name.

It would be a startling fact for his fans that their beloved actor once almost changed his name. While recalling his initial days in the industry, the actor shared in an interview what coaxed him to change his birth name to sustain himself in Hollywood.

What made Keanu Reeves change his birth name?

There have been many celebrities in the Hollywood industry who have either changed their names or gone by their stage names. However, Keanu Reeves is one such actor who has stuck with his original name, ever since he joined the industry. Surprisingly, his name wasn’t appreciated by everyone in the industry. Previously, during an interview, the actor recalled the incident where he almost decided to change his name.

Reeves revealed that when he joined the film industry, his agent wasn’t convinced that he could sustain himself in the industry with his birth name, as he claimed his name to be a bit complicated to pronounce and wanted his name to be changed to something more appealing and easier to pronounce. However, Reeves initially did not agree with his notion, but later he considered changing it.

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The actor recalled his initial days in Hollywood when he was asked to change his original name. He stated that he decided to go by the name Casey; however, becoming accustomed to any new name was a hard task for Reeves. He said,

“But then I had auditions and they’d be like, ‘Casey?’ and I like wouldn’t even look up. Eventually, I went back to my agents and I was like, ‘I can’t change my name‘. One of the first plays I ever did, I was playing John Procter and one of the lines is like, ‘Because it is my name because I can have no other,’ and that was just running through my head.” 

Since Reeves was new in the industry, he gave thought to considering the advice. He explained,

“I proposed Chuck Spadina and they said no. What’s wrong with Chuck Spadina? Isn’t it going in the direction you want? I kept thinking, ‘They didn’t like that one; how about Templeton Page Taylor.'” 

After a series of name suggestions, it was ultimately declared that Reeves would continue with his birth name. The name “Keanu” means cool mountain breeze.

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Keanu Reeves has had a blast in the industry with his bright career

Before becoming renowned as a celebrity, Keanu Reeves began his acting career in theatre productions and television films. The actor made his debut in Youngblood in 1986. Since then, it has been almost 37 years, and the actor has graced the industry with his acting skills and charm.

After winning millions of hearts with his John Wick series, the actor is set for the fifth installment of the action-packed John Wick franchise.

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