Did You Know Hollywood Wanted Keanu Reeves to Change His Name—and He Kind of Accepted

Before becoming one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, Keanu Reeves almost worked under a different name.

The actor, known for The Matrix and John Wick, revealed that early in his career, his manager suggested he change his name to make it sound less “ethnic” and more marketable in Hollywood.

Reeves began acting in the early 1980s, appearing on Canadian television and stage productions, including a role as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet.

He also appeared in commercials and short films, gradually building experience in front of the camera. By the mid-1980s, his agents recommended using a simpler or more Americanized name for auditions. For a short period, he went by “K.C.” or “Casey” Reeves, using initials from his first and middle names.

In an interview, Reeves recalled driving to Los Angeles at age 20 and being told by his manager, “We want to change your name.” He initially experimented with names inspired by his middle name, Charles, including “Chuck Spadina” and then “KC Reeves.” The latter even appeared in his credit for The Magical World of Disney.

I got paid when I was like 16, so I was a professional actor around 16, 17 [years old]. I was in Toronto, Canada, and then I got a manager who lived in Los Angeles… At 20 years old, I drove in my car to Los Angeles. Got out of my car and my manager said, ‘We want to change your name.’ So that’s like, a welcome to Hollywood [moment]. I remember I was walking on the beach and I was just like, ‘My name? What if I change my name? What?’

However, Reeves quickly realized the change didn’t feel right. “I wouldn’t even answer to it during auditions,” he said, recalling how he ignored the new name. Within six months, he returned to his birth name, Keanu Reeves, deciding that authenticity mattered more than Hollywood’s suggestion.

And then I was something Templeton. So then I became KC Reeves. I was credited as KC Reeves… And then I couldn’t do it. So then I would be in auditions and they would go. And I wouldn’t even answer. Six months later, I was like, ‘I’m not doing this.’ That’s a Hollywood moment.

Looking back, Reeves’ brief name change is a reminder of how actors often face pressure to conform to industry standards. Yet his choice to go back to Keanu Reeves proved wise, as the name has now become globally recognized, tied to major franchises and a widely admired personal image.

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