There are just some actors that, more so off-screen than on-screen, are just so radiant. You almost feel as if they're not human. This is exactly how I felt about Mr. Keanu Reeves. He's unlike any other Hollywood celebrity out there. He's intelligent, humble, and dedicated to his craft. It baffles me that, to this day, he still hasn't won an Oscar yet. Hopefully, it will come soon! In the meantime, here's the story of how I met him in New York.
It's a well-known fact that Reeves is one of very few actors who take the subway in New York City. Heck, there's even been a lot of paparazzi and sneaky phone camera snapshots of the actor taking the train. And so, in the hopes of getting my "John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum" posters signed, I took it too. I admit I did act a bit stalker-like in my hunt for the actor. But that was the only way I could get his autograph. I vowed to myself that I will no longer attend red carpet events to get autographs for reasons I will not disclose here.
After a few days of searching, I was just about ready to give up. With millions of people who take the subway, who's to say I'll ever be on it at the same time as the Keanu Reeves? When I stepped off Rockerfeller station, I noticed a tall guy with shoulder-length hair, his face almost fully-covered by a scarf, ride the train just two doors away from me. I wasn't sure if it was him, but I took a chance and quickly hopped back just right before the doors closed. It was a good thing that I was a good distance away cause I intently stared at the guy to know where he'll step off. He immediately did around Midtown Manhattan and I followed soon after.
Walking down the street, people started looking at him strangely, which then made me realize that it really might be Keanu Reeves. Similarly, as in the subway, I walked a few paces behind him just so he won't feel my presence and act suspicious. He eventually stopped at a cafe near Washington Square Park. I sneaked into a nearby bookstore to keep my surveillance but still within a good distance. He ordered a coffee and a pastry and had a quiet afternoon to himself. There were already some fans that went up to him and seeing how he welcomed every encounter, I knew this was the day I'd finally get my autographs.
Fortunately for me, I had a couple of other posters from different movies in my bag, so I probably wouldn't seem like the stalker that I was before. When I saw that he was about to finish his cup of coffee, I went in. I approached him gently, told him how big of a fan I was, ad politely asked if he would sign my posters. He kindly obliged and signed every one! What a gentleman! And what a human too. I wasn't sure if it was his height or his Jesus-like aura, but there was something almost holy about the man. Either way, I got his autographs so my mission was accomplished!
As for the other members in the star-studded cast, I got my friends to get them to sign the posters during the red carpet premiere. I chose not to go for, again, reasons I won't explain here. Still, when they got back to me, they all said that the other stars, as big as they may be, didn't compare to the charisma and greatness that is Keanu Reeves. What a privilege to have met such a man!
Please note: Our inventory is limited as we may have only received a few posters in total. Most of our items are obtained from film premieres, studios, and from autographed hounds such as the one in the story above.
