Keanu Reeves recently addressed the long-standing mystery surrounding the "sad" photograph of him that became an internet meme more than a decade ago.
The renowned 57-year-old actor appeared as a special guest on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," where he shed light on the genuine circumstances behind the image that has persisted in internet culture.
During the interview, Colbert, the well-known American television presenter, broached the topic of the iconic meme that captured Reeves looking forlorn while eating a sandwich. The photograph, taken in 2010, has become a lasting internet sensation and has even found its way into comic art.
As Colbert playfully presented the image, Reeves reacted with a touch of despair, exclaiming, "I'm just eating a sandwich, man! ... he was thinking. He had some things to do. He was hungry." With this revelation, the actor clarified that the meme had falsely portrayed the moment as a sad or depressive one, while in reality, he was simply enjoying a snack in New York.
The internet had previously speculated about Reeves' emotional state based on the photograph, interpreting his downward gaze and tilted head as signs of melancholy. The actor, known for his somber appearance, long hair, and beard, set the record straight, emphasizing that he was not in a state of sadness during that candid moment.
Colbert continued to explore the topic, asking, "So you weren't really sad in 'sad Keanu'?" To which Reeves responded, "I was thinking, I had things to do, I was hungry," eliciting laughter from the audience.
The discussion didn't end there, as Colbert surprised Reeves with an illustration from a comic that featured the infamous meme. The drawing, crafted by Ron Garney, was a humorous integration of the meme into the comic world. Reeves expressed his surprise at the artwork, mentioning that he had no prior knowledge of Garney's decision to incorporate the meme into his work.
The comic in question, titled "BRZRKR," represents the latest collaboration between Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney. The actor shared that the comic, which includes a nod to his well-known meme, has already garnered significant success, with approximately 615 thousand copies sold for its first installment.
Over the years, Keanu Reeves has solidified his status as a beloved actor among the public, thanks to his remarkable performances in various successful films. From his debut in "Youngblood" in 1986 to his iconic roles in "The Matrix," "John Wick," and "Constantine," Reeves has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Even his voice contribution to "Duke Caboom" in Toy Story 4 showcases the actor's diverse talents and enduring popularity.
