Keanu Reeves’ Manager Told Him to Change His Name at 20 Years Old. They Considered ‘Chuck Spadina’ Before Using ‘Kc Reeves’: ‘And Then I Couldn’t Do It’

Keanu Reeves revealed on the “New Heights” podcast that his manager was adamant about changing the actor’s name when he first arrived in Hollywood as a teenager.

“I got paid when I was like 16, so I was a professional actor around 16, 17 [years old],” Reeves said. “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?’”

His manager’s request sent Reeves into an existential spiral. Then Reeves started brainstorming what he could possibly change his name to if he wanted to be a Hollywood performer.

“My middle name is Charles,…