Outnumbering the hundreds of Photoshopped versions of the image that began circulating – Sad Keanu perched alongside Forrest Gump, or gazing at a miniature Sad Keanu on the ground, who in turn was peering at an even tinier Sad Keanu – were messages of support, and testimonies from those who had met Reeves, or simply been inspired by him. Fans pointed out the setbacks and traumas that had dogged the Beirut-born, Toronto-raised actor, from his father deserting him and his mother when Reeves was three through to his sister's leukaemia and the death of his former girlfriend in 2001, two years after she gave birth to their stillborn daughter. What started as light-hearted internet wildfire quickly acquired a serious, even spiritual dimension. Internet forums were littered with stories of Reeves's generosity and altruism: how he had spent $5m on treatment for his sister, bought Harley-Davidson motorcycles for the special effects team on The Matrix Reloaded, given $20,000 to a hard-up set-builder, and frequently bought breakfast and lunch for minor crew members. June 15 was designated Keanu Day by Sad Keanu enthusiasts, and only a total louse would complain that he didn't merit the honour.
