Today, Keanu Reeves is one of the most recognizable actors in the world. He may be best known for his incredible portrayal of John Wick, the expert Underworld assassin and main character of the ongoing John Wick franchise, but Reeves has been around for decades. Reeves has starred in many iconic franchises. He played Neo in The Matrix (1999), John Constantine in Constantine (2005, with another film finally on the way!), and most recently, he voiced Shadow the Hedgehog in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024). Given Keanu Reeves’ popularity as a movie star, it’s hard to believe that he’s been acting for over 40 years. This is particularly striking when one considers how youthful he still looks and that he does many of his own stunts. Born in 1964, Keanu Reeves is currently 60 years old but certainly does not appear to be. Many fans cite Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989) as Reeves’ breakout role onto the scene, but the truth is that he got his start in a relatively forgotten 1981 sitcom called Hangin’ In.
According to Keanu Reeves’ IMDb page, his very first acting credit dates back to 1984, when he appeared in one episode of Hangin’ In. He featured in Season 4, Episode 14 – “Happiness is a Warm Grover” as “Teen Client.” While this role may not have had an actual character name, it represented Keanu Reeves’ foot in the door of the acting industry. Currently, Reeves has an impressive 113 acting credits listed on IMDb, with several more projects in production, underscoring how much he owes to Hangin’ In for providing him a chance, even if only a small one.
Unfortunately, despite Hangin’ In running for seven seasons and over 100 episodes, the sitcom has largely faded from popular memory. The series was a Canadian sitcom that aired on CBC and had a brief run in the United States on Nickelodeon. Sadly, it is not currently available on any streaming service in the United States, likely contributing to its lack of fond remembrance today. The show, which was a collaboration of creators Jack Humphrey, Anna Sandor, and Joseph Partington, featured prominent actors like Lally Cadeau as Kate Brown, David Eisner as Michael DiFalco, and Ruth Springford as Doris Webster, with appearances from other notable figures such as Gina Wilkinson and Fiona Reid in later seasons.
Hangin’ In revolved around a counseling center for teens who needed support. At the helm was Kate Brown, the director of a Toronto-based youth center, with Michael DiFalco serving as a staff counselor and Doris Webster fulfilling the role of the center’s head receptionist. Although categorized as a sitcom, the show tackled serious issues as it centered around a counseling center catering to young people confronting serious challenges like mental health, toxic relationships, abusive home lives, and homelessness. The dramatic elements infused into the sitcom created depth, sometimes transforming it into something far more serious than traditional comedic fare.
Keanu Reeves wasn’t the only young Canadian actor involved in Hangin’ In. The sitcom opened its doors to numerous budding actors and actresses, who guest-starred as clients at the Toronto counseling center. Notable guest stars included Mark Humphrey, Eric McCormack, and Jessica Steen. Unfortunately, this Canadian series has flown under the radar for so many years that information about it is somewhat scarce. A simple Google search reveals a Wikipedia page containing little more than details copy-pasted from various articles. Even Rotten Tomatoes lacks a dedicated page for the series, indicating a considerable lack of critical attention.
The only review score available comes from IMDb, which rates Hangin’ In a respectable 6.9 out of 10. Notably, there isn’t even a statistic indicating how many Google users liked this TV series. One of the first websites to appear in a Google search after the Hangin’ In Wikipedia page and the IMDb page is a 12-year-old YouTube video from user Keanu Video Archive. The video, titled “80’s Keanu Reeves. Hangin’ In (Series),” features a brief 1-minute and 19-second clip of Hangin’ In, where Reeves portrays one of the counseling center’s teen clients. However, the video quality is poor, making it challenging to discern the characters’ faces, although fans will likely recognize Reeves’ voice immediately.
Despite the show’s charming nature, it’s hard to deny that not many people remember Hangin’ In. Keanu Reeves is widely regarded as one of the most beloved figures in Hollywood, not only for his impressive acting skills but also for his personality. Fans admire his deep voice, charm, and good looks, but beyond that, almost everyone who speaks about Reeves highlights him as a gracious and humble individual. He has cultivated a reputation for being kind-hearted, skilled at avoiding dramatic controversies, and steering clear of problematic scandals. According to numerous accounts from coworkers and costars, Reeves is deeply committed to his work, respecting those who help him bring every project to life.
Throughout his career, Reeves has delivered standout performances in various genres, focusing primarily on action-packed films like the John Wick and The Matrix franchises. However, he also displays significant range, having engaged in voice acting for video games such as Cyberpunk 2077 (2020) and animated projects like The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (2020). Additionally, Reeves has found success in horror films, including Knock Knock (2015) and the popular Constantine (2005). He’s even ventured into romantic comedies with performances in Sweet November (2001) and Something’s Gotta Give (2003).
Ultimately, if Hangin’ In had not provided Keanu Reeves with that initial opportunity, the world may not have discovered the exceptional actor he is today. One cannot help but wonder what the film landscape would look like without The Matrix and John Wick. While it’s unfortunate that Hangin’ In has diminished over time, it served as a stepping stone for many young talents who have since made their mark in the entertainment industry and continue to be celebrated and appreciated by audiences around the world.
