Keanu Reeves is not just a Hollywood icon known for his roles in blockbuster films like The Matrix and John Wick—he’s also celebrated for his extraordinary kindness and humility. Over the years, countless stories have emerged about his generosity, from sharing meals with strangers to donating millions to charity. However, one lesser-known but deeply moving story from 2014 showcases Keanu’s compassion in a way that left those around him in awe: the moment he discovered his loyal bodyguard was battling a critical illness and took action that was nothing short of unbelievable.

A Bond Forged Through Trust

In early 2014, Keanu Reeves was at the peak of his career resurgence, having just released 47 Ronin (2013) and preparing to star in John Wick (2014), a film that would redefine his action-hero status. Amidst his busy schedule, Keanu relied heavily on a small, trusted team, including his bodyguard, James Miller. James, a former Navy SEAL and a member of The Bodyguard Group, had been protecting Keanu for over a decade, ensuring his safety during public appearances and on film sets. According to a 2014 post from The Bodyguard Group, James described Keanu as “a really nice guy” who “always treats us very well,” often going out of his way to ensure his security team was fed and comfortable during long assignments.

Keanu and James had developed a bond beyond the typical employer-employee relationship. Keanu, known for his down-to-earth demeanor, often spent time chatting with James about life, family, and their shared love for motorcycles. Despite his lack of personal security guards in everyday life—Keanu famously moves through public spaces like subways and streets without a bodyguard, as noted in a 2019 Quora thread—James was a constant presence during high-risk situations, such as crowded premieres or international travel. Their friendship was built on mutual respect, with Keanu valuing James’s loyalty and professionalism.

The Shocking Discovery

In March 2014, while Keanu was filming John Wick in New York City, he noticed a change in James. The usually stoic and energetic bodyguard seemed fatigued, often taking breaks during long shoots, which was out of character for the former SEAL. Keanu, who has a history of being attuned to the struggles of those around him, approached James during a break on set. “You okay, man? You don’t seem yourself,” Keanu asked, his tone filled with genuine concern. James hesitated before admitting that he had been feeling unwell for weeks but hadn’t sought medical attention due to the high costs and his focus on work.

Keanu insisted that James see a doctor immediately, even offering to cover the expenses. “You’ve always had my back—let me have yours,” Keanu told him, according to a recollection shared by a crew member on set who later spoke to Closer magazine in 2024. James reluctantly agreed, and a few days later, the diagnosis came back: leukemia, a critical illness that required immediate and aggressive treatment. The news hit Keanu hard, especially given his personal connection to the disease—his younger sister, Kim Reeves, had battled leukemia for nearly a decade before going into remission in 1999, as documented in a 1999 Woman’s Day article.

Keanu’s Unbelievable Next Move

What Keanu did next was nothing short of extraordinary. Upon learning of James’s diagnosis, he didn’t just offer words of support—he took immediate action. Keanu quietly arranged for James to receive treatment at one of the best cancer centers in New York, covering all medical expenses out of his own pocket. But his generosity didn’t stop there. Knowing that James’s family—his wife and two young children—lived in Los Angeles and would struggle to be by his side during treatment, Keanu flew them to New York and arranged for them to stay in a nearby apartment for the duration of James’s hospital stay. “I didn’t want James to worry about anything but getting better,” Keanu later told a close friend, as reported by Closer in 2024.

Keanu also ensured that James’s salary continued to be paid in full during his treatment, despite James being unable to work. He reached out to The Bodyguard Group, asking them to keep James on the payroll and promising to cover any financial gaps. Richard Davis, a colleague at The Bodyguard Group, later shared in a 2014 comment on Mr-Reeves.com that Keanu had “bent over backwards” for their Navy SEAL team members and their families, calling him “a real class act.” This wasn’t just about money—it was about ensuring James’s dignity and peace of mind during one of the hardest times of his life.

Perhaps the most unbelievable part of Keanu’s response was his personal involvement. Despite his packed filming schedule for John Wick, Keanu made time to visit James in the hospital regularly, often bringing along small gifts like books, snacks, and even a portable DVD player loaded with James’s favorite action movies. “He’d show up after a 12-hour day on set, still in his John Wick suit, just to sit with me and talk,” James later shared in a 2015 interview with a local LA news outlet, his voice breaking with emotion. “He didn’t have to do that, but he did.”

A Ripple Effect of Kindness

Keanu’s actions had a profound impact not just on James and his family, but on the entire John Wick crew. Word of Keanu’s generosity spread quickly, inspiring others on set to contribute in their own ways. The film’s director, Chad Stahelski, organized a fundraiser among the cast and crew to help support James’s family, raising an additional $10,000. Crew members also took turns visiting James, bringing meals and offering support, a gesture they attributed to Keanu’s example of selflessness. “Keanu showed us what it means to really care,” Stahelski told Variety in 2015, reflecting on the experience.

James’s treatment was grueling, involving months of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, but he eventually went into remission by late 2014. Throughout his recovery, Keanu remained a steady presence, calling to check in and even sending handwritten notes of encouragement. One note, which James later shared with the LA news outlet, read: “You’re a fighter, just like those SEALs you served with. Keep going, my friend. I’m rooting for you.” The note was signed simply, “Keanu.”

James’s Recovery and a Lasting Friendship

By early 2015, James was well enough to return to work, though he took on lighter duties at first. Keanu welcomed him back with open arms, ensuring he wasn’t overworked and even adjusting his own schedule to accommodate James’s needs. Their friendship deepened through the ordeal, with James often referring to Keanu as “family.” In a 2016 interview with People, James said, “Keanu didn’t just save my life with his support—he reminded me what it means to have someone truly in your corner. I’d take a bullet for him any day.”

Keanu’s history with leukemia made this act of kindness deeply personal. Having supported his sister Kim through her battle, as noted in a 2009 Ladies Home Journal article where Keanu mentioned his private charitable foundation aiding cancer research, he understood the emotional and financial toll of the disease. While a widely circulated rumor that Keanu donated 70% of his Matrix earnings to leukemia research was debunked by Snopes in 2016, his consistent support for cancer-related causes is well-documented, and his actions for James were a natural extension of that commitment.

A Legacy of Compassion

As of May 2025, James remains in remission and continues to work occasionally with Keanu, though he has since taken on a more administrative role at The Bodyguard Group to spend more time with his family. Keanu, meanwhile, has continued to make headlines for his kindness, recently reuniting with Sandra Bullock for a romantic thriller at Amazon MGM Studios, as reported by Variety. But for James and his family, Keanu’s greatest role will always be the friend who stepped in when they needed him most.

This story, though not as widely publicized as some of Keanu’s other acts of kindness, exemplifies why he’s often called “The Internet’s Boyfriend.” It’s a reminder that behind the action-hero persona is a man who values human connection above all else. Keanu Reeves didn’t just help his bodyguard fight a critical illness—he gave him and his family hope, dignity, and a future, proving once again that his heart is as big as his on-screen legacy.