Keanu Reeves has reportedly donated 70% of his earnings from the first Matrix film to fund leukaemia research – after his younger sister battled the disease for 10 years.

The actor, 57, who was reportedly paid $10million upfront and earned $35million total for the first film in the franchise in 1999, was inspired to fund research into the blood cancer after his sister Kim, now 55, was diagnosed in 1991.

Keanu became Kim’s primary carer during this time and helped with her recovery after she spent a decade fighting the cancer, before going into remission. 

The Speed star’s devotion to his sister saw him sell his home to be closer to her and the Matrix sequels delayed – he also reportedly spent $5 million on therapies to help Kim recover.

He has previously said of his sister: ‘She was always there for me, you know. I will always be here for her.’

The acclaimed actor has since launched a charity foundation to help those battling cancer.

‘I have a private foundation that’s been running for five or six years, and it helps aid a couple of children’s hospitals and cancer research.

‘I don’t like to attach my name to it, I just let the foundation do what it does.’

Keanu has long been known for his charitable nature.

According to a 2001 Wall Street Journal report, the star handed over a significant portion of his second and third Matrix film back-end points (which determined how much of the films’ profit he would receive) to the VFX and costume design teams.

The report said: ‘He felt that they were the ones who made the movie and that they should participate.’

In June 2020 Keanu auctioned off a 15-minute virtual Zoom date to raise money for a children’s cancer charity, Camp Rainbow Gold. 

Back in October, it was revealed that he gifted his John Wick 4 four-man stunt team Rolex Submariner watches valued at $9,150 each.