Keanu Reeves looked stylish as he ventured around New York City this week, promoting his upcoming film. The 57-year-old actor has been on a publicity tour for “The Matrix Resurrections,” the highly anticipated fourth installment in his iconic franchise. 

Amidst his recent appearances, Keanu finally opened up about the true story behind the viral ‘Sad Keanu’ meme that circulated widely in 2010, stemming from a candid photo taken during a time of personal challenges.

The internet sensation captured Keanu looking glum on a park bench, sparking speculation that it was linked to the series of tragedies he had experienced. Keanu had a relationship with actress Jennifer Syme, resulting in the loss of their child to stillbirth in 1999. Tragically, Jennifer passed away in a car accidеnt in 2001 at the age of 28. Contrary to the assumptions, Keanu revealed in a recent interview on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert that his somber expression in the photo was due to hunger rather than emotional distress.

Explaining the context behind the now-famous image, Keanu humorously shared, “Man, I’m eating a sandwich! I was thinking. I had some stuff going on. I was hungry.” When pressed by Colbert about his unеxpеcted internet famе, Keanu remained modest, expressing uncertainty about why he became “so meme-able.”

During the interview, Keanu showcased his playful side by spontaneously singing “Meme On Me,” a parody of the Bill Withers song “Lean On Me,” with the show’s bandleader Jon Batiste accompanying him on the piano. Meanwhile, “The Matrix Resurrections” brings Keanu back alongside co-stars Carrie-Anne Moss and Jada Pinkett Smith, though Laurence Fishburne, who portrayed Morpheus, is notably absent. While Fishburne cited not being included in the film and deflected questions about his involvement, fans remain hopeful for surprises in the highly anticipated sequel.