In 1987, Keanu Reeves was photographed by Aaron Rapoport, a Los Angeles–based photographer best known for his work with musicians and rising actors of the 1980s. At the time, Reeves was just beginning to make a name for himself in Hollywood. He had appeared in River’s Edge (1986), a dark indie drama that gave him credibility as a serious young actor, and was starting to get cast in bigger studio projects.
Rapoport’s session with Reeves captured him at this transitional stage: still relatively unknown to mainstream audiences but already showing the brooding, offbeat charm that would become his signature. The photographs show a lean, boyish Reeves with tousled hair, casual clothes, and an introspective expression, projecting both vulnerability and quiet confidence.
1987 was also a pivotal year for Reeves’ career. He appeared in Babes in Toyland (a TV movie with Drew Barrymore), The Night Before (a quirky teen comedy), and had just wrapped Permanent Record (1988), where he played a teenager dealing with a friend’s suicide. These roles showcased his versatility and made him a young actor to watch.
Rapoport’s photos contributed to shaping Reeves’ early public image: not just another Hollywood “teen star,” but someone with depth, mystery, and individuality. Looking back, they offer a fascinating snapshot of Keanu right before his breakout in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989), the film that launched him to stardom.
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