Lance Reddick’s death came as a colossal shock to fans, and his friends and family were naturally devasted to their core too
The late John Wick star passed away on March 17, just days before John Wick: Chapter 4 opened in theatres, all the more reason why the news felt like a brutal punch in the gut to his fellow stars. Reddick was especially tight with Keanu Reeves and had known him for years, so the latter was heartbroken to learn about his passing.
Lance Reddick as Charon in the John Wick franchise
The actor and musician had been working with Reeves since the very first John Wick film, which premiered back in 2014, and time had only solidified their professional relationship into a beautiful friendship. But The Matrix star wasn’t the only one who became close friends with Reddick, his debilitating loss rendering almost the entirety of the John Wick crew shattered.
Keanu Reeves is ‘Absolutely Devastated’ Over Lance Reddick’s Death
The startling news of Lance Reddick‘s death came a week before the release of Chad Stahelski’s John Wick: Chapter 4, after his body was discovered at his home in LA. The authorities claimed it to be due to natural causes but because the actor had apparently been in considerably good health, his friends and family have been completely distraught ever since the incident.
Reddick had been a beloved part of the John Wick franchise for almost a decade. Playing the enigmatic concierge at New York’s Continental Hotel, Reddick’s Charon contributed significantly to the film series.
Lance Reddick and Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves, who stars as the iconic hitman John Wick in the action franchise, was close friends with Reddick off-screen as well. Sources revealed that the award-winning star had been “absolutely devasted over losing Lance,” a fellow actor that he looked up to and one of the “kindest, sweetest” men he’d ever had the pleasure to be friends with.
“[Keanu] had a huge amount of respect for him as a friend and thought of him as one of the kindest, sweetest guys he’d ever had the fortune to meet,” an insider told Radar Online. “They were regularly in contact and bounced a lot of ideas off of one another professionally, plus confided about their hopes and dreams on a personal level.”
“It goes without saying Keanu will be there in any way he can for Lance’s loved ones,” the source added.
Lance Reddick Was Honored at the Premiere of John Wick 4
Reddick, who died at age 60, was paid a poignant tribute during the LA premiere of John Wick: Chapter 4 which took place on March 20 at the TCL Chinese theatre.
While the attendees at the premiere were all given blue ribbon pins in memory of the late actor, blue signifying his favorite color, his co-stars along with the rest of the crew members of the John Wick franchise also honored The Wire star.
“Lance was a beautiful person, [a] special artist, a man of grace and dignity, and such a passion for his craft,” Reeves said on the red carpet. “And to have the chance to work with him over 10 years and four films is something that is very special to me and it fu**ing sucks he’s not here.”
Lance Reddick and Keanu Reeves in John Wick: Chapter 4Chad Stahelski, the film’s director, remarked how they were all “fortunate enough to have spent the last 10 years” of their lives collaborating with the Bosch star. “He was a mentor, a friend, a great human being and I think the best way to help remember him and celebrate him is never forgetting how much he touched us,” Stahelski, 54, commented.
At the time of the film’s premiere, Joe Drake, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair, dedicated John Wick 4 to Reddick, and the audience honored him with a standing ovation.
John Wick: Chapter 4 is currently playing in cinemas.
Source: Radar Online
