Keanu Reeves

In the Matrix series, Reeves plays a gifted computer programmer, which is a stretch for him: he doesn't even own a computer. 'It makes the directors of Matrix laugh,' he says. When they make comments about it, he replies: 'That's why they call it acting.'

The filming of the sequels has taken its toll. All stars had to undertake exhausting martial arts training for months on end in preparation. 'It has pushed me to my limits,' Reeves was reported as saying. 'Before it was like: "Can you do two kicks?" and now it's like: "Can you do three kicks, but with a jumping backspin hook-kick?"'

By all accounts, the sequels are set to be even better than the original.

The films aren't the only excitement in Reeves' life, however - he also gets animated when he discusses Dogstar, his rock band. Although he grew up wanting to be an actor (he has worked on-screen since he was 15), Reeves taught himself to play bass at 22. He says that performing as a musician is completely different from performing on a movie set, and he appreciates the contrast. 'It's just good, clean fun.'In the meantime, he doesn't regret his demanding schedule. 'I've had the opportunity, especially in the last year and a half, to do some acting,' he says simply. 'I love it more and more.'