Even three decades after Speed‘s release, Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves remain one of the most adored onscreen duos, and it’s not surprising to see why. Not only were they impeccable in their respective roles, but the chemistry between the two was also off the charts. While the duo never dated in real life, years later, both actors confessed to having crushes on each other.

It’s not hard to see why it didn’t take long for the two to develop a sincere bond after crossing paths in Speed, as apart from being two of the kindest stars in showbiz, they also share a difficult past.

Sandra Bullock Was Often Bullied During Her Teenage Years

Although a cheerful and optimistic person, Sandra Bullock also has her fair share of insecurities. During an interview, she explained that one of the reasons she often goes out of her way to be kind to others is because of not being on the receiving end of it during her teenage years.

Born to a German mother, the Oscar-winner spent most of her childhood in Germany and when she eventually moved to the US, the experience wasn’t pretty. She recalled being a constant recipient of bullying for her accent, which left some hefty scars on her, and this ultimately pushed her to be kind to others and herself during her adult life.

She said:

I came to America from Germany when I was in my early teens and got my butt kicked big time in junior high. I sounded different and dressed different. My classmates were unbelievably cruel and it left its mark. My defence was to reach out. As a result, for most of my adult life, anybody else’s cause was more important than mine. It’s only in the last few years that I’ve learned to be kinder to myself,

Similar to his Speed costar, Reeves too has maintained an optimistic view of the world, despite going through several tragedies, which is enough to make someone cynical. From having a fractured relationship with his father to losing his best friend River Phoenix and the love of his young life Jennifer Syme, life hasn’t been easy for the John Wick star. But despite facing many traumas, Reeves has always pulled through.

Keanu Reeves Is Very Hard on Himself, Revealed Hiroyuki Sanada

There has been a plethora of stories to prove why Keanu Reeves is considered one of the nicest stars in the industry, and Hiroyuki Sanada‘s experience with the actor further cements it. Sanada, who crossed paths with Reeves in 47 Ronin and reunited with the actor in John Wick: Chapter 4, revealed the Speed star hadn’t changed despite his huge success.

But despite being humble and kind to others, the Shōgun star revealed that Reeves is always too hard on himself.

He told People:

He was so humble, very kind to others but very hard on himself. Ten years later, when I met him again for John Wick [Chapter 4], he hadn’t changed. He was even more of a success, but his humbleness and kindness to others hadn’t changed. That’s why he became that big, I thought. … He’s always trying to do his best: aim higher, and move forward. It’s a great energy.

Despite never dating each other, to this day, Bullock and Reeves maintain a great friendship, and it’s easy to see why, as both have chosen to maintain a positive attitude despite personal hardships.