Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Samuel Nowlin Reeves Jr. |
| Date of Birth | September 13, 1942 |
| Place of Birth | Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, USA |
| Date of Death | January 26, 2018 |
| Age at Death | 75 years old |
| Nationality and Ethnicity | American with mixed heritage including Native Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, English and Irish roots |
| Profession | Geologist and later farmer |
| Children | Keanu Reeves, Kim Reeves, Emma Rose Reeves |
| Marital and Relationships | First married to Patricia Taylor and later remarried |
Early Life and Background
Samuel Nowlin Reeves Jr. was born in Honolulu Hawaii on September 13 1942. He came from a rich and mixed background with Native Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, English and Irish roots. This cultural mix later became part of his son Keanu Reeves identity.
Samuel studied geology when he was young. Details about his early education are limited but many believe he showed interest in nature and science. Later in his life he worked as a farmer. His path changed many times and his life story had both good and difficult moments.
Family, Marriage, and Children
In the early 1960s Samuel met Patricia Taylor who was from England. They married and in 1964 their son Keanu Reeves was born. Samuel was also the father of Kim Reeves.
The marriage did not last and Samuel and Patricia separated when Keanu was about three years old. After the separation Patricia moved with Keanu and Kim to different places including Australia, New York and finally Toronto in Canada.
Samuel later remarried. One of his daughters from a later relationship is Emma Rose Reeves. There may have been another marriage but information about it is unclear.
Read Also: Jack Daniel Byrne: From Hollywood Son to Blues Guitar Hero
Relationship with Keanu Reeves
Samuel’s relationship with Keanu was distant and painful. He left the family when Keanu was still a small child. Keanu has spoken about this in interviews and said that his father was part of the 1960s burnout generation which may mean he lived a drifting and troubled lifestyle.
The last known meeting between Keanu and his father happened when Keanu was around 13 years old. After that they did not rebuild their relationship. Samuel was not part of Keanu’s teenage years or adult life and the father and son bond stayed broken.

Later Life, Struggles, and Death
Samuel spent most of his later years living quietly in Hawaii. Even if life looked simple he faced many personal struggles. Information suggests he had problems with drug addiction during the 1980s and 1990s.
In 1992 he was arrested for drug possession and intent to sell. During his time in prison he earned his GED which showed he tried to improve himself and start again.
Samuel died on January 26 2018 in Ewa Beach Oahu. He was 75 years old at the time of his death.
Legacy and Why His Story Matters
Samuel Nowlin Reeves Jr. did not have a famous life but his story is still important. His life shaped part of the early world of his son Keanu Reeves who became one of the most loved actors in the world.
His multicultural roots gave Keanu a strong and unique background that includes Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, English and Irish heritage. Even though Samuel was not present in most of Keanu’s life he is still part of the actor’s history.
Samuel’s story also shows how complex families can be. It reminds us that people connected to famous stars can face real problems like addiction, separation and regret. His life teaches that a successful future does not always come from a perfect past.
Final Thoughts
The story of Samuel Nowlin Reeves Jr. is not a story of fame. It is a human story with family pain, cultural depth and personal struggle. His heritage shaped Keanu Reeves who later became known worldwide for his kindness and talent.
Even if Samuel was not part of Keanu’s life for many years his background still influenced the future in ways he may never have known. His life reminds us that every person has a past filled with both light and shadow and every story matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was Samuel Nowlin Reeves Jr.
He was the father of actor Keanu Reeves. He was born in Hawaii and worked as a geologist and farmer. - What was his heritage
He had Native Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, English and Irish roots. - When was he born and when did he die
He was born on September 13 1942 and died on January 26 2018. - Who were his children
His children include Keanu Reeves, Kim Reeves and Emma Rose Reeves. - Did he stay connected with his children
No. He left the family when Keanu was very young and they later lost contact. - What struggles did he face
He faced drug addiction and legal trouble in the early 1990s. - Did he try to reconnect with Keanu
Some information suggests he tried but the relationship stayed distant. - What job did he have
He studied geology and later worked as a farmer. - Where did he live at the end of his life
He lived quietly in Hawaii until his death. - Why is his story important
His story is important because it is part of Keanu Reeves family history and shows the human challenges behind a famous actor’s life.
Read Also: Keisha Chambers: The Woman Behind Justin Chambers’ 30-Year Marriage
