Samuel Nowlin Reeves Jr Knows His Son ‘Wants Nothing to Do With Him’

Samuel Nowlin Reeves Jr. holds a secret aspiration to reconnect with his estranged child, who has achieved fame and success in the glamorous world of Hollywood.

As years passed, rumors persisted about whether Samuel Nowlin Reeves Jr. and his famous son had ever mended their relationship, as it was believed that Samuel left him when he was young.

Samuel’s life has been full of ups and downs, and he has shown regret for his troubled past. He said he felt hurt when his son spoke poorly of him in public.

Keanu Reeves is seen at “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on October 5, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Throughout his life, Samuel has experienced both good and bad times, particularly in his relationships with his two children. He openly expressed in 2020 about his son Keanu Reeves‘ remark about him. Samuel said:

“I’m embarrassed by it all. Keanu said my life was ‘tragic’ and, oh boy, does that hurt. Sad, yeah? I never figured things would end up this way. But he’ll always be my boy.”

Samuel has previously held himself responsible for the broken relationship with his son. The last time he bonded with his son was when he was still a child.

Keanu Reeves poses for a portrait in October 1989 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

He recalled he and his son were playing in the sea on Big Island, Hawaii. He held his son tightly as they were almost swept away by a big wave. He said his son was only 11 at that time.

The close father-son bond of that nature no longer exists. Samuel said that even though he had tried to get in touch with his son, he had not heard back from him and is sure Keanu wants nothing to do with him.

However, the outcome seemed unfavorable for both Samuel and his star child, as they are no longer in contact with each other. Many people wonder about Samuel’s role in his son’s life.

Keanu Reeves poses during a 1987 photo session promoting the film “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Samuel Met Keanu’s Mother When They Were Both Young

Samuel, who is of Chinese-Hawaiian descent, was a college student who dropped out and moved to Beirut, Lebanon. He was 21 or 22 when he met his future wife.

Reeves’ mother, Patricia Taylor, was of English descent and worked as a showgirl in Paris before finding employment at a couture house with aspirations of becoming a fashion designer.

After their paths crossed, Samuel and Patricia tied the knot and welcomed Keanu in September 1964. Keanu recalled that his family stayed in Beirut for a few months and moved to Australia.

Keanu Reeves arrives at the world premiere showing of the new film “The Matrix” on March 24, 1999, in the Mann’s Village Theatre. | Source: Getty Images

Keanu’s parents relocated to New York, where they eventually broke up. He then shared that he resided in Toronto, Canada, before returning to Sydney, Australia. His parents split had something to do with Samuel’s unhealthy lifestyle.

Before Keanu relocated to Toronto, his father was no longer present in his life.

When he was young, Samuel allegedly had a run-in with the authorities. For two decades, he battled heroin addiction, hindering his efforts to restore his relationship with his son.

Keanu Reeves attend the “Speed” Los Angeles Premiere at Mann’s Chinese Theater in 1994 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Samuel’s bad behavior not only impacted the well-known actor but his attitude also took a toll on his relationship with his daughter Kim Reeves, who was fighting leukemia at the time.

In 1994, he was arrested for alleged drug offenses and sentenced to ten years in prison. However, he was granted early release in 1996. After that, he and Keanu never communicated with each other again.

Keanu Reeves speaks to the press during “The Gift” Los Angeles premiere at Paramount Studios December 10, 2000, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Samuel Isn’t in Touch with His Famous Son

Samuel’s addiction and abandonment shattered Keanu’s childhood. He recalled his father abandoning him when he was three years old. By the time he was 13, Samuel was entirely out of their lives.

Despite this, his mother moved on and got married several times. Because their mother got married more than once, the famous actor and his sister Kim got more step-siblings.

Keanu Reeves speaks about his upcoming movie “John Wick: Chapter 4” during Lionsgate exclusive presentation at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon 2022, on April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Keanu described the experience of losing a parent as “traumatizing.” However, he revealed that Samuel tried to contact him after he was released from jail. He added:

“Yeah, in the mid-90s, but I didn’t reach back out.”

In 2000, the actor spoke candidly about his relationship with his estranged father in a Rolling Stone interview, describing it as “pretty heavy.” Before Keanu relocated to Toronto, his father was no longer present in his life.

Keanu Reeves attends the Saint Laurent Mens Spring Summer 20 Show on June 6, 2019, in Paradise Cove Malibu, California. | Source: Getty Images

When asked about the impact of not having a father figure, Keanu acknowledged it affected him in many ways but chose not to delve too deeply into the topic.

At the time, he confirmed he did not have an ongoing relationship with his father. When asked about his father’s struggles, including his time in jail, Keanu responded, “It’s his life, man. I hope he’s well. Whatever that means.”

Keanu Reeves attends the premiere of Netflix’s “Always Be My Maybe” at the Regency Village Theatre on May 22, 2019, in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Like Keanu, Samuel acknowledged the turbulence in their relationship. He knew what was happening in Keanu’s life but chose not to contact his son.

He knew about Keanu’s grief over the loss of his stillborn child but chose not to offer comfort. Samuel said Keanu has made it clear that he doesn’t want him back in his life.

Keanu Reeves attends the 92nd Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 9, 2020, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Samuel was aware of his own flaws and the choices he had made that kept him from being close to his children, like his 20-year battle with heroin addiction and his nomadic lifestyle.

He confessed that Keanu calling his life “tragic” brought him shame and pain, a sad reality he never imagined. Despite it all, Samuel emphasized that Keanu would always be his son and hold a special place in his heart.

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