The Bessolo's marriage lasted for 15 years, only to seperate while Reeves was away visiting relatives. When he returned, his mother lied to him that his stepfather had died by suicide. Frank Bessolo did not die of suicide, but Reeves didn't know of this until he actually died when Reeves was well into his acting career. Reeves began acting and singing in high school and continued performing on stage as a student at Pasadena Junior College.