Bevilacqua grew up in Newark, New Jersey, the son of a policeman and a housewife. Bevilacqua wrote to Daws Butler, the voice of famous Hanna-Barbera cartoon characters, including Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, and Quick Draw McGrawin 1975 at age 16. Daws responded, and their correspondence blossomed into a 13-year mentorship, Bevilacqua serving as Daws' young apprentice. This learning experience also made Bevilacqua a professional expert on animated cartoon history in general, and fictional character voice acting in particular.