Steve Buscemi

Steve Buscemi (1996)

COEN Brothers (cannesPH)

Steve Buscemi 2009 portrait

Buscemi Moby Reed

Steve Buscemi is an American actor and filmmaker known for his work in both independent and mainstream films. Born on December 13, 1957, in Brooklyn, New York, Buscemi has become one of the most recognizable character actors of his generation, known for his distinctive voice and appearance.

Early Life

Steve Buscemi was born to John Buscemi, a sanitation worker, and Dorothy, who worked as a hostess at Howard Johnson's. Buscemi was raised in a working-class family with Italian-American roots. He attended Valley Stream Central High School in Nassau County, New York, where he developed an interest in acting. After high school, Buscemi briefly studied at Nassau Community College before moving to Manhattan to enroll in the Lee Strasberg Institute.

Career

Buscemi's acting career began in the early 1980s with roles in No Wave cinema and underground films. His breakthrough came with a part in the 1986 film Parting Glances, where he played a musician living with AIDS, showcasing his ability to bring depth and humanity to challenging roles.

Throughout the 1990s, Buscemi established himself as a key figure in independent cinema, appearing in films such as Reservoir Dogs (1992), Fargo (1996), and The Big Lebowski (1998). His performances often highlighted his talent for playing quirky, eccentric characters.

In addition to his film work, Buscemi has had a successful career in television. He starred in the critically acclaimed series Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014), for which he won a Golden Globe and two Screen Actors Guild Awards for his portrayal of Enoch "Nucky" Thompson.

Buscemi has also made his mark as a director, with credits including episodes of The Sopranos, Oz, and 30 Rock, as well as the film Trees Lounge (1996), which he also wrote and starred in.

Personal Life

Steve Buscemi is known for his private nature. He has been married to Jo Andres, a filmmaker and choreographer, from 1987 until her death in 2019. The couple has one son, Lucian Buscemi.

Legacy

Steve Buscemi's unique blend of character acting and leading man roles has made him a beloved figure in American cinema. His ability to navigate both independent films and big-budget Hollywood movies has earned him critical acclaim and a diverse fan base. Buscemi's contributions to film and television have solidified his place as one of the most versatile and talented actors of his time.