Steve Buscemi

December 13, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Steve Buscemi was born on December 13, 1957, in New York City. The American actor is a mix of Italian, Dutch, Irish, and English descent. He was raised in a Catholic family of five, with two brothers, one of whom is also an actor. Being born and brought up in the States, Buscemi (pronounced bu-SHEM-ee) spent the better part of his life mispronouncing his Italian last name. He has worked with exemplary directors such as Quentin Tarantino, Tim Burton, and the Coen brothers. The actor is a recipient of Screen Actors Guild Awards and Golden Globe Awards.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Steve Vincent Buscemi

Birth date:

December 13, 1957

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Sagittarius

Height:

5' 8.9"

Relationship Status:

Widowed

Net Worth:

$35 million

Background

Steve Buscemi worked as a fireman and wrote civil service exams in pursuit of a “stable” job. His father insisted that he pursue a stable career and then work on his acting dream after retirement. We are thankful that they struck a bargain. Buscemi used the settlement money from an accident to pay for acting school while working odd jobs on the side. This journey inspired him and translated into his directorial debut, “Tree Lounge.”

He attended Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York and landed his first acting project, “The Way It Is” (1985), with Eric Mitchell. In 1990, his alliance with the director duo, Coen brothers, began with the neo-noir gangster film “Miller’s Crossing.” This is the first of five films that they would do together.

In 1992, Buscemi played a role in a diamond heist, in a Quentin Tarantino film titled “Reservoir Dogs.” He also played a part in two major blockbusters directed by the Coen brothers, “Fargo” (1996) and “The Big Lebowski” (1998). The talented actor has also lent his voice to some iconic animated characters, the most memorable being Randall Boggs, in “Monster, Inc.” (2001). Some other animated characters that he brought to life are Seymour in “Ghost World” (2001) and Romero in the “Spy Kids” series.

Buscemi received a Golden Globe for his part in the drama series “Boardwalk Empire” (2010). He hosted N.B.C.’s Saturday Night Live in 2011. And in 2014, he created his own web series talk show, “Park Bench with Steve Buscemi,” for which he won an Emmy.

Career timeline

1980s

Engine 55

Steve Buscemi works as a firefighter and auditions for acting gigs in his off hours — he returns to volunteer at the same station after the 9/11 attack.

1985

His First Break

He plays Willy in the comedy movie “The Way It Is,” directed by Eric Mitchell.

1996

His Directorial Debut

Inspired by his own life, Buscemi makes his debut as a screenwriter and director with the movie “Tree Lounge.”

2010s

An Eventful Couple of Years

Buscemi hosts “Saturday Night Live,” wins an Emmy, and pockets a Golden Globe — all in the same decade.

Why We Love Steve Buscemi

He is a versatile and talented actor
Since the beginning of his career, Steve Buscemi has appeared in more than 90 movies. He has also played so many distinct characters.
He is a humanitarian
Buscemi has always been a humanitarian at heart, even before he became famous. During the 9/11 attack, he returned to his fire station, where he used to work as a youngster, and worked a 12-hour-shift rescuing people from the rubble.
Buscemi’s enduring love story
Buscemi’s wife, Jo Andres, had had a crush on him since she was a teenager. They eventually met, got married, and remained together for more than 30 years, until her death in 2019.

5 Surprising Facts

He almost died
While defending his friend Vince Vaughn at a bar, Steve Buscemi was stabbed multiple times in his face and on his body.
He likes both big and small projects
Buscemi likes to delve into both commercial and independent projects; he said he learned it from watching his fellow actor Willem Dafoe.
Born on a freaky Friday
The actor was born on Friday the 13th.
Buscemi’s eyes
In 2011, the internet decided to use Buscemi’s eyes for a meme, photoshopping it on various celebrities.
His money-making gap
Many dentists have offered to close Buscemi’s gap teeth, but he believes that the unique feature helps him land villainous roles.

Steve Buscemi FAQs

What disease does Steve Buscemi have?

No such information is available. Though Buscemi cracked his skull as a child after getting hit by a bus, he received $6,000 in settlement from the city in which he used to have his acting lessons.

Why didn't Steve Buscemi fix his teeth?

Buscemi said in an interview that he did not have money when he was younger and now he doesn’t have time. He also considers it a unique feature that lets him remain in business.