Steven Vincent “Steve” Buscemi is an American actor, writer, and film director. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Dorothy, a homemaker for Howard Johnson, and John Buscemi, a sanitation worker and Korean War veteran, Steve grew up in a working-class family with Sicilian-American and Irish-American roots. He is the second of four brothers—John, Ken, and Michael—and was raised Catholic. A telling incident from his life highlights his character. In April 2001, while filming “Domestic Disturbance” in Wilmington, North Carolina, Buscemi was stabbed three times after intervening in a bar brawl at the “Firebelly Lounge.” The fight reportedly broke out between his friend Vince Vaughn, screenwriter Scott Rosenberg, and a local man who allegedly started the altercation. For more on his life and career, visit brooklynski.info.
Early Life and Career
Born on December 13, 1957, Steven Vincent Buscemi began his acting career in the mid-1980s, quickly establishing himself as one of the most prominent working actors today. Before his acting days, he served as a firefighter for Engine Company 55 in New York City’s Little Italy from 1980 to 1984. He trained at the Lee Strasberg Institute, and his breakthrough film role was in Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs,” the kind of debut many actors can only dream of. A popular character actor, Buscemi has worked with renowned directors like the Coen brothers, Robert Rodriguez, and Jim Jarmusch. Television audiences know him for his acclaimed roles in the hit series “The Sopranos” and “Boardwalk Empire.”
After his realistic portrayal of the criminal Mr. Pink in Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs,” Steven Buscemi’s popularity in Hollywood soared. It wasn’t long before it seemed like Buscemi was everywhere. With his signature gaunt, pale face and slightly bulging eyes, he often played sleazy or deranged characters. Buscemi quickly became a favorite of many directors, collaborating with the Coen brothers on films such as “Miller’s Crossing,” “Barton Fink,” “The Hudsucker Proxy,” “Fargo,” and “The Big Lebowski.” He also appeared in two of Robert Rodriguez’s films, “Spy Kids” and “Desperado.”
But Buscemi’s career wasn’t limited to playing bad guys or offbeat characters. In 2001, he took on a surprisingly romantic role in the dramedy “Ghost World,” an adaptation of Daniel Clowes’ graphic novel. That same year, he appeared in “The Grey Zone” as one of the Jewish prisoners forced to work in the gas chambers of Auschwitz during World War II. The film was praised for its realistic depiction of the human condition in a desperate situation.
Directorial Debut
Steven Vincent Buscemi didn’t just make a name for himself as an actor; he also proved his skills behind the camera as a director. His first directorial effort in 1996, “Trees Lounge,” received positive reviews. Not only that, but he also wrote the screenplay. Later, he was asked by series creator David Chase to direct an episode of the award-winning drama “The Sopranos.” Buscemi professionally handled the task, directing the season three episode “Pine Barrens,” which was nominated for an Emmy Award. This success led to him directing several more episodes of the show. Eventually, he joined the cast in the fifth season, playing Tony Blundetto, the cousin of Tony Soprano, the series’ central character played by James Gandolfini.
Versatile Roles
In addition to directing “The Sopranos,” Buscemi has lent his voice to several children’s films, including “Monsters, Inc.,” “Charlotte’s Web,” “G-Force,” and the 2013 hit “Monsters University.” He also began appearing in a number of comedy films, such as “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry,” “Grown Ups,” “Hotel Transylvania,” and “Grown Ups 2,” all alongside Adam Sandler.
After his time on “The Sopranos,” Buscemi returned to television with a variety of roles. In 2007, he made a cameo on “The Simpsons,” and the following year, he appeared on “Entourage.” Staying true to his comedic roots, Buscemi also showed up in “Portlandia” and “30 Rock.” But his biggest television role was yet to come: the leading role of Enoch “Nucky” Thompson in “Boardwalk Empire.” For his work on the series, he was nominated for several Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award.
As for his personal life, Buscemi married artist Jo Andres in 1987. The couple remained together until her death from cancer in 2019. They had one son, Lucian.