Steven Vincent Buscemi served as a member of New York City Engine Company 55 before establishing a prolific career in American cinema and television. Born in Brooklyn in 1957, his professional trajectory spanned from independent no wave productions and downtown theatre performances to recurring roles in major studio features and prominent television drama series throughout the subsequent decades.
Early Life and Public Service
Raised in a Catholic family, Buscemi attended Valley Stream Central High School in Nassau County. He participated in the school's varsity wrestling team and drama troupe. In 1977, he passed the New York City Firefighter's exam, commencing a four-year tenure with Engine Company 55. Following the September 11 attacks, he returned to the station to assist at the World Trade Center site.
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Before transitioning to film, Buscemi was a regular performer at the Pyramid Cocktail Lounge. He collaborated with Mark Boone Junior on black comedy sketches, including the playlet Two Americans in Paris presented at the La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club. His film debut occurred in the 1985 no wave production The Way It Is or Eurydice in the Avenues, followed by roles in Parting Glances and Miami Vice.
Collaborative Ventures and Cinematic Growth
The 1990 film Miller's Crossing marked the beginning of a long professional association with the Coen brothers, leading to appearances in Barton Fink, Fargo, and The Big Lebowski. Simultaneously, he collaborated with Quentin Tarantino in Reservoir Dogs, where his performance as Mr. Pink earned him an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male in 1992. His output also included work with Adam Sandler, starting with the 1994 film Airheads.
Directing and Television Accomplishments
Buscemi expanded his influence behind the camera, directing films such as Trees Lounge, Animal Factory, and Interview. His television work includes a major role in the 1989 miniseries Lonesome Dove and a performance in The Sopranos, which garnered Emmy nominations. He secured a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Enoch Nucky Thompson in the HBO drama Boardwalk Empire, winning the award in 2011. He later received a Primetime Emmy for his web series Park Bench with Steve Buscemi.
Fast facts
- Born: 1957, Brooklyn, New York
- Education: Valley Stream Central High School, Nassau Community College, Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute
- Fire Service: Engine Company 55
- Golden Globe Award: Best Actor, Motion Picture Drama (2011)
- Independent Spirit Awards: Best Supporting Male (1993, 2002)
- Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series (2011, 2012)
- Directed Films: Trees Lounge (1996), Animal Factory (2000), Interview (2007)
- Citizenship: United States
Questions readers ask
Did Steve Buscemi work as a firefighter?
Yes, he served with Engine Company 55 in New York City for four years and returned temporarily following the September 11 attacks.
What was his first major film role?
He gained significant recognition as Mr. Pink in the 1992 film Reservoir Dogs.
Achievements
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series — 2012
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series — 2012
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama — 2011
- Worked as television actor, film actor and film director
