Steve Buscemi Biography

Steve Buscemi has appeared in more than 80 films, but he is best remembered for playing creepy criminals such as Mr. Pink in Reservoir Dogs (1994, by Quentin Tarantino) and Carl the kidnapper in Fargo (1996, by the Coen brothers). Buscemi, a former New York City fireman (1980-84) broke into films with a leading role in Parting Glances (1986). During the ’80s and ’90s he earned a reputation as the “king of the indies” for his many appearances in small, independently produced movies. Buscemi usually plays squirrelly, “funny looking” guys and has appeared many times in movies by Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, as well as films by the Coen brothers, including Miller’s Crossing (1990), Barton Fink (1991) and The Big Lebowski (1998). The kind of actor who makes even small roles memorable, he has also appeared in mainstream blockbusters such as Con Air (1997, with Nicolas Cage), Armageddon (1998, with Bruce Willis) and The Island (2005, with Ewan McGregor). Buscemi has also done voice work, including Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001), Monsters, Inc. (2001, with John Goodman), Monster House (2006) and Charlotte’s Web (2006, with Julia Roberts). Besides being a busy actor, Buscemi has directed television shows and feature films, including The Sopranos (2003; he also played the character Tony Blundetto) and Trees Lounge (1996). His films include Desperado (1995, starring Antonio Banderas), Airheads (1994), Tim Burton‘s Big Fish (2004) and Romance & Cigarettes (2005, starring James Gandolfini). He landed the lead role in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire in 2009.