Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Actor

Steve Buscemi

Steve Buscemi is an American actor, director, and producer known for character roles in independent films and mainstream movies.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Steve Buscemi is an American actor known for playing eccentric characters in films like *Reservoir Dogs* and *Fargo*. He has also had notable television roles in *The Sopranos* and *Boardwalk Empire*.

Who is Steve Buscemi?

Steven Vincent Buscemi was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 13, 1957. He is best known for character roles in independent and mainstream films, often playing fast-talking, eccentric, or criminal figures. Before acting, he worked as a New York City firefighter.

Career highlights

Buscemi rose to fame through collaborations with the Coen brothers and Quentin Tarantino, appearing in *Reservoir Dogs*, *Fargo*, and *The Big Lebowski*. His television work includes acclaimed roles in *The Sopranos* and *Boardwalk Empire*. He has also directed and produced films.

Personal life and firefighting

Buscemi married artist Jo Andres in 1987; they had one son, Lucian, and she died in 2019. He later married Karen Ho in 2025. After the September 11 attacks, he returned to volunteer with his former fire department.

In short

  • Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1957.
  • Known for character roles in independent and mainstream films.
  • Worked as a firefighter in NYC before acting.
  • Widely recognized for TV roles in *The Sopranos* and *Boardwalk Empire*.
Canadian angle

Buscemi’s films and television work have been widely distributed in Canada, and he remains a familiar figure to Canadian audiences through major American film and TV releases.

Quick questions

How old is Steve Buscemi?
Steve Buscemi was born on December 13, 1957, which makes him 68 years old as of 2026.
What movies is Steve Buscemi in?
His filmography includes *Reservoir Dogs*, *Fargo*, *The Big Lebowski*, *Ghost World*, *Armageddon*, *Con Air*, *Big Fish*, *Desperado*, and *Spy Kids 2*.
Was Steve Buscemi a firefighter?
Yes. He worked as a firefighter in New York City before becoming widely known as an actor.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Buscemi
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupation, spouse history, firefighting background, age calculation, selected film and television credits.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Steve-Buscemi
    Supports: Birth details, occupation, acting style, notable films, marriage to Jo Andres, and son.
  3. Simple English Wikipedia — https://www.simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Buscemi
    Supports: Former firefighter status, selected roles, marriage to Jo Andres, and son.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000114/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, spouse, child, and age listing.
  5. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/steve-buscemis
    Supports: Firefighter background, notable films and TV work, marriage to Jo Andres, and son.