What's After the Movie
Gary Busey
Gary Busey, born as William Gary Busey on June 29, 1944, is an acclaimed American actor heralded for his dynamic performances in various genres ranging from action-comedies to psychological thrillers. Born in Goose Creek, Texas, Busey nurtured a close affinity to theater after receiving a football scholarship at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. This surfaced after a knee injury compelled him to change his academic pursuits. His initial plunge into show business was not onscreen, rather as a drummer in The Rubber Band. Subsequently, he performed under the pseudonym, Teddy Jack Eddy, on numerous local TV comedy shows. Busey's acting breakthrough came with a memorable role in Michael Cimino's 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot' in 1974. He gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim in 1978 for his portrayal of Buddy Holly in 'The Buddy Holly Story', securing an Academy Award nomination and the National Society of Film Critics' Best Actor award. In the subsequent years, Busey appeared in a slew of successful films, including 'Predator 2', 'Point Break', 'Under Siege', and 'Drop Zone'. His voiceover work in video games like 'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City' reflects his versatility.
A significant turn in his career appeared with the Comedy Central reality show, 'I'm with Busey', in 2003. Other notable roles include the eccentric portrayal of self in HBO's 'Entourage' and struggling lawyer Norman Tugwater in a series of YouTube advertisements. He has also appeared in reality TV shows such as 'Celebrity Apprentice 4' and 'Celebrity Apprentice 6', and won 'Celebrity Big Brother 14' in 2014. Despite facing trials in his personal life, including a life-changing motorcycle accident in 1988, Busey remained firm in his religious belief and claimed being a Christian made him feel 'free to be myself'. Known for his felicity both in front and behind the spotlight, Busey's unadulterated on-screen charisma and well-rounded talents make him a dominant figure in Hollywood's ever-evolving narrative, with a career spanning more than five decades and a stellar legacy that continues to inspire.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Gary Busey, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Gary Busey rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: William Gary Busey
Born: Goose Creek, Texas, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: June 29, 1944
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1967-present
Children: 3
Spouses: Judy Helkenberg, Tiani Warden
External Links and Streaming Options
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Awards and Nominations Received by Gary Busey
Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Gary Busey has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
Movies Featuring Gary Busey
Carny
Under Siege
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot
A Star Is Born
Straight Time
Big Wednesday
The Gumball Rally
Silver Bullet
Predator 2
Barbarosa
Chasers
Black Sheep
The Last American Hero
The Buddy Holly Story
D.C. Cab
Time Warp: The Greatest Cult Films of All-Time Vol. 1: Midnight Madness
2Everything2Terrible2: Tokyo Drift
Matt’s Chance
Bikini Model Academy
Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens
Mamaboy
The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time
Mansion of Blood
Camp Manna
Impractical Jokers: The Staten Island Holiday Spectacular
Hot Boyz
G-Men from Hell
Hooded Angels
Chris Farley: Anything for a Laugh
Tribulation
Down ’n Dirty
Quigley
Border Blues
El padrino: The Latin Godfather
Motocross Kids
Ghost Rock
The Hunters and the Hunted: The Making of ‘Predator 2’
Chasing Ghosts
Into the West
The Gingerdead Man
Crooked
Succubus: Hell-Bent
Homo Erectus
Candiland
A Crack in the Floor
On the Edge
Frost: Portrait of a Vampire
Esenin
Valley of the Wolves: Iraq
The Hard Easy
Maneater
Slap Shot 2: Breaking the Ice
Voices That Care
My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Foolin’ Around
Latin Dragon
Wild Texas Wind
Insignificance
The Follow-Up
Time Warp Vol. 1: Midnight Madness
Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride
Eye of the Tiger
Let’s Get Harry
Act of Piracy
Bulletproof
Hider in the House
Cloud 9
A Dangerous Life
Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride
Eye of the Tiger
Let’s Get Harry
Act of Piracy
Bulletproof
Hider in the House
The Magnificent Seven Ride!
Lolly-Madonna XXX
Hex
The Set-Up
South Beach
Didn’t You Hear?
Cloud 9
Wild in the Streets
Dirty Little Billy
A Dangerous Life
The Real Thing
Breaking Point
Angels Hard as They Come
The Execution of Private Slovik
Canvas
Warriors
Rough Draft
Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang
Suspicious Minds
No Tomorrow
Chrome Soldiers
Rough Riders
The Love-Ins
The History of Rock ’n’ Roll
Plato’s Run
Soldier
Comedy Central Roast of Larry the Cable Guy
Two Shades of Blue
Man with a Gun
Lethal Tender
Hallettsville
Rookie of the Year
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Gary Busey, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2020
Time Warp: The Greatest Cult Films of All-Time Vol. 1: Midnight Madness
Self
The Follow-Up
Self (archive footage)
Time Warp Vol. 1: Midnight Madness
Self
2018
The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time
Wilford Wexler
Camp Manna
Jack Cujo Parrish
Impractical Jokers: The Staten Island Holiday Spectacular
Self
2006
Crooked
John Rouse
Valley of the Wolves: Iraq
Doctor
The Hard Easy
Vinnie
Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride
Self
Cloud 9
Gary Busey
Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride
Self
Cloud 9
Gary Busey
2005
The Hunters and the Hunted: The Making of ‘Predator 2’
Self (archive footage)
Chasing Ghosts
Marcos Alfiri
The Gingerdead Man
Millard Findlemeyer
2004
Border Blues
LAPD medium Michael March
El padrino: The Latin Godfather
Lars
Motocross Kids
Viper
Ghost Rock
Jack Pickett
Latin Dragon
Thorn
1999
Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang
The Hooded Fang
No Tomorrow
Noah
Two Shades of Blue
Jack Reynolds
1991
Voices That Care
Self - Choir Member
My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Clint Hornby
Wild Texas Wind
Justice Parker
1988
Act of Piracy
Ted Andrews
Bulletproof
Frank 'Bulletproof' McBain
Act of Piracy
Ted Andrews
Bulletproof
Frank 'Bulletproof' McBain
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