Gary Busey: Movies, Awards & Box Office
- films
- 109
- on screen
- 1967–2020
- box office
- $535M
- nominations
- 3
- average score
- 62
- Born
- June 29, 1944 (age 82)
- Birthplace
- Goose Creek, Texas, U.S.
- Full name
- William Gary Busey
- Citizenship
- American
- Occupations
- Actor
- Years active
- 1967-present
- Spouses
- Judy Helkenberg, Tiani Warden
- Children
- 3
The Best Gary Busey Movies
The films of Gary Busey that made the most at the worldwide box office, biggest first: Under Siege (1992) leads with $157M. The full ranking adds the most awarded films and the newest releases.
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Worldwide box office: $157M Under Siege 1992 · Action -
Worldwide box office: $80M A Star Is Born 1976 · Drama -
Worldwide box office: $57.1M Predator 2 1990 · Action -
Worldwide box office: $56.5M Rookie of the Year 1993 · Family -
Worldwide box office: $32.4M Black Sheep 1996 · Comedy -
Worldwide box office: $28.7M Drop Zone 1994 · Action
Gary Busey's Career in Numbers
Gary Busey's films in numbers — as an actor, not counting appearances as themselves: when they were made, the genres Gary Busey works in most and the milestones along the way. The filmography runs from The Love-Ins (1967) to Chris Farley: Anything for a Laugh (2019), and the 1990s were the busiest decade.
Gary Busey Movies by Decade
- 1960s 2
- 1970s 16
- 1980s 13
- 1990s 31
- 2000s 28
- 2010s 10
The 1990s were Gary Busey's busiest decade, with 31 films.
Gary Busey Movies by Genre
- Drama 25
- Action 24
- Horror 10
- Comedy 9
- Thriller 8
- Western 5
- Fantasy 4
- Tv movie 3
- Crime 2
- Family 2
Drama is the genre Gary Busey has worked in most, with 25 films, ahead of action (24).
Gary Busey Career Milestones
- First film
- The Love-Ins 1967
- Biggest box office hit
- Under Siege $157M worldwide
- Best-rated film
- The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time Movie Echo Score 47
- Newest film
- Chris Farley: Anything for a Laugh 2019
Gary Busey Filmography: Every Movie
Every film Gary Busey is credited on, newest first, with the role, the box office and the Movie Echo Score. Rated films average a score of 62. Re-order the list to see the best-rated films or the biggest hits first.
Gary Busey Movies as an Actor
100- 2019
Chris Farley: Anything for a Laugh Tv movie - 2018
The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time as Wilford Wexler · Tv movie Movie Echo Score: 47 - 2018
Camp Manna as Jack Cujo Parrish · Comedy - 2016
Mamaboy as Coach Dombrowski · Fantasy - 2016
Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens as Wilford Wexler · Sci-Fi - 2016
Candiland as Arnie/God · Drama - 2015
Bikini Model Academy as Uncle Seymore · Comedy - 2015
Mansion of Blood as Zacharia · Horror - 2013
Matt’s Chance as Bill · Drama - 2010
2Everything2Terrible2: Tokyo Drift as (archive footage) · Documentary - 2009
Hallettsville as Sheriff David Ketchum · Horror - 2007
Maneater as Grady Barnes · Thriller - 2007
Homo Erectus as Krutz · Comedy Worldwide box office: $99.7K - 2007
Succubus: Hell-Bent as Sentinel · Horror - 2006
The Hard Easy as Vinnie · Drama - 2006
Valley of the Wolves: Iraq as Doctor · Drama Worldwide box office: $23.5M - 2006
Crooked as John Rouse · Thriller - 2006
Cloud 9 as Gary Busey · Comedy - 2006
Cloud 9 as Gary Busey · Comedy - 2005
The Gingerdead Man as Millard Findlemeyer · Horror - 2005
Chasing Ghosts as Marcos Alfiri · Crime - 2005
Into the West as Johnny Fox · Drama - 2005
Esenin as Зингер (бывший муж Дункан) · Mystery - 2004
Motocross Kids as Viper · Family Worldwide box office: $2.46K - 2004
El padrino: The Latin Godfather as Lars · Action - 2004
Latin Dragon as Thorn · Action - 2004
Ghost Rock as Jack Pickett · Western - 2004
Border Blues as LAPD medium Michael March · Thriller - 2003
Frost: Portrait of a Vampire as Micah · Horror - 2003
Quigley as Archie Channing · Fantasy - 2002
On the Edge as Felix · Action - 2002
Hooded Angels as Sheriff · Action - 2002
Slap Shot 2: Breaking the Ice as Richmond Claremont · Comedy - 2001
Down ’n Dirty as D. A. Mickey Casey · Action - 2001
A Crack in the Floor as Tyler Trout · Horror - 2000
G-Men from Hell as Lt. Langdon · Comedy - 2000
Hot Boyz as Tully · Action - 2000
Tribulation as Tom Canboro · Drama - 1999
No Tomorrow as Noah · Action - 1999
Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang as The Hooded Fang · Fantasy - 1999
The Girl Next Door as Sheriff Larson · Romance Worldwide box office: $772K - 1999
Two Shades of Blue as Jack Reynolds · Thriller - 1998
Soldier as Church · Action Worldwide box office: $14.6M - 1998
Universal Soldier II: Brothers in Arms as Otto Mazur · Action - 1998
Rough Draft as Nelson Keece · Horror - 1997
Plato’s Run as Plato · Thriller - 1997
Steel Sharks as Cmdr. Bill McKay · Adventure - 1997
Suspicious Minds as Vic Mulvey · Thriller - 1997
Lethal Tender as Mr. Turner · Action - 1997
Rough Riders as Gen. Joseph Wheeler · Drama - 1996
The Chain as Frank Morrisey · Action - 1996
Sticks & Stones as Book's Dad · Drama - 1996 Black Sheep Comedy Worldwide box office: $32.4M
- 1996
Carried Away as Major Nathan Wheeler · Drama Worldwide box office: $291K - 1996
The Real Thing as Foreman · Crime - 1995
Man with a Gun as Jack Rushton · Thriller - 1995
The History of Rock ’n’ Roll as Narrator · Music - 1994 Drop Zone as Ty Moncrief · Action Worldwide box office: $28.7M
- 1994
Warriors as Frank Vail · Action - 1994
Chasers Action Worldwide box office: $1.6M - 1994
Breaking Point as Dwight · Thriller - 1993
South Beach as Lenny · Action - 1993 Rookie of the Year as Chet Steadman · Family Worldwide box office: $56.5M
- 1992 Under Siege Action Worldwide box office: $157M
- 1992
Canvas as Ozzy Decker · Drama - 1992
Chrome Soldiers as Jim 'Flash' Gordon · Tv movie - 1991
Wild Texas Wind as Justice Parker · Drama - 1991
My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys as Clint Hornby · Western Worldwide box office: $3.6M - 1990 Predator 2 Action Worldwide box office: $57.1M
- 1989
Hider in the House as Tom Sykes · Horror - 1988
Act of Piracy as Ted Andrews · Action - 1988
Bulletproof as Frank 'Bulletproof' McBain · Action Worldwide box office: $808K - 1988
A Dangerous Life as Tony O'Neil · Drama - 1986
Let’s Get Harry as Jack · Action - 1986
Eye of the Tiger as Buck Matthews · Action - 1986
Eye of the Tiger as Buck Matthews · Action - 1985
Silver Bullet Horror Worldwide box office: $12.4M - 1985
Insignificance as The Ballplayer · Drama - 1983
D.C. Cab Action Worldwide box office: $16.1M - 1982
Barbarosa Western Worldwide box office: $1.74M - 1980
Foolin’ Around as Wes · Romance - 1980
Carny Drama Worldwide box office: $1.82M - 1978
The Set-Up Drama - 1978
Big Wednesday Drama Worldwide box office: $1.5K - 1978
The Buddy Holly Story Biography Worldwide box office: $14.4M - 1978
Straight Time Drama Worldwide box office: $9.9M - 1976 A Star Is Born Drama Worldwide box office: $80M
- 1976
The Gumball Rally Comedy - 1974
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot Drama Worldwide box office: $21.7M - 1974
The Execution of Private Slovik as Jimmy Feedek · Drama - 1973
Blood Sport as David Lee Birdsong · Drama - 1973
Hex as Giblets · Horror - 1973
The Last American Hero Drama - 1973
Lolly-Madonna XXX as Zeb Gutshall · Drama - 1972
Dirty Little Billy as Basil Crabtree · Western - 1972
The Magnificent Seven Ride! as Hank Allan · Western - 1971
Angels Hard as They Come as Henry · Action - 1970
Didn’t You Hear? as James · Fantasy - 1968
Wild in the Streets as Concert Attendee (uncredited) · Drama - 1967
The Love-Ins as Hippie with Loudspeaker (uncredited) · Drama
Gary Busey in Documentaries & Specials
9- 2020
Time Warp: The Greatest Cult Films of All-Time Vol. 1: Midnight Madness as Self · Documentary Movie Echo Score: 77 - 2020
Time Warp Vol. 1: Midnight Madness as Self · Documentary - 2020
The Follow-Up as Self (archive footage) · Comedy - 2018
Impractical Jokers: The Staten Island Holiday Spectacular as Self · Comedy - 2009
Comedy Central Roast of Larry the Cable Guy as Self · Comedy - 2006
Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride as Self · Documentary - 2005
The Hunters and the Hunted: The Making of ‘Predator 2’ as Self (archive footage) · Documentary - 1991
Voices That Care as Self - Choir Member · Documentary - 1979
The Muppets Go Hollywood as Self · Music
Gary Busey: Awards & Nominations
3 nominations across 3 award bodies, from 1979 to 1980. Every ceremony is listed newest first, with the category and the film.
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BAFTA 1 nomination -
Oscars 1 nomination -
Golden Globes 1 nomination
- 33rd British Academy Film Awards
- Gary Busey: Nominated Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles The Buddy Holly Story
- 51st Academy Awards
- Gary Busey: Nominated Best Actor The Buddy Holly Story
- 36th Golden Globe Awards
- Gary Busey: Nominated Best Actor – Comedy or Musical The Buddy Holly Story
Who Is Gary Busey?
Gary Busey was born in Goose Creek, Texas, U.S. in 1944 and is 82 years old. Credited on films since 1967, as an actor. The background, training and the roles that shaped the career.
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.
Who Gary Busey Makes Movies With
The actors and directors Gary Busey shares the most films with. Jeff Bridges comes first, with 5 films together, followed by Ed Lauter (4).
Gary Busey: Questions & Answers
How many movies Gary Busey has made, the biggest hit, the best-rated film, the award record and more, answered from the filmography above.
How many movies has Gary Busey been in?
Gary Busey is credited on 109 films, from 1967 to 2020. The filmography on this page lists every one of them, newest first, with the role and the Movie Echo Score.
What is Gary Busey's highest-grossing movie?
Under Siege (1992) is Gary Busey's biggest box office hit, with $157M worldwide, ahead of A Star Is Born (1976) ($80M). Across every film with box office figures, Gary Busey's movies have made $535M.
Gary Busey's biggest hits What is the best Gary Busey movie?
By the Movie Echo Score, which blends critic reviews, audience ratings and lasting impact, Gary Busey's best-rated film is Time Warp: The Greatest Cult Films of All-Time Vol. 1: Midnight Madness (2020) with a score of 77, followed by The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time (2018) (47).
Best Gary Busey movies, ranked Has Gary Busey won an Oscar?
Gary Busey has been nominated for an Oscar but has not won one yet. Across every ceremony in the awards database, Gary Busey has 0 wins from 3 nominations.
How old is Gary Busey?
Gary Busey is 82 years old, born on June 29, 1944 in Goose Creek, Texas, U.S..
What is Gary Busey's newest movie?
The most recent film on Gary Busey's filmography is Time Warp: The Greatest Cult Films of All-Time Vol. 1: Midnight Madness (2020), in the role of Self.
Who does Gary Busey work with most often?
Gary Busey shares the most films with Jeff Bridges (5 films), Ed Lauter (4 films) and Tom Arnold (4 films).
The Best Gary Busey Movies, Ranked
Top rated, most awarded and biggest box office hits from 109 credits.
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