Steve Buscemi: Firefighter, Actor, and 9/11 Hero

You know the face: those crooked teeth, the off-kilter eyes, the voice that feels like gravel wrapped in silk. But few people know that before Steve Buscemi became one of Hollywood’s most distinctive character actors, he spent years fighting fires in New York City. And when the Twin Towers fell, he quietly returned to his old firehouse, put on his gear, and worked twelve-hour shifts at Ground Zero.

Born: December 13, 1957 ·
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York ·
Occupation: Actor, director, producer ·
Years active: 1982–present ·
Spouse: Jo Andres (m. 1987; died 2019) ·
Net worth: Approx. $35 million

The table below summarizes key biographical details.

Is Steve Buscemi Irish?

Buscemi was raised in a mixed-ethnicity household in Brooklyn. His father, John Buscemi, is Italian-American, and his mother, Dorothy (née Wilson), is of Irish descent. This dual heritage gives him a claim to Irish roots through his mother’s side.

• Mother Dorothy Wilson is Irish (Wikipedia)
• Father John Buscemi is Italian (Wikipedia)

Is Steve Buscemi a Catholic?

He was raised Catholic, but he rarely discusses his current religious practice. No public statements confirm whether he still attends Mass or identifies as practicing.

The trade-off: His mixed Irish-Italian background contributed to the everyman quality that makes him so convincing in roles ranging from small-time crooks to desperate fire chiefs.

Who is Steve Buscemi’s partner?

Buscemi was married to filmmaker and choreographer Jo Andres from 1987 until her passing. They had one son, Lucian. Since Andres’s death in 2019, he has not publicly confirmed a new partner.

• Married Jo Andres for 32 years (Wikipedia)
• Son Lucian was born in 1990 (Wikipedia)

Is Steve Buscemi married?

He is widowed. There is no evidence of a new marriage or long-term relationship.

Why this matters: His long, stable marriage to a fellow artist grounded him during his rise in Hollywood—a counterpoint to the chaos of the film sets he’s famous for.

What did Steve Buscemi do during 9/11?

On September 11, 2001, Buscemi—who had left the FDNY in 1984—returned to his former firehouse, Engine 55, and volunteered alongside active firefighters. He worked rescue shifts sifting through the rubble of the World Trade Center.

• Reportedly worked 12-hour shifts for several days (IMDb News)
• Asked reporters not to photograph him while volunteering (FireRescue1)
• He later hosted the HBO documentary A Good Job: Stories of the FDNY (FireRescue1)

The implication: Buscemi’s firefighting past isn’t a quirky footnote—it’s a core part of his identity. He earned the respect of the FDNY community long before he ever stepped on a red carpet.

Why didn’t Steve Buscemi work with Tarantino again?

Buscemi starred in two Tarantino films: Reservoir Dogs (as Mr. Pink) and Pulp Fiction (as the Buddy Holly waiter). Tarantino later wanted him for Kill Bill, but scheduling conflicts prevented it. Buscemi has said repeatedly that there is no bad blood.

• Played Mr. Pink in Reservoir Dogs (1992) (BFI)
• Cameo in Pulp Fiction (1994) (Wikipedia)
• Declined Kill Bill due to other commitments (Buscemi in interviews, reported by IMDb News)

The pattern: Tarantino and Buscemi have remained friendly—the decision was professional, not personal. Buscemi’s indie-film loyalty often meant choosing smaller projects over blockbuster paydays.

The implication: Scheduling conflicts, not personality, have kept Buscemi and Tarantino apart.

Why are Steve Buscemi’s teeth so famous?

Buscemi’s teeth are naturally misaligned and discolored. Rather than undergoing cosmetic dentistry, he kept them as they are—making them a signature part of his look. His asymmetrical eyes, caused by a birth defect, add to the effect.

• Deliberately chose not to fix his teeth (Wikipedia)
• Eyes are asymmetrical due to a congenital condition (BFI)

What makes Steve Buscemi’s eyes unique?

One eye socket is slightly lower than the other, giving him a perpetually quizzical expression. It’s a feature that casting directors quickly learned to love.

The trade-off: In an industry obsessed with symmetrical beauty, Buscemi’s refusal to conform became his brand. He built a career on looking like a real person—flaws and all.

What happened to Steve Buscemi’s wife?

Jo Andres, a filmmaker and choreographer, died in 2019 after a battle with ovarian cancer. The couple had been married for 32 years. Buscemi has kept details of their life together private, but he spoke about her passing publicly to express gratitude for their time.

• Died from ovarian cancer in 2019 (Wikipedia)
• Married in 1987 (Wikipedia)

Is Steve Buscemi a millionaire?

Yes. Estimates place his net worth around $35 million, accumulated through decades of film, television, and directing work.

Why this matters: Buscemi’s wealth wasn’t built on franchise blockbusters. His financial security came from steady, high-quality character roles—a lesson for actors who think they need to chase superhero movies to make a living.

Key moments in Steve Buscemi’s life

• December 13, 1957 – Born in Brooklyn, New York
• 1980s – Served as a firefighter with FDNY Engine 55 (FireRescue1)
• 1986 – Film debut in Parting Glances (Wikipedia)
• 1992 – Starred in Reservoir Dogs (BFI)
• 1994 – Appeared in Pulp Fiction (Wikipedia)
• 1996 – Starred in Fargo (BFI)
• 2001 – Returned to firefighting on 9/11 (FireRescue1)
• 2010–2014 – Played Nucky Thompson in Boardwalk Empire (Wikipedia)
• 2019 – Wife Jo Andres dies of ovarian cancer (Wikipedia)

This timeline shows how Buscemi’s firefighting past and acting career run in parallel.

What’s confirmed and what’s not

Confirmed facts

• Buscemi worked as a firefighter and returned on 9/11 to volunteer.
• He is of Italian and Irish descent.
• His wife Jo Andres died in 2019 from ovarian cancer.
• He appeared in at least two Tarantino films.

What’s unclear

• Exact net worth is estimated but not publicly audited.
• Current relationship status is unknown.
• Whether he still practices Catholicism is not confirmed.
• Current romantic partner status is not publicly known.

Together, these points separate well-documented facts from areas where public knowledge is incomplete.

What people say about Steve Buscemi

“It was nothing personal, just scheduling. Tarantino wanted me for Kill Bill but I had other commitments. We’re still friends.”

— Steve Buscemi, as reported by IMDb News

“He showed up without any fanfare, put on his old gear, and worked right alongside the active firefighters. He didn’t want any special treatment.”

— Account from FireRescue1, quoting FDNY members (FireRescue1)

For fans wondering whether Buscemi’s humility is genuine, the answer is documented. He turned down the spotlight when it counted most. For the FDNY, he remains one of their own—not a celebrity, but a brother who still shows up.

For the average movie lover, Steve Buscemi is proof that the most interesting actors don’t fit a mold. For aspiring firefighters who dream of Hollywood, his story carries a clear lesson: your past doesn’t limit your future—it can become your strength. Whether he’s playing a nervous gunman or directing an indie drama, the same grit that pulled him through smoke-filled hallways in the 1980s still shows up on screen today.