Steve Buscemi: 9/11 Firefighter, Actor, and His Famous Smile

There’s a reason Steve Buscemi’s face sticks with you long after the credits roll. But behind those unmistakable features lies a story that few know: before he became one of Hollywood’s most respected character actors, he served as a firefighter with the FDNY—and on September 11, 2001, he returned to his old firehouse to help. This article traces the many dimensions of Buscemi’s life, from his Brooklyn upbringing and breakthrough roles to his private acts of service and the public moments that shaped his image.

Born: December 13, 1957 · Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA · Occupation: Actor, Director, Producer · Active Since: 1985 · Emmy Awards: 2 · Golden Globe Awards: 1

A handful of key details anchor Buscemi’s public record and provide a reliable foundation for understanding his life.

Is Steve Buscemi Irish?

Buscemi’s surname often triggers the question, but the answer is layered. His father, John Buscemi, is of Italian descent. His mother, Dorothy Wilson, has English and Irish ancestry. That makes him part Irish on his mother’s side. He was raised Catholic but does not actively practice. The mix of Italian and Irish heritage is common in New York, but Buscemi rarely discusses it in interviews.

Is Steve Buscemi a Catholic?

He was baptised and raised in the Catholic faith, but by his own account he is not a practicing Catholic today. No recent public statements indicate a formal break with the church, but he does not engage in religious activities publicly.

What did Steve Buscemi do during 9/11?

Few stories define Buscemi’s public character more than his quiet heroism on September 11, 2001. Having served as a firefighter with FDNY Engine 55 from 1980 to 1984 (CBS News), he returned to his old firehouse the day after the attacks and volunteered. He worked 12-hour shifts for several days searching for survivors at Ground Zero (The Independent). In a 2021 interview with Deadline, he recalled the physical and emotional toll, saying he simply “wanted to help.” For years, he kept his involvement private; the story only became widely known when a former firefighter posted about it on social media. He has also supported charities for first responders, including Friends of Firefighters (former firefighter’s Facebook post).

“I just wanted to help … I knew those guys.”

— Steve Buscemi, via The Independent

Why are Steve Buscemi’s teeth so famous?

Buscemi’s crooked, prominent teeth have become a trademark—almost as recognizable as his roles. He has said that dentists offered to fix them, but he deliberately chose not to. The reason: they added authenticity to his character roles, especially for working-class or eccentric parts. His smile has appeared in films like Fargo, The Big Lebowski, and Reservoir Dogs, becoming a visual shorthand for the off-center humanity he brings to every performance. No dental procedures have been confirmed; he appears to have kept his natural teeth throughout his career.

Who is Steve Buscemi’s partner?

Buscemi was married to Jo Andres, a filmmaker and choreographer, from 1987 until her death in 2019 (TV Guide). The couple had one son, Lucian. Andres died at age 65 from a rare disease. Buscemi has not remarried or publicly confirmed a new partner since her death. He has spoken very little about his personal life, maintaining a private stance that matches his post-9/11 humility.

What happened to Steve Buscemi’s wife?

Jo Andres passed away in 2019. The cause was a rare disease, though the exact condition has not been widely reported. Buscemi has not commented extensively on the loss, and friends say he has remained focused on his son and his work.

The implication: his resilience in private hardship deepens the authenticity he brings to every role.

What happened to Steve Buscemi?

In May 2024, Buscemi was assaulted in New York City. He sustained a black eye and facial cuts, but the injuries were not life-threatening. The attacker was arrested and charged. The incident drew attention because of Buscemi’s iconic status and because it happened on the streets of the city he had served as a firefighter. He has not publicly dwelled on the event. The assault came five years after the death of his wife, Jo Andres, making the past five years a period of significant personal hardship.

Buscemi’s life has been shaped by contrasts: the firefighter who became a movie star, the private man who endured public loss, the actor who kept his teeth as a badge of authenticity. For anyone looking to understand what genuine character looks like in Hollywood, Steve Buscemi’s journey reminds us that the most compelling roles are often the ones that mirror real integrity.

Related reading: Explore the life of another iconic actor in Ian Holm: Biography, Cause of Death, and Iconic Roles, or read about a different kind of pre-fame journey in Anthony Bourdain: Cause of Death, Life, and Legacy.