Net Worth Ranker
What Is Gary Busey’s Net Worth?
Gary Busey, the American actor known for his roles in film and television, has an estimated net worth of $500,000. This figure represents the culmination of his earnings from a career spanning several decades, encompassing roles in iconic movies, television appearances, and even forays into reality television.
Gary Busey’s Early Career and Breakthrough Role
William Gary Busey was born on June 29, 1944, in Goose Creek, Texas. His family relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, during his fourth-grade year, where he attended Bell Junior High School and Nathan Hale High School. His early aspirations were geared towards a career in professional football. He initially enrolled at a community college in Kansas before securing a football scholarship to Pittsburg State University in Kansas. Unfortunately, a knee injury derailed his athletic ambitions. He later transferred to Oklahoma State University, where he pursued his studies but ultimately left one class shy of graduation. It was during his college years that his interest in acting began to take root.
Busey’s entertainment career started as a drummer in the 1960s and 70s, where he performed under the aliases “Teddy Jack Eddy” and “Sprunk”. His official entry into the film industry came in 1974 with a supporting role in “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot,” starring alongside Clint Eastwood. However, it was his portrayal of the title character in “The Buddy Holly Story” in 1978 that marked his breakthrough. This role earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and the Best Actor award from the National Society of Film Critics, catapulting his Gary Busey net worth.
Gary Busey’s Film and Television Career: A Detailed Look
Throughout the 1980s, Busey maintained a consistent presence in film, securing roles in projects such as “Silver Bullet,” “Insignificance,” “Barbarosa,” and “Bulletproof.” He also played a memorable antagonist in the “Lethal Weapon” film series, facing off against characters played by Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. While specific salary figures for these roles aren’t publicly available, his continued work in these projects undoubtedly contributed to his Gary Busey net worth.
The 1990s saw Busey take on roles in a number of prominent films, including “Point Break,” “Predator 2,” “Under Siege,” “Rookie of the Year,” “The Firm,” and “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” Again, specific salary details for each film are not publicly accessible.
In the 2000s, Busey broadened his reach by appearing in the Comedy Central reality show “I’m With Busey,” lending his voice to an episode of “The Simpsons,” and participating in the television mini-series “Into the West,” alongside various other television and film roles. He also provided voiceover work for the game “Grand Theft Auto”. In 2006, Busey appeared in the controversial Turkish film “Valley of the Wolves.” The movie was accused of being fascist, anti-Semitic, and anti-American. In 2007, Busey appeared on three episodes of the HBO series “Entourage.” He also regularly appeared on a number of reality television shows, including “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew,” “Celebrity Apprentice 4”, “Celebrity Apprentice 6,” “Celebrity Paranormal Project,” and “Celebrity Fit Club.” In 2014, he won the U.K. version of “Celebrity Big Brother,” marking the first time an American had achieved this feat.
In 2015, Busey joined the cast of the 21st season of “Dancing with the Stars,” partnered with dancer Anna Trebunskaya. However, they were eliminated in week four of the competition, finishing in 10th place. During the summer of 2019, it was announced that Busey would take on the role of God in the Off-Broadway musical “Only Human.”
The year 2020 saw Busey headlining the television show “Gary Busey: Pet Judge” on Amazon Prime. In this show, Busey presided over a court dealing with disputes related to pets.
While precise details about Busey’s earnings from specific television appearances and voiceover work are not publicly documented, these engagements would have played a role in his overall income and Gary Busey net worth.
Financial Difficulties and Bankruptcy
Despite his successful career, Busey has experienced financial challenges. In 2008, reports surfaced that he had been evicted from his Malibu rental property due to alleged failure to pay rent. On February 6, 2012, he filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in California, citing debts exceeding $500,000. In the bankruptcy filings, Busey declared less than $50,000 in real assets and between $500,000 and $1 million in liabilities to various creditors, including the IRS, Wells Fargo, and UCLA Medical Center. This provides a clear snapshot of Busey’s financial situation at the time, highlighting a period of significant financial strain that impacted his Gary Busey net worth.
Specifically, the documents revealed debts accumulated from various sources. The liabilities included unpaid taxes to the IRS, outstanding balances with Wells Fargo (potentially related to loans or credit), and medical expenses owed to UCLA Medical Center. The fact that these debts amounted to over $500,000 underscores the severity of the situation.
Personal Life and Health Challenges
Busey’s personal life has included marriage to Judy Helkenberg, with whom he has a son, Jake Busey, who was born in 1971. Jake followed in his father’s footsteps and became an actor. Gary and Judy divorced in 1990. He also has a daughter named Alectra from a past relationship and a son named Luke, born to his wife Steffanie Sampson in 2010.
In 1988, Busey sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle accident while not wearing a helmet, resulting in a fractured skull. During brain surgery for a subdural hematoma, he experienced a brief period of death. He has stated that during this time, he had a spiritual experience and received information from “the other side”. Medical professionals have suggested that the accident and subsequent brain surgery may have led to permanent brain damage. He also had a cancerous tumor removed from his sinuses in 1997 and has no sinuses or tear ducts due to cancer. In the 1980s and early 1990s, Busey battled cocaine addiction and overdosed in May 1990, claiming to have remained sober since that day.
Real Estate Holdings
Busey has been a long-time resident of Malibu, California. He can often be seen out and about grocery shopping and going about his business in Malibu. However, there is no publicly available information regarding the specific address or value of any properties he may own.
Gary Busey Net Worth: Summary
In summary, Gary Busey’s estimated net worth is $500,000, reflecting his long and varied career in film, television, and reality shows. Despite periods of financial difficulty, including a bankruptcy filing in 2012, Busey has continued to work in the entertainment industry, contributing to his overall Gary Busey net worth.
