Net Worth Ranker
What Is Steve Buscemi’s Net Worth?
Steve Buscemi, a multifaceted American talent known for his work as an actor, writer, director, producer, and former firefighter, has amassed a net worth of approximately $35 million. This figure reflects his successful and diverse career spanning several decades.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Steven Vincent Buscemi was born on December 13, 1957, in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in Valley Stream, Nassau County, New York, he attended Valley Stream Central High School, graduating in 1975. Following high school, Buscemi briefly attended Nassau Community College before pursuing acting at the Lee Strasberg Institute in New York City. Before fully dedicating himself to acting, Buscemi took a civil service test and, in 1980, became a New York City firefighter, serving with FDNY’s Engine Co. 55 in Little Italy for four years. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Buscemi returned to Engine Co. 55 to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site, working 12-hour shifts alongside his former colleagues.
Acting Career and Notable Roles
Buscemi’s acting career began with a role in the 1985 film “The Way It Is.” He subsequently appeared in films such as “Parting Glances” (1986) and “Slaves of New York” (1988). In 1990, he played Test Tube in “King of New York” and Mink in the Coen Brothers’ “Miller’s Crossing.” His association with the Coen Brothers continued with “Barton Fink” (1991), where he played Chet, the bellboy. His breakthrough came with his role as Mr. Pink in Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” (1992), followed by an appearance in “Pulp Fiction.”
Buscemi’s roles in “Fargo” as Carl Showalter and as Garland Greene in “Con Air” further solidified his reputation. He also played Donny in “The Big Lebowski,” Rockhound in “Armageddon,” and Seymour in “Ghost World,” for which he received numerous awards. His voice work includes Randall Boggs in “Monsters, Inc.” and “Monsters University,” Templeton the Rat in “Charlotte’s Web,” and Wayne the Werewolf in the “Hotel Transylvania” series.
“The Sopranos” and “Boardwalk Empire”
In 2004, Steve Buscemi joined the cast of “The Sopranos,” where he also directed multiple episodes. His role in “Boardwalk Empire” significantly contributed to his earnings. For “Boardwalk Empire,” Buscemi earned $75,000 per episode. The series ran for five seasons, comprising a total of 56 episodes, resulting in a total income of $4.2 million from the show alone.
Directing Career
In addition to acting, Buscemi has also directed episodes of several television series, including “Homicide: Life on the Street,” “Oz,” “30 Rock,” and “Nurse Jackie,” showcasing his versatility and creative talent behind the camera. In 1996, Steve Buscemi directed his first movie named “Trees Lounge”. The budget was estimated to be $1,300,000.
Real Estate Holdings
In 2009, Steve Buscemi listed his Los Angeles home, located above the Sunset Strip, for $6.25 million. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom property features unobstructed views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. Buscemi renovated and expanded the house during his ownership. He also owns a brownstone on 5th Street in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
Additional Projects
In 2020, Buscemi appeared in “The King of Staten Island,” a biopic about Pete Davidson directed by Judd Apatow. The film also stars Marisa Tomei, Bill Burr, Maude Apatow, and Bel Powley.
Personal Life
Buscemi married artist and choreographer Jo Andres in 1987. Tragically, Jo Andres passed away in early January 2019 at the age of 65 after battling ovarian cancer. They have one son, Lucien, an actor and musician born in 1990.
Other Facts
In April 2001, while filming “Domestic Disturbance” in Wilmington, North Carolina, Buscemi was involved in a bar fight and sustained injuries. Steve Buscemi’s decision to maintain his distinctive smile, despite offers from dentists to correct his teeth, has become an integral part of his brand. His unique appearance has often led to roles as lowlifes, criminals, and losers. After his character was killed off on “The Sopranos,” he resolved to avoid roles where he is killed on screen, stating, “Where does it go after you get killed by Tony Soprano? That should be the cutoff.”
While precise figures for Steve Buscemi’s annual income from his diverse acting, directing, and producing projects are not publicly available, his consistent work in film and television suggests a substantial and steady income stream that contributes significantly to his $35 million net worth. The success of “Boardwalk Empire” and the residuals from his notable film roles, such as in “Reservoir Dogs,” “Fargo,” and “The Big Lebowski,” continue to contribute to his financial stability.
