William Gary Busey (born June 29, 1944) is an American actor. He portrayed Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story (1978), for which he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor and won the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor.
His other starring roles include A Star Is Born (1976), D.C. Cab (1983), Silver Bullet (1985), Eye of the Tiger (1986), Lethal Weapon (1987), Hider in the House (1989), Predator 2 (1990), Point Break (1991), Under Siege (1992), The Firm (1993), Drop Zone (1994), Black Sheep (1996), and Lost Highway (1997).
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Gary Busey Net Worth
Gary Busey has a net worth of $500 thousand. Gary Busey has been a longtime resident of Malibu, California. He can often be seen out and about grocery shopping and going about his business in Malibu. In 2008, it was reported that Gary had been evicted from his Malibu rental after allegedly failing to pay rent.
Sadly, Gary Busey has experienced some difficult financial times. On February 6, 2012, Gary Busey filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in California, claiming to be more than $500,000 in debt.
Early life
William Gary Busey was born in Goose Creek, Texas. While he was in fourth grade, Busey moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he later attended Bell Junior High School, then graduated from Nathan Hale High School.
Busey attended Coffeyville Community College before attending Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, on a football scholarship, where he became interested in acting. After a knee injury, he transferred to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to study theater. He quit school just one unit short of graduation.
Career
Busey first started working as an entertainer as a drummer in a band in the 1960s and ’70s under the pseudonyms “Teddy Jack Eddy” and “Sprunk.” Busey made his film debut in 1974 in “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot” opposite Clint Eastwood.
He had his breakthrough role in “The Buddy Holly Story” in 1978, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor and won the National Society of Film Critics Best Actor Award. In the 1980s, Busey appeared in films like “Silver Bullet,” “Lethal Weapon,” and many others.
Personal life
Busey has three children: Jake, Alectra, and Luke. On December 4, 1988, Busey was severely injured in a motorcycle accident where he wasn’t wearing a helmet, resulting in a fractured skull and permanent brain damage. In 1996, Busey publicly declared himself a Christian, citing the accident and a 1995 cocaine overdose as events that strengthened his faith.
In 1997, he had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his sinus cavity. Busey also endorsed Newt Gingrich in 2011 and Donald Trump in 2015.
Did Gary Busey have brain surgery?
Gary Busey confirmed that he had brain surgery following a motorcycle wreck. He described his experience, saying, “I’ve been the other side twice. Once death, after the motorcycle wreck and the brain surgery.” He shared that he was surrounded by angels in an unlimited space of time with no concept of time or thought, only feeling, and found it to be a beautiful place to be and to discover who you really are.
Conclusion
Gary Busey’s journey through Hollywood’s highs and lows paints a picture of resilience and versatility. Despite financial and personal setbacks, he has maintained a steady presence in the industry. His story is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of fame and fortune in the entertainment world.
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FAQs about Gary Busey’s Net Worth
- How has Gary Busey earned his net worth?
- Busey’s net worth comes from his extensive career in film and television, as well as earnings from reality TV appearances and endorsements.
- Has Gary Busey’s financial status been stable throughout his career?
- Busey has faced financial instability, including bankruptcy, but has managed to rebuild his wealth over time.
- What are some of Gary Busey’s most notable film roles?
- His roles in “The Buddy Holly Story,” “Lethal Weapon,” and “Point Break” are among his most acclaimed.
- How has Gary Busey’s personal life affected his career?
- Busey’s personal challenges, including his car accident and the loss of his ex-wife, have impacted his public image and career trajectory.
- What is a little-known fact about Gary Busey?
- Aside from acting, Busey is skilled in martial arts, holding black belts in multiple disciplines.
