Gary Busey

A talented musician, Gary Busey had already made his mark as a drummer (playing with his own band as well as musicians such as Leon Russell, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson) when he took Hollywood by storm with his 1978 portrayal of the title character in The Buddy Holly Story.

Born June 29, 1944, in Goose Creek, Texas, Busey spent time on an Oklahoma ranch growing up, learning to ride bulls and acquiring the other cowboy skills that would help land him his debut role in the TV Western "The High Chaparral." After receiving an Oscar nod for his work in The Buddy Holly Story, Busey continued to land important films during the 1970s and '80s, including Big Wednesday and Lethal Weapon.

In more recent years, Busey has played the villain to perfection in films such as Hider in the House (1989) and Under Siege (1992). In 2006, he lent his voice to Dr. Dolittle 3.

Filmography