William Gary Busey Biography

William Gary Busey, better known to his fans as Gary Busey, is an actor who has portrayed versatile roles both on the stage and in films. Blessed with a big toothy grin and gravelly voice, the actor has got looks that make him very suitable for playing weird and crazy characters which he did in movies like ‘Lethal Weapon’ and ‘Under Siege’. He began his professional career as a drummer playing under the name Teddy Jack Eddy before gradually moving on to acting. While in Tulsa, he was cast as Sprunk in a local television comedy show called ‘The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting’. His film career began with the biker movie titled ‘Angels Hard as They Come’ which led to other minor roles in films like ‘Dirty Little Billy’ and ‘Hex’. A big breakthrough happened when he was cast in the leading role in ‘The Buddy Holly Story’ as the rock musician Buddy Holly. A musician himself, he performed his own songs—a fact that was much appreciated by the film critics. He earned an Academy Award nomination for this role and the talented actor seemed poised to achieve greater success. Unfortunately he became a victim to cocaine addiction which marred his life and career and prevented him from realizing his full potential.