Gary Busey (born June 29, 1944 in Goose Creek, Texas ) is an American film actor.

He began his show-business career as a drummer in The Rubber Band .

In film, Busey is often cast as a rebel of some sort. Many consider his most noteworthy role as Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story, for which he received an Oscar nomination.

Busey attended Pittsburg State University in Pittsburgh, Kansas, where he became interested in acting. He is listed as one of the university's "outstanding alumni." Busey began his career in television guest roles. For example, he was the last person killed on the last episode of Bonanza.

In 1988, Busey was severely injured in a motorcycle accident in which he was not wearing a helmet. His skull was fractured and doctors feared he suffered permanent brain damage. Busey made a remarkable recovery, however, and encouraged all cyclists to wear helmets. Busey had also been a heavy drug user and in 1995 almost died from a cocaine overdose. Only prompt medical attention saved his life and he narrowly escaped going to jail. Busey claimed that he suffered a terrifying near death experience in which he saw hell and the devil. He was so affected that he announced he had become a born-again Christian. He joined a group called Promise Keepers and preached against drug abuse.

In 1990, Busey co-starred next to Danny Glover in Predator 2.

In the summer of 2003, Gary Busey starred in the 13-episode reality show I'm with Busey on Comedy Central.

Often, people confuse Gary Busey with Nick Nolte, much the same way they confuse Bill Paxton with Bill Pullman.

External links

• I'm with Busey homepage