Gary Busey Biography: William Gary Busey, born on June 29, 1944, is an American actor best known for his portrayal of rock legend Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story (1978). His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and won him the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor.
Gary Busey Biography
Gary Busey, a blonde, fair-skinned actor known for his wide grin and occasionally intense, piercing stare, was born in Goose Creek, Texas, and raised in Oklahoma. He is the son of Sadie Virginia (née Arnett), a homemaker, and Delmar Lloyd Busey, a construction design manager. His ancestry includes English, Irish, Scottish, and German roots.
Gary Busey Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
William Gary Busey
June 29, 1944 Goose Creek, Texas, U.S.
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|---|---|
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1967–present |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 3, including Jake |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Gary Busey
William Gary Busey is an American actor. He portrayed Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story, 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, D.C.
Gary Busey Achievemetns
Busey has starred in numerous films, including 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).
Gary Busey Personal Life
A 1962 graduate of Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa, Busey initially pursued a career in music. A skilled drummer, he performed with several bands and played alongside country music legends such as Leon Russell, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson. Busey made his film debut in Angels Hard as They Come (1971), playing a biker in the low-budget production. Over the next few years, he was frequently cast in roles portraying rough-edged, rebellious, or rural characters.
Gary Busey Wiki
- Born: 29 June 1944 (age 80 years), Baytown, Texas, United States
- Children: Jake Busey, Alectra Busey
- Spouse: Tiani Warden (m. 1996–2001), Judy Helkenberg (m. 1968–1990)
- Partner: Steffanie Sampson
- Height: 1.82 m
Early Life
Gary Busey was born in Goose Creek, Texas. During his childhood, he moved with his family to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he attended Bell Junior High School and later graduated from Nathan Hale High School. He began his college education at Coffeyville Community College and went on to attend Pittsburg State University in Kansas on a football scholarship. It was during this time that he developed an interest in acting. Following a knee injury, he transferred to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater to study theater. Busey eventually left school just one credit short of earning his degree.
Gary Busey Facts
Where does Gary Busey live? And how much money does Gary Busey earn?
| Birth Date | 29-6-1944 |
| Heritage/origin | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion – believes in God? | Christian |
| Residence | He owns a house in Los Angeles, California. |
Gary Busey Net Worth 2025
| Estimated Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Colleagues | Mel Gibson, Keanu Reeves & Tommy Lee Jones |
| Management | Ron Sampson |
Gary Busey: Girlfriend, Dating, Family & Friends
| Relationship status | Dating |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Current Girlfriend of Gary Busey | Steffanie Sampson |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | Judy Helkenberg, Tiani Warden |
| More info | Was previously married and divorced |
| Has any kids? | Yes, father of: Jake Busey, Luke Sampson Busey, Alectra Busey |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Delmer Lloyd Busey (Father)
- Sadie Virginia Arnett (Mother)
- Jake Busey (Son)
- Alectra Busey (Daughter)
- Luke Busey (Son)
- David Busey (Brother)
- Carol Barraza (Sister)
Friends
- Jeff Bridges
- Anzu Lawson
- Nick Nolte
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This talented actor originating from Goose Creek, Texas has a slim body & square face type.
| Hair color | Regular blond |
| Hairstyle | alternative |
| Beard or Mustache | Beardless |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Height | 182 cm |
| Weight | 85 kilo |
| Feet size | N/A |
| Does Gary Busey smoke? | Yes, on occasion |
| Does Gary Busey have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
How did Gary Busey make his money?
Busey made a name for himself as an actor in films including “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot” and “Point Break,” as well as television classics like “Walker, Texas Ranger.” Despite his acting success, though, Busey filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2012, claiming he was more than $500,000 in debt.
Where is Gary Busey originally from?
Gary Busey was born in Goose Creek, Texas, and raised in Oklahoma, where he attended high school and began his early musical career.
How tall is Gary Busey?
Gary Busey stands approximately 182 cm tall, or about 6 feet.
Does Gary Busey have any famous children?
Yes, his son Jake Busey is also a well-known actor, recognized for roles in films such as Starship Troopers and The Frighteners.
Is Gary Busey still in a relationship?
As of 2025, Gary Busey is in a relationship with Steffanie Sampson. The couple has been together for several years and share a son, Luke.
Did Gary Busey have a music career before acting?
Yes, before transitioning into acting, Gary Busey was a professional drummer and performed with country music legends like Leon Russell, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson.
Does Gary Busey have any tattoos?
No, Gary Busey does not have any tattoos.