“When I was a fireman I was in a lot of burning buildings. It was a great job, the only job I ever had that compares with the thrill of acting. Before going into a fire, there's the same surge of adrenaline you get just before the camera rolls.” —Buscemi

Steve Buscemi has been called every name in the book, from funny looking to just plain ugly. By the same token, though, he has also received such titles as "The Most Important Actor in American Independent Film" and "The Coolest American Actor." With over fifty film roles to his credit since 1986, his lack of striking good looks doesn't seem to be getting in his way. Buscemi has worked with such well-known directors as Quentin Tarantino (twice), Jim Jarmusch (thrice), and the brothers Coen (five times), and also has a filmmaking credit of his own for directing, writing and producing Trees Lounge.

Born in 1958 in Brooklyn, New York, but raised on Long Island, Steve Buscemi's interest in theater took shape while in high school. After one semester in college, he moved to Manhattan and began studying at the famed Lee Strasberg Institute. Taking his father's advice, Steve became a New York firefighter, working in the firehouse by day, while surprising off-broadway audiences at night. His first film break came when Bill Sherwood noticed him, and cast Steve in the film Parting Glances, and thus began his career in independent films. With his success in the film, Buscemi quit his job at the firehouse to focus on his acting full-time.

Now a successful and accomplished actor, Buscemi's roles have moved over into mainstream films, such as "Armegeddon" and "The Wedding Singer," although he still seems to prefer roles in independent film. With all those film credits under his belt, Steve Buscemi is still a relatively unknown name to most. However, if you show people his photo, you will hear "Isnt that the guy from Fargo?" or "Oh, Mr. Pink, right?" Gee, what does a guy have to do to get some respect?

Around the New York area, though, he now has a new name - Hero. After the tragedy on September 11th, Buscemi ran to his old firehouse, grabbed a uniform and immediately went to work down at "Ground Zero" and has continued to work at the site since. —May Seckular

Desperado (1995)

It's been said that Steve Buscemi steals every film he's been in. In "Desperado," he was the only thing that was keeping it afloat - so his character is gone halfway through the film. Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek. If you are interested in watching (not listening to, but watching) these two, then "Desperado" is the film to rent.

Steve Buscemi is the one bright spot in the film, playing the role of Banderas' best friend. In an amusing opening sequence, Buscemi tells tall stories and nearly insults the bartender (Cheech Marin) along with a whole saloon full of easily angered patrons. As one critic wrote, "It's too bad Buscemi's character doesn't survive more than half the film; he's the liveliest thing in it."

If "Desperado" is airing on cable, and you have nothing better to watch, tune in for the first half and then grab for the TV Guide. I don't know if I would even recommend renting this one. Unless, of course, you are interested in oggling Banderas or Hayek...or Buscemi!

Trees Lounge (1996)

Tommy has wasted more than one afternoon in the local Long Island watering hole. What's a goal-less guy without a job to do? Sell ice cream and hit on young girls, of course.

While this film may not be for everyone (it's humorous in a sad sort of way),Trees Lounge features one of Buscemi's best performances. He also enlists several well-known friends to as characters. If you want to know who, you need to rent the film!

Fargo (1996)

Buscemi plays a kidnapper turned murderer when he and his partner embark on a simple kidnapping that turns out to be anything but. Buscemi shows his range in Fargo, from serious to oddball to just plain evil. Here, his character is having a hard time coming to terms with the mess he and his partner have gotten themselves in.

When the thugs murder a state trooper and two innocent bystanders on the side of the road, pregnant Police Chief Marge Gunderson (Frances Mcdormand) gets her first homicide investigation. As the murder investigation unfolds, the connection between the two crimes becomes evident, and the real fun begins.

"Fargo" is quirky and witty, and features excellent performances by McDormand and Buscemi.