You might know Gary Busey best from his unforgettable performances in The Buddy Holly Story, where he earned an Oscar nomination, his iconic role in Lethal Weapon, or even his wild antics with Meat Loaf on Celebrity Apprentice. But let me tell you, his real-life story is even more dramatic and inspiring. At 74 years old, Gary has survived so much—bankruptcies, two divorces, battles with addiction, cancer under his left eye, and a life-altering brain injury from a devastating motorcycle accident in 1988. And yet, here he is, standing tall and sharing his story with the world.
“I’m still walking around, embracing the incredible gift of life and understanding its eternal significance,” Gary told Closer Weekly exclusively in their latest issue, now available on newsstands. He uses one of his unique acronyms from his memoir, Buseyisms: Gary Busey’s Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, to express his profound perspective: "LIFE stands for Living In Forever Eternity.”
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What makes Gary truly happy these days? Beyond his adult children—actor Jake Busey, 47, and photographer Alectra Hutchinson-Busey, 24—he’s found love again with his partner of ten years, Steffanie Sampson, 44, and their son, Luke, 8. Writing the book alongside Steffanie has shown him the immense strength, courage, and resilience within himself. “I refuse to accept defeat,” he says. “I choose to stay in the light, not the darkness.” Keep scrolling for an exclusive Q&A with Gary!
So Gary, you’ve been through so much in life!
This book is my journey, laid bare for everyone to see. My soulmate, Steffanie, who’s also the mother of our son, wrote the book. She used recordings of me talking and crafted it into something beautiful. It’s not just about my victories; it’s also about my defeats, my struggles, and my triumphs. From battling cancer in my face to surviving a headfirst fall off a Harley Davidson without a helmet, this book dives deep into it all.
You’ve spoken about the tough discipline from your father, yet you forgave him. How did you come to that place?
Forgiveness isn’t just a gift to others—it’s a gift to yourself. The discipline I experienced growing up wasn’t malicious; it was rooted in the military mindset my dad brought home from World War II. Looking back, I understand where he was coming from, and I’ve learned to love him for who he was. He shaped me in ways I couldn’t fully appreciate at the time.
When you heard about your Oscar nomination for Best Actor, what was going through your mind?
Let me tell you, I wasn’t surprised at all. I knew it was coming, so I was completely calm. It was 5 a.m., and I was driving home from Rick Danko’s house after a night of music. When the news broke, it felt pretty cool, but honestly, I just took it in stride. It was meant to be.
View this post on InstagramTo my Jersey fans: I’ll be there in a few hours…would love to meet you. I’ll be speaking and signing copies of my new book, #BuseyismsBook at the BookEnds in New Jersey. TONIGHT 9/4 at 6 pm #buseyisms #garybusey #humor #selfhelp #memoir #pubdate #pubday #inspirational #booktour garybusey.com
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What was it like working with Barbra Streisand on A Star Is Born back in 1976?
Barbra and I had a blast together. She once joked, “Busey, I know exactly how to get you to do things my way: Tell you the opposite!” I replied, “Close, but no cigar.” Turns out, maybe she’d been doing that all along. She’s a master at co-creating the truth, and we formed a familial bond during that film. Art has a way of bringing people together, and Barbra and I will always share that special connection.
How about Patrick Swayze from Point Break in 1991?
Patrick and I were kindred spirits. We’ve shared lifetimes together, and at the wrap party for Point Break, he said, “Busey, you’re coming with me to Parris Island in South Carolina for skydiving. It’s the most incredible experience you’ll ever have.” I ended up doing eight jumps, and each one gave me a fresh perspective on myself.
And Tommy Lee Jones from Under Siege in 1992?
Tommy is one of the best. One day, he called me and said, “I was just laughing thinking about you in drag in the movie.” I joked back, “OK, would you like to go on a date?” He laughed and hung up. Tommy’s a brother through and through.
Did Lethal Weapon in 1987 really change your career?
It almost didn’t happen! I was promised a meeting with the producer, director, and Mel Gibson, but it never materialized—they’d already cast the role. Thankfully, my lawyer intervened, I auditioned, and Mel Gibson grabbed me afterward, saying, “We’ll see you later.” That’s when I knew I had the part.
View this post on InstagramGood morning insanity, nice to be you again. 🙃 #BuseyismsBook
Your motorcycle accident happened just a year later. How did that impact your life?
I don’t remember being in a coma, but I do know I fractured my skull so badly that there was a hole the size of a half-dollar. A police officer who happened to be there scouting a marathon route saved my life by rushing me straight to surgery. Afterward, I had to relearn how to walk, talk, eat, and dress myself. It took two and a half months, but I emerged stronger and more grateful for every moment.
Cocaine became a significant part of your life in 1979. When did you realize it was a problem?
It hit me hard in 1995 when I overdosed. I woke up with a tube down my throat, and liquid was coming out of my mouth, nose, and eyes. They were pumping my stomach. That’s a serious wake-up call if you ever needed one.
What happened next?
They found cocaine in my pocket, and the judge sent me to rehab. Near-death experiences have a way of making you pay attention to life. When you’re staring death in the face, you see things clearly. You realize how precious life truly is.
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