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Renowned actor Steve Buscemi has always been a fan-favorite, but working as a firefighter and rescuing survivors in the 9/11 tragedy only made him even more lovable to his fans. Throughout the years, his wife supported him and baked goods for his former co-workers. Her untimely death ended a 32-year love story, and he appears to have changed a lot since her death.

Steve Buscemi is an American actor recognized mostly for portraying diverse roles as the bad guy, gangster, and mysterious man in Hollywood classics. Some of his earliest works include playing Willy in his debut film "The Way It Is," then Nick in the 1986 "Parting Glances," and an appearance as Rickles in an episode of "Miami Vice."

His breakthrough came in the 90s when he appeared as Mink in the neo-noir gangster film "Millers Crossing," the first of five of the Coen Brothers' films. The same year, he appeared as Test Tube, a henchman in the crime thriller "King of New York," and as Edward in the anthology film "Tales from the Darkside: The Movie."

US actor Steve Buscemi arrives for the premiere of "If These Walls Could Sing," at the Metrograph in New York City on December 7, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

In 1991, he appeared in yet another cult classic as the bellboy Chet in the black comedy "Barton Fink." Since making his film debut, the "Lean on Pete" actor had never landed a leading role until the 1992 "In The Soup," where he played Adolpho Rollo.

His role as pseudonymous criminal Mr. Pink in "Reservoir Dogs," however, gained him worldwide recognition and won him the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male.

He has also done numerous voice-over works in animated films, including playing Templeton the Rat in "Charlotte's Web," Nebbercracker in "Monster House," Mr. Wesley in "Home on the Range," and Randall Boggs in "Monsters, Inc." among many others.

Actor Steve Buscemi attends "The Year Between" premiere during the 2022 Tribeca Festival at Village East Cinema on June 12, 2022 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

While he is hugely recognized as a Hollywood star for his numerous films, the actor has also wowed fans with his involvement in an entirely different role. The actor proved his empathy when he put down his acting hat and joined his former colleagues in a heroic act that shocked the world.

When the twin towers at the World Trade Centers came crashing down in rubble after a terrorist attack in 2001, the Brooklyn-born actor was on the frontline in rescuing the survivors of the act.

The actor, who took his Fire Department of New York civil service test at 18, used his background as a firefighter to rescue those trapped in the rubble alongside other firefighters at his old station in Downtown Manhattan.

Actor Steve Buscemi attends Annual Charity Day hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald, BGC and GFI at Cantor Fitzgerald on September 11, 2017 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

The actor became a fireman at Engine Company 55 — one of the busiest Engine Companies in Manhattan's Little Italy — in 1980 and worked as a New York City firefighter for four years. He then left the service to pursue acting.

Despite his colleagues talking him against leaving a steady job with a paycheck to pursue an uncertain venture, Buscemi was convinced that was the path he wanted to take, and he was not wrong. It paid off when he became a successful actor, writer, and producer.

After 16 years away, he was back at his old station. In the wake of the tragedy, the actor put in 12-hour shifts pulling out victims from the pile. Retired NYFD battalion chief Richard Ardisson showed his admiration for the actor, noting:

“He put in 60 hours on top of the pile, pulling out victims. Not delivering coffee or giving moral support. He was exhausted and covered in soot."

"The Week Of" actor revealed that when the tragedy happened, he returned to Manhattan on the 12th and got into his old gear — turnout coat, helmet, and boots — and for the next five days, he volunteered at Ground Zero, digging through the rubble and pulling out victims.

Steve Buscemi as a firefighter in the 80s | Source: YouTube/TIME

He described the scene as disconcerting and confusing, but he pushed on despite many of his fellow firefighters being buried alive in the burning wreckage.

His and his fellow firefighter's efforts bore fruit as they rescued many survivors from the pile in the disaster that took the lives of 2996 people, including 2,977 victims and 19 hijackers who committed murder – suicide.

It was an act done from the heart, and Buscemi wanted no recognition for it. In the following years, no one knew of his heroic act, and he refused to take any interviews questioning his involvement.

However, in 2013 the world learned of the actor's empathetic nature when the Brotherhood of Fire Organization posted a throwback photo of the actor on their Facebook page, asking if anyone recognized him or knew his name:

"Lots of people know he's an actor and that his name is Steve Buscemi. What very few people realize is that he was once one of New York's Bravest."

Buscemi considers his act a privilege, adding that connecting with his former colleagues was a pleasure. And while he helped a great deal to rescue the survivors, he insists that being there was a massive help to him too. He said:

"I went there to help, but I was the one who was helped, you know? It really helped me."

Firefighters gather near ground zero after the attack on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. | Source: Getty Images

His involvement in the crisis did not end there. Following the tragedy that took many innocent lives, the actor did plenty of follow-ups on the victims, ensuring they received compensation from the government.

He also still serves on the Board of Advisors for Friends of Firefighters, who dedicate time and resources to New York firefighters and their families, providing mental health counseling and wellness services.

Firefighter Gerard McGibbon, of Engine 283 in Brownsville, Brooklyn, prays after the World Trade Center buildings collapsed September 11, 2001 | Source: Getty Images

"The Last Outlaw" star described how surreal it was seeing everything happening around him, yet he had no time to think how terrible it all was. He disclosed that he saw then how real brotherhood firefighting was and that the firefighters would do anything for each other:

"And it wasn't until 9/11 that I realized how strong that connection was still in me."

Since then, the actor has volunteered with various organizations to support firefighters struggling with mental health, physical illnesses, and 9/11-related cancers. He strives to raise awareness and funding and even lets people know that the Friends of Firefighters is there for them.

He has since produced a documentary exploring the unique demands of working as a firefighter in New York City. He even followed up on the story of a former firefighter Larry Sullivan who developed cancer in the aftermath of 9/11. The organization helped with a fundraiser for Sullivan's treatment, but he, unfortunately, passed away in 2012.

Actor Steve Buscemi and wife Jo Andres attends the HBO Luxury Lounge in honor of the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on January 12, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Even years after the tragedy, Buscemi still supports FDNY and occasionally stops by the firehouse to catch up with his old co-workers. He joins in the protest marches and gives speeches at union meetings.

A Love Story That Lasted over Three Decades — Who Was the Love of Buscemi's Life

Throughout the years, Buscemi's wife has been one of his most significant supporters. However, her support was not limited to him. She also connected well with his former colleagues and often baked goods that Buscemi would drop off at his old workplace for his former colleagues.

Buscemi and his wife Jo Andres were neighbors in New York City's East Village for years before they became acquainted. They admired each other from afar, neither of them gathering enough courage to approach the other.

Actor Steve Buscemi and wife arrives at the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on January 27, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

In his acceptance speech to the National Association of Theatre Owners, the "Mad About You" star noted that he and his wife knew each other going back to the 1984 film "Parting Glances."

An acclaimed artist known for her award-winning light/dance performances, Andres received recognition for her film "Black Kites," which went on to show in London, Toronto, and Sundance. Her other credits include directing art and music videos and acting as an editor for the 1992 short film "What Happened To Pete," which her husband wrote and directed.

Despite Buscemi having just released his famous "Reservoir Dogs," which gained him indelible fame, Andres did not know who he was when they met. She did not recognize him from his movie posters and only did when she saw the same poster in his apartment.

Steve Buscemi and wife Jo Andres attend Nanette Lepore during Fall 2013 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at The Stage at Lincoln Center on February 13, 2013 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

At the time of their meeting, Buscemi still worked as a firefighter, but he admits that when it came to Andres, his firefighting job did not appeal to her. He says he tried impressing her with the boots and coat, but she did not care:

"She wasn't impressed that I was a fireman. That was not impressive."

The pair walked down the aisle in 1987 and welcomed their only child, son Lucian in 1990. Despite keeping their marriage away from the spotlight for years, the two have only grown stronger, with Buscemi being his wife's biggest supporter.

Steve Buscemi with wife Jo Andres attend HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" Season Three New York Premiere at Ziegfeld Theater on September 5, 2012 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

The actor has consistently praised his wife's prowess as an artist, and when asked what his favorite work of art was, he declared that it was probably something by his wife. He praised her saying:

“She paints, she makes films, she has done performance."

Buscemi also disclosed that his wife always made fun of him, and while he was not a big fan of the now-popular internet memes, he says his wife always found a kick out of them. He recalls when he saw her sitting on the couch, laughing her heart out, but when he asked what was funny, she replied: "Oh, nothing, nothing."

Actor Steve Buscemi and wife Jo Andres arrive at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 13, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

It turns out she had been laughing at photos of Disney characters edited to have his eyes. Speaking on "Late Night with Seth Meyers," Buscemi disclosed that while the memes always made his wife laugh, he did not find it funny.

Theirs was a marriage filled with laughter, fun, and support for each other. It was a breath of fresh air seeing a Hollywood couple last as long as they did. Unfortunately, their union was cut short by the untimely death of Andres in 2019.

Buscemi Looks Unrecognizable Years after His Wife’s Demise

Andres was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2015 and was in remission for a while before the illness returned in 2017, this time more aggressive. Despite her condition, her death remains unclear, with some publications reporting that she succumbed to ovarian cancer while others, such as People Magazine, say that she died from sclerosis.

Steve Buscemi and wife. during "Lonesome Jim"- NY Premiere - Arrivals at Clearview Chelsea Cinemas in New York, New York, United States. | Source: Getty Images

She waved the world goodbye in 2019, aged 64. Buscemi and Andrea's last photo together was reportedly at the afterparty for the film "Puzzle" in New York, the city where they had made their home and lived for years.

The effects of her loss lingered for years as he grieved, leaning toward friends and son for help. While he is yet to get over his grief, he chooses to remember her in good light and hold on to the memories they made together.

Steve Buscemi & wife Jo Anders during The 59th Annual Golden Globe Awards - New Line After Party at Beverly Hills Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, United States | Source: Getty Images

Even in death, his wife still inspires him, and he does all he can to preserve her life work as a choreographer and artist. After so many years together, Buscemi admits that he never once stopped to think about how life would be without each other.

"The Miracle Workers" actor recalled their marriage, noting that the entertainment business was a big challenge to relationships and marriages. Yet, they had stuck it out together for over three decades, and he remained grateful to her for that. He revealed that Andres was his greatest supporter, audience, and inspiration.

And now, years after his wife's death, the actor looks almost unrecognizable. A fan, Nick Pastura, commenting on the actor's interview with AARP noted that Buscemi, who has since grown long hair and a beard, looked unrecognizable, stating:

"The hair and beard make him near unrecognizable."

A fan thinks Buscemi is unrecognizable | Source: YouTube/AARP

Actor Steve Buscemi on an interview with AARP | Source: YouTube/AARP

Despite his grief, the actor continues to inspire many with his good heart and excellent films. He remains on the top of the list as one of the most lovable actors, especially after the story of his involvement in the 9/11 rescue emerged.

Buscemi has also continued to be impactful in the film industry with his most recent roles, including playing voicing Eddie in the 2021 episode of "Rick and Morty," playing Don, a father who tries to reconcile his estranged children, in the 2022 "The Year Between," as well as directing the 2022 drama film "The Listener."

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