Steve Buscemi turns to Bronx pawn shop role in new film
The actor discusses his new project, his co-stars, and his unexpected start as a New York City firefighter.
By Simon Bennett ·
Actor Steve Buscemi is starring in a new film titled The Only Living Pickpocket in New York. The movie features him as a pawn shop owner in the Bronx who assists a character played by John Turturro. Turturro's character unloads stolen jewelry and electronics taken from subway riders. Buscemi noted that the setting was unfamiliar to him. He stated he was not accustomed to visiting pawn shops and initially struggled to understand the terminology in the script.
The two actors have a long professional history. They first met during the production of the 1990 crime film Miller's Crossing, directed by the Coen brothers. Both lived in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn during the 1990s. Buscemi said he admired Turturro because he had begun his career in theater and film earlier. The two are the same age, but Turturro had already completed notable work before they became neighbors.
Buscemi has appeared in more than 100 films and television series. He is also currently in production on Wild Horse Nine, a film by Martin McDonagh. That story follows rogue Central Intelligence Agency agents based in Chile during the 1970s. Much of the filming took place on Easter Island. Buscemi described the location as one of his favorites. He said he and his wife watched the sunrise behind the Moai statues and the sunset on the opposite side of the island. He also noted that horses run wild on the island, a sight he found incredible.
The actor recalled his early work with the Coen brothers on films including Barton Fink, Fargo, and The Big Lebowski. He said the directors enjoyed making him laugh during auditions and on set. He viewed their off-camera laughter as a sign they liked his performance. Regarding his role in Fargo, he considered altering his appearance to look funnier. He proposed makeup changes to his nose to the directors but eventually decided to leave his look as it was.
Before acting, Buscemi worked as a New York City firefighter for four years. He took the civil service test at age 18 because his father, a sanitation worker, was familiar with the process. His father, who grew up in East New York, had a friend named Peter Miller who became an actor. Miller suggested Buscemi take acting classes. Buscemi attended the Lee Strasberg Institute for a six-month full-time course. He said this training helped him stay in New York.
Buscemi was hit by a bus at age 4 and suffered a fractured skull. He received a settlement of approximately $6,000 when he turned 18. He used the money to buy a used Pinto and to pay for his acting classes. The course cost about $1,500, a sum he said he could not have afforded otherwise. He kept his acting ambitions secret from his colleagues at Engine 55 for a time. Another actor and firefighter, Dean Tulipane, worked at Engine 24 and revealed Buscemi's interest. His quiet colleagues were shocked.
Buscemi said his fellow firefighters eventually attended his plays and enjoyed his stand-up routines at parties. They often told him he was funny but should not quit his day job. After the September 11 attacks, five members of Engine 55 were killed. One was Faust Apostol, a former colleague. Buscemi said he had lost touch with the company before the attack because he had moved to Brooklyn. He returned to the site the next day wearing his turnout coat and helmet. He said he reconnected with his old crew and the Fire Department through that experience.
The new film The Only Living Pickpocket in New York is scheduled for release next year. Buscemi will also appear in Wild Horse Nine, which is expected to arrive in theaters in the fall of 2027. Both projects mark new chapters for the veteran performer. He continues to live in New York City. His work remains centered on the city that shaped his early career.
