Steve Buscemi’s ‘Biggest Inspiration’ Was His Late Wife Jo Andres Until She Passed Away And He Submerged In Grief

Dec 24, 2023

Born Dec. 13, 1957, Steve Buscemi is an American actor and filmmaker notably recognized for his versatile acting skills and distinctive humor. His career spans several decades and has inspired a generation of comedic and character actors. 

His roles in “Reservoir Dogs" and "Fargo” showcased his acting prowess both in drama and comedy, making him a league on his own. Buscemi built a diverse and acclaimed filmography that includes iconic performances in films like "Pulp Fiction" in 1994, "The Big Lebowski" in 1998, and "Ghost World" in 2001. In addition to his work as an actor, Buscemi has directed several films, including "Trees Lounge" and “Black Kites” in 1996 and "Lonesome Jim" in 2005.

Before entering the colorful world of Hollywood, Buscemi worked as a New York City firefighter, a job he returned to after the 9/11 terrorist attacks to assist in the recovery efforts of his hometown. His dedication to public service reflects another dimension of his character outside of his prolific acting career.

Beyond the glitz of Hollywood, Buscemi's personal life has been characterized by his enduring marriage to Jo Andres. The couple met in the early 1980s when Buscemi was still a struggling actor and Andres, a talented artist and filmmaker. Their connection deepened over shared creative pursuits, and they tied the knot in 1987. 

Buscemi’s creative pursuits were fueled by Andres’ imagination and innate talent, which is why their partnership surpassed hardships and struggles. Sadly, Andres passed away in 2019 because of a rare serious complication in her excretory system. 

At 66, Buscemi still considers Andres as his “biggest inspiration.” Read on to learn more about their love story and why he remains inspired by his wife. 

Buscemi and Andres’ love story began in 1983 in East Village, New York. Apparently, the meeting seemed to be dictated by the cosmos as Buscemi was drawn to Andres’ beauty from afar. He walked his dog near Andres, hoping to talk to her. However, it seemed like Buscemi didn’t need any introduction, as she had already seen Buscemi’s face plastered on posters around the city on the experimental comedy duo posters he and actor Mark Boone Junior had set up then. 

At one point, Andres told one of her friends that someday, she’s “going to snag that guy." It wasn’t until Andres found herself in Buscemi’s apartment that she realized that it was actually him. 

Five years later, Andres snagged the guy, and they married in 1987. She gave birth to their only son, Lucian Buscemi, in 1990. He followed his parents into Hollywood and was known for his roles in films like "Trees Lounge" in 1996, "Interview" in 2007, and "4:44 Last Day on Earth" in 2011.

Unbeknownst to many, Andres is also a renowned visual artist. She was known on the early 1980s scene in New York for her film/dance/light performances. She also took up filmmaking and drew significant attention for her and Buscemi’s joint project, “Black Kites,” which aired on PBS and prestigious film festivals like Berlin, Toronto, London, Human Rights Watch, and the Sundance Film Festival. She had also directed music and art videos as well as film performance projects, while also being a dance consultant for The Wooster Group. 

She was also an artist-in-residence at several leading universities, museums, and art colonies, including Yaddo and The Rockefeller Study Center in Bellagio, Italy. 

Buscemi’s love and fascination with his wife was evident in his previous interviews. In a conversation with The Independent, Buscemi had this to say: 

“My favorite work of art is ... probably something by my wife Jo Andres. She paints, she makes films, she has done performance."

Sadly, Andres passed away in 2019 after suffering from encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis, among other health struggles, including ovarian cancer. Buscemi was filled with grief even years after his wife’s death.

Speaking to GQ Magazine, he shared that there are times when he is submerged in grief and is unwilling to accept comfort from others. 

“People who are going through that, it's painful. It's painful to die from cancer,” he recalled his wife’s woes. He also said that despite grief’s personal nature, he noted that a shared sense of loss connects people profoundly. 

In the same year that his wife passed away, Buscemi accepted an award on the stage of CinemaCon in Las Vegas after expressing gratitude to his son Lucian, who has been with him since he did not forget to talk about Andres, too. 

“I want to thank my family, who’s been so supportive. My parents, my brothers and also my son and also my wife. My wife Jo, who we knew each other going back to [1984 film] Parting Glances. You know, this business can be a challenge to relationships, but you stick it out and there are rewards and I am so grateful to her,” he said. “She was my biggest supporter and, also, audience and my biggest inspiration.”

Are you a fan of Steve Buscemi? What can you say about his love story with his wife Jo Andres? Do you know someone who experienced the same grieving process as him? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other loved ones out there!