9/11 Stories: Steve Buscemi

Before he became a Golden Globe-winning and several time Emmy-nominated actor, Steve Buscemi was a New York City firefighter. He joined the FDNY in 1980 and served 4 years before taking a leave of absence to pursue acting. He kept extending his leave.
On 9/11, Buscemi was on his way to JFK airport to take a flight to the Toronto Film Festival to promote his latest movie, the Holocaust drama “The Grey Zone”. Like the other stunned travelers, Buscemi watched the news with a sense of disbelief. When the airport closed, Steve managed to get a taxi back to his home in Brooklyn, where like millions across the country, he watched the news non-stop, feeling helpless. When he heard news reports that hundreds of FDNY’ers were missing, Buscemi knew exactly what he had to do. He grabbed his helmet and FDNY turncoat and took the F train into Manhattan, reporting for duty at his old firehouse, Engine 55. No one was there. They were all at Ground Zero. Buscemi joined them there on the bucket brigade, passing debris in buckets down the line. Every once in a while, there’d be a call for a body bag. Buscemi remembers the bags didn’t feel full. They were body parts.
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[@melissacoxen6001]

I had heard that Steve had gone to ground zero to help, and that he had been a fire fighter before acting. I was always so impressed that he did that, because he never used it for publicity or a look what I did. This is the first time I have ever seen him give an interview about it. I love how humble he is.

[@christy49534c]

Same! I've always wanted to hear his story.

[@Kfantasy_98]

Yep. He also did it without getting paid. He's an awesome guy.

[@codycigar6542]

You know what he did with it? Used his experience to further push for the organization Friends of Firefighters. Making it known that there is help for firefighters out there. Steve is an outstanding person.

[@my_quiet_riot]

What an incredible human being he is .

[@moparbabe72]

I’ve always liked him as an actor and this just made me love him more

[@patrickhaupt5723]

I'm thankful to be on this planet at the same time as Steve Buscemi.

[@emilyhill7831]

I had heard for years that Steve Buscemi volunteered to work on the pile at Ground Zero but this is the first time I’ve ever seen an interview. This is a very special man ❤️

[@jamesm3471]

Arguably one of the most underrated actors of all time too

[@emilyhill7831]

@@jamesm3471 most definitely.

[@BonJody]

I heard that too. I'm so glad to hear the story from him. Amazing guy.

[@harpinpoem]

What an intelligent, real, kind man - besides being a first class actor, he’s a hero. Using his celebrity to help the heroes of 9/11, the men who dug out the dead, their friends in some cases, ✊🏽 RESPECT FOR RESPONDERS AND now they’re dying from the 9/11 dust…

[@MrDannyboyhall]

Well being a FDNY firefighter what would you expect he was always going to help his brothers out apparently he still works as a firefighter sometimes between acting gigs

[@stephanietip]

He really is a truly beautiful human being that we need to try to emulate.

[@atamagashock]

Wow, he looks so different , without his voice, I wouldn’t have recognized him. I remember a documentary I watched year ago about what he did. Steve is such an amazing human and actor...first class

[@chorlauheung4920]

I agree! Would not recognize him if I ran into him on the street.

[@kwangleason3222]

Omg you took the words right out of my mouth

[@Basauri48970]

He's more attractive now than he was 30 years ago. These looks certainly suit him.

[@thischannelisdeleted]

You can see he eyes

[@missgigglebox748]

I've always admired Steve Buscemi as an actor but after watching this, I admire him more as a person. I never knew he was involved. This story warms my heart.

[@tiffanyfield2999]

Steve refused interview after interview. He wasn't looking for publicity or appraisal. Exactly what makes even more of an extraordinary person. Never spoke to news crews or anything. I did see a report from a fellow actor who replied on his behalf asking reporters to remember the real heroes. The ones who sacrifice themselves and who were there from day 1. Steve didn't want the attention on him and taking away from the fire fighter's he felt deserved the attention more. Him volunteering was purely to help his fellow men and woman of New York . Many actors and actresses like the attention they get when helping communities. Doing what he did without ever once seeking recognition 👏 💯 a real good man! I know the fire fighter's from his company are the reason it went viral he stepped up to help. There is a press release of engine 55 thanking him for his hard work and dedication to his brothers. Love him as an actor, but more as a real man who loves his country and fellow fire fighter's

[@missgigglebox748]

@@tiffanyfield2999 Thats amazing. We need more people like him in the world.

[@Bobbyberta284]

He is a true American. He went above and beyond!

[@dianemitchell1717]

Thank you for shining a light on the long standing ptsd firefighters have endured these past 20 years in addition to health concerns and your fundraising.

[@AdrianneMachina]

When he says JOY, what I think he means is PURPOSEFUL. It truly was inspiring to see how Americans came together to help each other. Wish we could reignite that sense of community spirit today.

[@StratsRUs]

Unity

[@dana_brooke_27]

Being a New Yorker, I'd say NY still has sense of Unity. We always pull together. My first recognition of it was when John Lennon died. But it was there when the Son of Sam terrorized N.Y.. People watched out for each other.

[@stephanietip]

I am from a small Tennessee town and all we were able to do is send semi trucks full of hygiene products,some full of donated food for the first responders who needed it and trucks full of bottles water.Afterwards, Tennessee bought a new state of the art fire truck for NY to replace at least one that was damaged

[@nannybebe74]

What an amazing man. Most people would run in the other direction, not Steve though, he just waded in there to help his fallen brothers.

[@amandac7270]

I’m so hooked on these powerful stories. Please keep them going.

[@joojoobean84]

Ditto. So quietly powerful and important

[@rocker76m88]

Same

[@stephanietip]

We love you Steve.Every time a KZbinr reacts to anything 911,I take the opportunity to tell what you did for the people.You did it without fanfare,you did it without cameras.You did it because of the truly beautiful man you are.

[@CMinorOp67]

My heart breaks over all of these stories…and forgive me for going off-topic…but it literally took me 5 minutes to realize that this was the actor Steve Buscemi.

[@chrystiecastillo293]

What an act of service and compassion. Steve Buscemi once NYFD always NYFD class act and humble servant

[@favouritemoon4133]

What a thoughtful, impressive man he is.

[@Spiritlife01]

The word isn't joy it's unity. The world needs more of it.

[@amy109]

I can’t believe this doesn’t have more views or comments. He’s an amazing man. God bless you and your family

[@paps69shed]

Steve is such a lovely man, so impressed by him

[@MarioM..]

Salt of the earth 🙏🏼

[@elizabethannemargueriteber2148]

These stories are so very important. It is a gift that those as articulate as Mr. Buscemi sound their voices for those unused to public speaking but do vital work for all of us. Thank you

[@user-mz1kt6iz4e]

He's played so many goofballs & downright lunatics, but this is a truly decent, soft-spoken, & gentle person. "Thank you, Donnie ...", ..for everything.

[@janetjoiner9204]

God bless you Steve. Always liked this actor. Not only is he adorable, he's a nice guy too!

[@stecosgrove3779]

What a lovely man.

[@mattlord3660]

The fact that Steve walked with his luggage for a full 15 blocks is what is so impressive to me about his 9/11 experience. That can't have been easy in that part of town.

[@ajcook7777]

Man! Glad I called that guy! Legend

[@PTS156]

Wow. Thank you Steve. Thank you to every last person who sacrificed. Thank you to the fallen heroes. We will never forget any of you. We will never forgive those responsible.

[@jeffhi5766]

Why would even seven viewers give this video a thumbs down???

[@chloekit4861]

Because people suck and are negative and thumbs down 👎 everything in life

[@foowishamewican]

If you're Islamic

[@BackrowErnie]

Take a scroll through the comments and you’ll find a few examples of the type who press dislike on videos like this. Evidently it’s purely down to having slow learning development issues- nothing more, nothing less.

[@chloekit4861]

@@BackrowErnie yea you got a whole gang of tough guys behind the screen all day everyday I have videos of my cat with her newborn kittens & people thumbs down that I was like REALLY!?

[@my_quiet_riot]

I'll be honest, I drop my phone a lot and will find I've accidentally given a thumbs down. I'm going to hope that's the case on this video.

[@kellybeddow6562]

What a giant heart this man has. Him chocking telling this story 🥺 never forget...

[@deyannaf4380]

So happy you got to see your fire fighter friends!!! Thank you so much for your service on Engine 55 and 9/11. Terribly sad, I really could not imagine being on that bucket line.

[@jamesdooling4139]

A hero's spirit never dies.

[@sharonmchugh7730]

He is one of the most amazing human beings. I love this interview. He never let his ' brothers & sisters' of FDNY down, a true team player & family member. Great job Shelli too. 💖🍀🌻

[@luciehanson6250]

Today, on Sept 12, 2021, Steve's comments have helped me to grasp what happened to my thinking 20 years ago. He is speaking my deep feelings that I had no words for. Please know my appreciation.

[@dana_brooke_27]

I heard he has a genius IQ. He never stopped being a fireman at heart. I have a lot of respect for him. He's a special kind of human being. I wonder if he knew my next door neighbor who was also Brooklyn, Rescue 2. He didn't make it and was never recovered. I think in place of Joy, what he was feeling was a Brotherhood of Unity and Love amongst Firefighters. And yes it is well over 3,000 souls lost to 9-11.

[@MissMoshMonsterXD]

I've been slowly working through these stories lately because it seems a bit easier to stomach now. I have always had such respect for Steve after hearing about his part after 9/11, and had no idea until this morning that someone finally talked with him about his story, and I'm so glad to hear it. Steve is still one of my favorite actors, and this just amplifies my respect and love for him.

[@silviabasil2311]

I have been working down there for 25 years. I didn't make it home that night, eventually though, I did make it home. 2753 did not get to go home that night. To this day I won't walk near the site. Just too painful. God bless those that perished, the first responders and folks like Steve Buscemi. Never forget.

[@jeanettedellicarpini5616]

Wow. Steve your a terrific guy with a great heart. So glad your living in my New York were there are wonderful people like yourself. Keep up with notifying the fire fighters about the help available to them and family’s. Stay connected and pass on the info. Your always share your brotherhood with them

[@ryinwhyers365]

I knew it was you; so much that I had to google to confirm. Thank you guy. These stories are brilliant and touching. Thanks to all involved in bringing this to the KZbin community. Stay blessed~

[@robbie3252]

Steve has a Great Soul......

[@AG-ni8jm]

Buscemi is a boss

[@adamwagner1987]

Bless him .. He is a hero for america.. what respect i have for him

[@148ESTHER]

One of my favorite actor.Happens also to be a hero.

[@janets1973]

Excellent recollection and also so glad you spoke about the mental health part of this role. First responders definitely deserve and need access to counseling. There are so many new Trauma therapies - Access to all medical care is so important, mental and physical.

[@janenorton778]

Yes, Janet - and it doesn't matter that the trauma was 20 (or even more) years ago! Help is available.

[@planck10-43]

he's still the best guitar player ever! no thanks to dad...

[@bjhanco6595]

Self taught, no lessons!

[@MoparGuy1625]

Ooohh. I like her!

[@jasonbugeja2408]

@@MoparGuy1625 ,

[@alipanroosendaal9503]

Never underestimate the power of denial.

[@jamesm3471]

Unlike his character Donny in The Big Lebowski, Steve Buscemi was never out of his element, especially in a firehouse or at the scene of a disaster. He may be “kinda funny lookin’” but he’s a damn good guy.

[@MellenNorway]

I have always loved Steve Buscemi, I've heard he's a great guy. This cements it. Great actor, great human being. Respect and love your way, Mr Buscemi

[@sinisterintelligence3568]

Wow. I didn't know this.

[@beckiebubbles1923]

Thank you for sharing these stories. I’m currently writing a story about the day from the eyes of British public. Hearing these put everything in perspective. I have looked for any contact information but I cannot find any. Could I possibly have your permission to use some of these as source materials for the piece? Thank you

[@excaliburjohndeere7657]

You the man!

[@drunkmonkeygarage]

Steve was not an actor that day. He was and engine 55 Firefighter! His brothers needed him

[@thistledownz.2982]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@Sigenjoyer9000]

I was born 3 years after 9/11 but I’ll never forget the effects that the war had on my father and my uncles and cousins that ran to fight.

[@dianestaudt7998]

Powerful, I don’t have the right word, but storytelling/recollection by Steve. Terrific actor, and person.

[@iangreenberg5101]

Love ya Steve

[@maryschneider2759]

Thank you for sharing. Nice thank you took care of sons classmate.

[@Autistic_in_Astoria]

Thank you for what you did, not as an actor but as a decent human being. That being said, Keep up the good work, as an actor and a human being.

[@leesher1845]

Fine actor and fine man. ❤️

[@ryancapps6435]

I had heard of his exploits on 9/11, but I never heard his whole story. I believe that him and Jon Stewart were the biggest celebrity heros

[@annika5763]

❤

[@fmonk3366]

Heres a hero one of them

[@allenpuckett6878]

Very talented actor and human being.

[@sahirisrodriguez6960]

Steven Buscemi es muy buen actor.

[@sahirisrodriguez6960]

Buscemi muchos éxitos quiero ir al extremo de Miracle Workres en New York...

[@martymcfly4654]

Why the fuck haven't they made a movie of this legend's life yet?

[@aileenmccarthy8660]

Imagine that lady who shared his cab, did she realize who he was? Then he walked blocks with his luggage, this millionaire, so humble. 👍

[@sjfanning7711]

Shelli, excellent documentary. I do have to say that anyone who needs help for anything/any reason bears the responsibility of doing the research to find it. The government can’t be expected to keep track of 330 million people and the programs each individual might need. The internet opens the world to us and it’s available to everyone in one way or another. Please use your energy and passion for something other than blaming the government. It can’t, and wasn’t designed to, be every citizen’s personal assistant.

[@thischannelisdeleted]

HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!

[@MsRadar23]

I have the same bday as Steve 😊

[@Jeff_11B]

I always loved Steve Buscemi, what a f*cking guy!!!

[@sinelanguageMusicProducer]

I want to jam with you Steve! I'm a keyboard/piano player, and i love vintage pianos. Let's light those candlesticks and you chill with that guitar and let's play into the reverb of the room.

[@lorenat05]

🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸🗽🇺🇸💙🇺🇸

[@guywebster8018]

Hes a good man yall.. A good man

[@janetjoiner9204]

You know when people serve in the military then discharged, the defense department doesn't send out letters telling you or your spouse what they're entitled to. I know military widows that had no idea they were entitled to a benefit after their veteran husband's death. That stinks.

[@Free_Krazy]

One of me and my sisters favorite actors! Like No.2 behind Johnny Depp! Only difference is simply the fact Steve has had WAY more cameos and it doesn't matter the character he's playing, you immediately just "know" But with Johnny his career image is more if not only based on his premier roles, which Steve hasn't had as many of, but when he's in a movie you know its gonna be good regardless if its actually "good" He just brings the perfect tone to a movie no matter that tone, even if just for a few scenes. All actors have their bad and good movies, but for Steve everyone has been a good one imo.

[@dana_brooke_27]

Loved him in Armageddon. He made that movie.

[@brucemacmillan7128]

Hey. Better than being fed into a wood chipper.

[@willy2404]

terrorista Al Qaeda.​​​ ???? pero al final no era al Qaeda !!!! quienes fueron en realidad !!!????

[@mtio2807]

No, not “a level of denial”. More of a level of arrogance and elitist attitude

[@SpartacusErectus]

i don't believe this tool

[@rocker76m88]

Hater much??