Steve Buscemi on his "Boardwalk Empire" role

Web extra: Having played some disreputable characters in his day, actor Steve Buscemi talks to correspondent Tracy Smith about his starring role as crooked politician "Nucky" Thompson in the long-running HBO crime drama, "Boardwalk Empire."

[@spore5056]

Steve Buscemi, is in my opinion, one of the greatest character actors ever. I don't ever remember seeing him in a flick that I didn't like. In 'Boardwalk Empire', he was in a cast of very good, albeit, a few unknown actors, and his performance always stood out. I think the three best roles in that series were Buscemi as 'Nucky' Thompson, Jack Huston as Richard Harrow, and Michael Shannon as Agent Van Alden. Unbelievable writing in this series.

[@davidbandel9203]

jimmy

[@zztop2ful]

I think that Michael Pitt as Darmody could be also mentioned. :P Great, not simple, complex psycholigically, ambiguous character. He and Richard Harrow were my fav characters in series. I was really dissapointed, when Jimmy died in 2 season, so only Richard left for me. :P

[@vincentcoakley3831]

+David Bandel Davy! Fancy meeting you here!

[@theyurireviewer]

I like Fargo but Buscemi really sold it for me

[@smokeylonesome4328]

+zztop2ful Thank you for spoiling it for me.

[@mikeloria]

any actor that can be a Adam Sandler guy one second and a gangster the next is OK in my book

[@bossk7192]

theres no scraps in my scrapbook 20 years in the can

[@chukmorris8264]

Agreed

[@DANKYdans]

The black foot guy in Mr. Deeds. haha.

[@Mrdallasbrown]

lol all he want is a McDonald's breakfast sandwich

[@jeremydewitte6912]

Well it’s a good thing your book don’t mean OUGOTZ TO ME

[@armesisp3201]

One of the greatest TV series ever.

[@jerriotglencamp7562]

Yeah

[@amd1273]

I think it's somewhere between the 7th-10th greatest show

[@DANKYdans]

Agreed.

[@amd1273]

@Banned4life 1488 from 5th-1st. Lost, breaking bad, the wire, game of thrones, the sopranos. Just my personal opinion. Mad men just outside of the top 5

[@DTJ2024]

@@amd1273 Lost? 🤣

[@gogsmkt4622]

Who else is binge watching Boardwalk Empire

[@symmetrymilton4542]

I learned to appreciate Steve after I started watching it.

[@Andrew11017]

Just got finished, wanted to stay away from any clips to avoid getting spoiled but what a good show.

[@candicebicker9024]

Just finished it last night, amazing show.

[@hotrodd29]

I can’t tell you that the woman interviewing him hasn’t watched boardwalk empire. She’s asking about turning on that nucky scary. Nucky was never scary

[@charlesbaldo]

Not me because I binge watched it when it came out. It was great

[@DC.]

Steve is a world class actor.

[@GMastrokostas]

"Can you turn that scary off and on?" Lady he is acting. ..jesus christ

[@doodooswaggy3825]

Interviewers always ask such good, insightful questions. "Hey actor...can you act?"

[@hotrodd29]

Plus she clearly has NO idea of the character. Tell me how nucky was scary. He was a charismatic businessman who ultimately was out of his depth with the mafia.

[@freddybeer]

@@hotrodd29 - Didn't you see Season Three? Nucky truly embraced being a gangster after he killed Jimmy. Nucky can be ice cold and capable of extreme ruthlessness. That's scary. And to the best of my knowledge, he never lost an onscreen fight.

[@jesset4870]

@@doodooswaggy3825 😂😂😂

[@hotrodd29]

@@freddybeer yes season 3.. a season populated with gyp Rosetti, and Nucky bringing in al Capone. Both these two way scarier.

[@tonywilt4179]

This is one of my favorite shows of all time. Right there with Breaking Bad and The Sopranos. The cast was incredible.

[@tonywilt4179]

@Matthew Singer 🤣

[@anomiemnemonical578]

I honestly can't figure out what's so great about Breaking Bad.

[@tonywilt4179]

@@anomiemnemonical578 No worries. Many others figured it out

[@meatmachine449]

@@anomiemnemonical578 ikr

[@ktlarsen9244]

Watch Tulsa King. It'll add to the list

[@jayzrat]

So humble and soft spoken. The intensity he brings to his characters is indicative of his talent. Fantastic actor!

[@Godfather9814]

I feel like Buscemi is probably one of the most skilled and genuine actor around that never gets the credit he deserves. But what makes him special is that after 9/11 he went to NYC to help out since he was originally a FDNY member before acting became his career choice and instead of doing it for just his own credit he didn’t want in publicized and the ones that were the only ones to know it at the time were the members of his old fire company he went to help, that right there is not just a fantastic person but should be the moral standard of actors

[@lesliewyatt4188]

Steve you nailed Nucky .You are an Extraordinary versatile actor. Boardwalk Empire was great!

[@lindawilliams429]

I binge watched Board Walk Empire one weekend and fell in love with everyone of the characters. Job well done Mr. Buscemi!!

[@jaccusefashion]

Buscemi is the greatest.

[@MrBigturboweenie]

steve buscemi scary?? it's just hard for me to see him as a scary guy, even in boardwalk. to me he looks like a nice guy, even when he's mad lol. just my opinion.

[@justliam2768]

lol, I heartily agree.

[@dwaynedibbly]

i dont think anyone does and i dont even think in the series he is meant to be. Hes more of a slimy politian type ie the 'do anything to get ahead'. Just this dumb bitch wouldnt 'get' that she has to lever him into some rigid stereotype.

[@mikekemp9877]

steve has that odd thing that comes across the screen likeability we eally like him immensley in any part but not scary

[@firstladygenevieve3688]

Watch him as the perverted murdering convict in 'Con Air'.. scary!!

[@xatarskoftespie8844]

MrBigturboweenie That’s cuz he is not supposed to be scary it’s a stupid question

[@cianivega3525]

the acting in this show is amazing. Steve Buscemi is a living legend so I expect nothing less than world class acting from him but I must say Michael K. Williams, Stephen Graham, Michael Shannon and Jack Hutson as Richard Harrow all KILLED IT. they put on a clinic in my opinion. even the actors that played Jimmy and Lucky did exceptional IMO.

[@shanebarfield2925]

Wish they did a spin off with Luciano's rise!

[@emmacrooke807]

RIP Michael K Williams

[@Seasonal-Shadow_4674]

it seems people like Boardwalk empire less for Nucky Thompson and more for Jimmy Darmody Which is a shame as not only a Steve Buscemi fan, I have always hoped since Boardwalk Empire is considered better than Peaky Blinders, that Nucky would be another popular anti hero

[@fp3055]

Just saw my 1st rewatch of Boardwalk Empire. Buscemi is so good

[@garymills4262]

Had the pleasure of working with him on "King of New York". He played Test Tube and I played Chilly. Great Actor and it was and still is great film.

[@junesilvermanb2979]

God Save The King!

[@leondelvechioramirez8529]

Breadstick in a bow tie

[@jayknibbs2250]

Haha.... Killer killer line was that!!!

[@laurakelliher6971]

haha just watched that one today! this box set has got me hooked!

[@magicargo1232]

Leon Delvechio Ramirez Bonnie goo goo

[@abduraghiemsolomons9154]

lol...classic

[@MARK-hk7bh]

Barney google with the goo goo googly eyes

[@ER-qx5gg]

I applaud him, and all the actors that took part in this amazing show. It is unfortunate that it was cut short. I absolutely would easily watch 10 seasons of this great project.

[@dibrenn3432]

in the golden age of television, this show stands out among the best of them. something im sure everyone involved is incredibly proud of.

[@JOHNSTIER23]

dibrenn3432 they should be a great show for the ages it gives instead of takes

[@kbholla]

uhhh this isn't the golden age of anything, especially not television.

[@huntermcclovio4517]

@@kbholla he is probably a millennium...lol he hasnt live long enough...

[@colonelmilk2586]

@@huntermcclovio4517 this is a dumb comment. Have you not heard the golden age of television? Good drama series really started with the sopranos

[@susanjaskulek4280]

Never saw a bad performance from him in any show..very talented actor we need to see him more

[@MrClean3381]

Could have been the greatest series ever, but it was rushed to a conclusion. There was so much more they could have done with it

[@alexbrown317]

I disagree. I feel like it wrapped up definitively. This was always, mostly, Enoch’s story from the start. Where are they really going to go with it after he dies? They could have kept on with Luciano and Capone and Lansky but honestly those three have enough history that they could have easily had their own spin-off show.

[@liamcollins9183]

@@alexbrown317 But the way they skipped 7 years from season 4 to 5, and then season 5 was only 8 episodes is what made it feel rushed. It was such a good show because of the number of supporting characters, that added to the richness and layering of the story. A good example of this is Arnold Rothstein, he was a fascinating character, and we saw a glimpse of him coming apart at the seams in season 4 when a card game started to go badly, and given it was his inability to pay a gambling debt that got him killed in 1928 in real life, this could have been a major plot point for Boardwalk Empire, but instead they completely skipped over that period, and all we got was a few cursory exchanges with Meyer Lansky and Rothstein's widow.

[@NoIDontActuallyLiveInSeattle]

After the end of Game of Thrones and True Blood, I think rushed endings have become HBO’s MO.

[@BrianVincent_]

Loved the series… wasn’t big on season 4 but there you have it

[@wookieeMan06]

it should of ended at Season 4, had a real nice ending

[@dwaynedibbly]

Its great to see that even the underdog can finally get their day.

[@imaginarytube]

+Rumpo Dorshog Hollywood is a funny place.

[@robertmortensen]

You mean reservoir dog !

[@beslemeto]

He is the reason why Boardwalk Empire is the most watched TV Serie ever!

[@lukess.s]

Yomka Hassan except for the fact that it's not the most watched series ever..

[@ketchupmustard1088]

Luke S what is the most watch series ever? empire was pretty good btw. in my opinion blacklist is pretty good too.

[@ironduke7423]

Game of Thrones

[@JK.47]

Iron Duke don't be stupid its sopranos breaking bad

[@Killercoldice22]

most watched tv serie ever....what in earth are u smoking lol. No where near the most watched serie.

[@georgesouthwick7000]

Steve is an underrated and under appreciated actor.

[@moznico]

I just finished watching Boardwalk Empire 😊 What an amazing show A real gem 💎

[@Seasonal-Shadow_4674]

@moznico how is Steve Buscemi’s Nucky Thompson in both acting and character writing/development?

[@TheSoulsister009]

what a wonderful man and what a great actor!

[@RealBradMiller]

When he can have me rolling on the floor in one format and running for my life in the next is truly astonishing.

[@allykins1767]

Boardwalk Empire made me really respect Steve Buscemi. Sure, I always liked the guy, but now I *respect* him.

[@gescom666]

"Can you turn that scary...on and off?" He's a fucking actor lady.

[@suicide_king6804]

A damn good one at that.

[@Molotovjack]

gescom666 - He explains that he can't just turn it on and off.

[@KarenLeos91]

It’s crazy that Steve can play weird, intimidating or creepy characters because he seems so sweet in his interviews haha even just his laugh feels very “grandpa-ish” like very inviting lol I’m glad we get to watch him on tv, such a cool dude

[@Chomsky44]

One of the BEST actors of our time!!!! 🥇🥇👏👏👏👏👌👌

[@dronct]

This guy has range. One of the best acting performances on a tv series

[@ginkgothestink-o6949]

He seems so calm and nice

[@seef76]

Excellent series. Steve Buscemi at the top of his game!! Playing a gangster like non other that I've seen before. Slick, calculating, and ruthless.....but very intelligent. Best thing I've ever seen him do.

[@MarkBklyn]

Feb 28th 2024, Ive been watching the show again, learn and see something new every year i watch the entire series. I use to see Steve Buscemi at a bagel spot in Brooklyn every morning getting breakfast. We always went in at the same time around 7:30AM, stood in line for a bagel 👍

[@annagan508]

Living legend I’m so in love with his character

[@jasonstamper1]

Awesome actor and awesome show

[@breasthound]

goddamn Mr pink

[@sasogonzales8979]

breasthound he doesn’t tip. He doesn’t believe in tipping

[@kenrawley9025]

Superb actor and evidently an excellent man/person.

[@pbhoulden8212]

I still remember the first time I saw Steve Buscemi in anything. It was a "Tales From the Crypt" episode circa 1989 and his costars were Christian Slater and Julianne Moore. I remember thinking what a weird looking unforgettable dude he was but more importantly how great of an actor he was and still is. I absolutely loved him on "Boardwalk Empire" and actually cried at the series finale. He has an eerie way of making the most unlikeable characters somehow still likeable.

[@jerriotglencamp7562]

I agree. He was also in tales from the dark side the movie.very great actor

[@pranksterguy1]

What a tremendously talented cast!!!

[@FollowScripture]

Such a superb talented actor ~Marion

[@FollowScripture]

+CashandMe1 ---And we will sure miss you too Steve & this awesome show!

[@SouthernOregonReps]

This show showed Steve is extremely talented and underrated

[@muuriciodegollada3870]

I miss Boardwalk one of the best series ever .great actor Steve

[@Zerbijan]

Binge watched and first time in 2021 - awesome show! Man cant believe its over! What a ride it was

[@Bgo909]

I look forward to watching his acting weather and age over the next decades.

[@schallrd1]

What an awesome guy in so many ways. I am a big fan of Steve.

[@hbabels2551]

Brilliant performances on this series!!!

[@steve-real]

Steve Buscemi comes across as such a good guy. Incredibly likable. I just started watching Boardwalk Empire. Steve is right it is getting darker as I continue to watch it. Still… I thoroughly enjoy his acting. Good on ya brother!

[@adaeverleigh9584]

Brilliant actor, amazing series. Big crush on him❤️

[@johnhayden7734]

This guy is unique in all his roles. He is fantastic in his Boardwalk Empire role!

[@joaquinbaume1291]

Really gifted actor, one of my favourites ever

[@mihawk0002]

love him! he is a great actor!! very underrated

[@mrjackelbox4418]

I love steve! One of my favorite actors and i just finished season 1 of boardwalk empire

[@MT-tu8dt]

He’s the type of actor that can play any role. That’s not easy to do. Very talented actor.

[@Squidbillies1000]

Steve you are a great Actor. Your performance in boardwalk was stellar.

[@kennybeans6115]

Buscemi is too cool. He’s low-key one of the best actors to ever live. Fight me!

[@patrikiosvatemanopoulos]

Thanks for the super low volume.

[@mikestevens5512]

He is such a gifted actor. He is the most Unlikely looking gangster in chief. After Watching it you can't imagine someone Doing it as well. He is pure genius.

[@roberthurley6860]

Best series ever! Especially how they wrapped it up. By far a totally perfect ending season.

[@j2niice]

Really? The final season was the worst to me

[@DannyConcepts]

the flashbacks were awful

[@DENAANN1000]

He was awesome in that role.

[@fightsforrights9744]

He was.

[@dawson_cashwell]

He was.

[@evanholdsworth7917]

His voice just makes him seem like a lovely man I can see why the gods at HBO chose him for he’s meant to be a beloved politician but behind the scenes he runs the liquor business

[@harpmanb]

Hands down best series ever.

[@brucekulickfan4206]

One of the, if not the greatest actors of all time!

[@adamwarlock7158]

He is one of my favorite actors.

[@CornholioPuppetMaster]

Reservoir dogs: I dont tip Boardwalk Empire: I’m an excellent tipper

[@9114GTS]

The first couple of questions asked in this interview are truly horrible and a complete waste of Steve's time as well as his fans. Ask him some proper questions for GS!

[@janicerudeen210]

My favorite actor and I was hooked on Broadway Empire

[@andymccardleofficial7615]

From crazy eyes to garland green to nucky thompson… what an actor 💙🤘

[@wiisalute]

I just love this guy's voice.

[@daviddelaney363]

Awesome series! Just finished the dvd set.

[@lebarosky]

He is in fact a badass. Nobody can function as a fireman who isn't. Steve is the kind of guy who runs toward the danger. That's helpful for a Method Actor playing a gangster.

[@bobx1034]

good interviewer-- she asked simple, direct questions and allowed buscemi to answer uninterrupted.

[@RickMartinYouTube]

a favorite actor

[@mirandarichard122]

He is so talented

[@georgecameroon3588]

Amazing actor playing an amazing character in an amazing show.

[@oystershucksters4206]

From “Crazy Eyes” to Nucky, not to mention his success as a wrestler and his work as an NYC fireman. If this man is not the definition of range, I don’t know what is.

[@ElJorro]

Boardwalk Empire is one of my most pleasant discoveries.

[@DaBadger354]

Was at a garage sale last weekend and found the entire series there for $1 for each season. I had to buy them especially since I don't have HBO. I just started watching the first season for the second time and it's as good as I remember.

[@biankbiky1908]

He is amazing !!! Grait job !

[@jellyboy123]

amazing actor

[@juliehoffman6292]

That was an amazing series.

[@jimhaltom742]

Darn it, i want a video of the whole thing this morning, in particular the segment with his wife, i just loved her reaction during this......you have to SEE it, print does not convey it at all....................................... Through it all, Steve Buscemi has kept that firefighter's modesty, seeing himself as a supporting character, even when others see him as a star. Smith asked, "Now that he's this big, leading-man role, I'm just wondering -- as his wife -- have you seen him as that all along?" "Yes, of course. I mean, he's my guy, he's my connection in this world," said Andres. "I just felt really lucky. Sorry, I'm gonna cry!"

[@sandrapowell4166]

I've always loved Steve

[@peterbarich5404]

one of my favorite actors

[@tramlad2]

Brilliant brilliant actor, he was superb in Boardwalk Empire, i have been a big fan for years and years, and a great guy, still visits the fire service guys, and supports their charity, down to earth guy.

[@XxDirtyXxXSanchezxX]

my favourite TV show with my favourite actor. too bad it's no longer running.

[@infotogt]

Best.Actor.Ever.

[@teddysalad8227]

Near perfect portrayal. Will go down in cinema history.

[@victordelarosa1910]

I love this guy!

[@jon780249]

In another, better era, Buscemi would have been inundated with leading roles. A great actor and his performance in Boardwalk was extraordinary.

[@pedrogoncalo9276]

Amazing serie, a masterpiece

[@gerrydurande2670]

I’ve loved this man as an actor and a person since I heard he stopped acting in 9/11 to go back to being a firefighter for a while. Great guy.

[@jonpaul9514]

You did an awesome job steve 👍

[@ajaychoudhary9817]

i love this man so much he is one the few people i wanna be in real life

[@norahmcswain2753]

Love him in the Sopranos too!

[@plutoplatters]

I'm now on the 4 th show of season 2... addicting as it gets.

[@adamwarlock7158]

1 of my favorite actor of all time

[@MatteBlackEverything]

Boardwalk Empire was one of the classics that everyone needs to experience.

[@one7decimal2eight]

He wasn't scary in boardwalk. In Reservoir dogs...his character was much more intimidating. All the yelling. And how smart he was. Plus he was one of the few that knew it was a setup. And maybe even got away in the end.