Gary biography

(1944-)

Who Is Gary Busey?

Actor Gary Busey began studying theater after a knee injury derailed his plans to pursue pro sports. In 1971, he made his film debut in Angels Hard as They Come and in 1978, he starred in The Buddy Holly Story.

Later, he appeared in several action films but his personal life was tumultuous, including a cocaine overdose and a near-death motorcycle accident.

Early Life

William Gary Busey was born on June 29, 1944, in Goose Creek, Texas.

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Raised in Oklahoma, Busey attended Pittsburg State University in Kansas on a football scholarship before a knee injury caused him to abandon his pursuit of a professional sports career. While turning his attention toward theater studies, he played percussion with Leon Russell, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson. He transferred to Oklahoma State University but dropped out before earning a degree.

Movie Career

In 1971, Busey made his cinematic debut with a lead role in the biker film Angels Hard as