Casey Siemaszko—yes, that’s the name—grew up in a tight-knit Polish community in Chicago, Illinois, where his roots and upbringing played a quiet but meaningful role in shaping his early life. With a round face and a boyish charm that carried him through his younger years, Casey, originally named Kazimierz, started performing at just five years old as part of his father’s dance troupe. His dad, a Holocaust survivor, instilled in him both resilience and discipline, qualities that would later serve him well in Hollywood. Now, while many remember him for his youthful roles, it was actually his very first paid gig—as an extra in a Stuttgart Ballet production of The Taming of the Shrew—that quietly marked the beginning of what would become a solid acting career.
Casey Siemaszko then honed his craft at the prestigious Goodman Theater School, diving into stage work and building a foundation that felt authentic and grounded. His film debut came in 1983 with Class, but it was his performance in Stand By Me (1986) as Jerry O’Connell’s older brother that really put Casey Siemaszko on the map for many audiences. He followed that up with a standout role as the anxious high schooler in Three O’Clock High (1987), proving he could carry complex, nervous energy with conviction.
And let’s not forget Young Guns (1988)—Casey Siemaszko delivered a surprisingly tender portrayal of a vulnerable cowboy, earning praise from critics who hadn’t quite pegged him for such depth. Then came Breaking In (1989), where he held his own alongside Burt Reynolds, playing the clever, quick-witted partner-in-crime. It was clear by then that Casey Siemaszko had range. He wasn’t just another pretty face from the ’80s; he brought nuance to his characters.
In the 1992 remake of Of Mice and Men, Casey Siemaszko transformed into the farm boss’s cruel and bitter son—a role he played with chilling believability. That performance should’ve opened more doors. Unfortunately, the late ’90s didn’t treat Casey Siemaszko quite as kindly. Despite his talent and screen presence, roles like those in The Phantom (1996) and Bliss (1997) barely gave him room to breathe, let alone shine. Honestly, it felt like a waste—Casey Siemaszko deserved better material. Still, for those who remember his earlier work, Casey Siemaszko remains a quietly compelling figure in American cinema.
When it comes to Casey Siemaszko’s filmography, there’s a clear standout in terms of critical reception. Casey Siemaszko’s highest rated movie is undoubtedly Of Mice and Men from 1992, which earned widespread acclaim and remains a strong highlight in his career. On the other end of the spectrum, Casey Siemaszko’s lowest rated film appears to be Waltzing Anna, released in 2006—a project that didn’t resonate as well with audiences or critics. While Casey Siemaszko has taken on a variety of roles over the years, these two films mark the high and low points in terms of ratings. It’s interesting to see how different projects have been received, but Casey Siemaszko continues to be recognized for his contributions to cinema.