Gary Busey, sure enough, burst onto the scene with a bang—earning widespread praise early in his career for his electrifying portrayal of Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story (1978). At that point, it seemed like Gary Busey was destined for A-list stardom. But over time, Gary Busey’s undeniable talent became somewhat eclipsed by a series of increasingly erratic public behaviors. Rumors swirled, especially after a near-fatal motorcycle crash in 1988, that Gary Busey may have suffered brain damage—a theory that gained traction given his unpredictable actions in the years that followed.
And honestly, it wasn’t just the accident. Gary Busey had been battling a long-standing addiction to cocaine and alcohol, which at times led to volatile outbursts and troubling incidents. This only deepened the public’s fascination—and unease—with Gary Busey’s off-screen persona. Yet, even amid the chaos, he remained a magnetic presence on screen. Who could forget his chilling turn as Mr. Joshua, the knife-wielding maniac in Lethal Weapon (1987)? Or his unforgettable performance as the grizzled, adrenaline-junkie FBI agent in Point Break (1991)? In both cases, Gary Busey didn’t just play the role—he owned it, stealing scenes with an intensity few could match.
He kept working steadily through the ‘90s, delivering solid supporting roles in hits like Under Siege (1992) and The Firm (1993), proving again and again that Gary Busey had serious chops as a character actor. It looked like he was building a sustainable, even lucrative, second act in Hollywood. But more often than not, it was Gary Busey’s wild interviews and bizarre public appearances that made headlines—rambling monologues filled with odd spiritual musings and sudden mood swings that left people wondering what was really going on behind those intense eyes.
Still, Gary Busey never disappeared. He embraced the grind, popping up regularly as a go-to villain in B-movies and genre flicks across the next couple of decades. And every now and then, he’d playfully nod to his own larger-than-life reputation—like during his hilarious, self-parodying run on HBO’s Entourage (2004–11), where he played an exaggerated, unhinged version of himself. That kind of self-awareness added a layer of charm, reminding fans that beneath the chaos, Gary Busey still had wit and awareness.
Then came his appearance on Celebrity Rehab (VH1, 2008–12), a moment that felt painfully revealing. It didn’t excuse the past, but it did humanize Gary Busey in a new way. Despite everything—the accidents, the addictions, the tabloid drama—Gary Busey kept showing up. Kept performing. Kept being unapologetically himself.
All things considered, you’ve got to admit: whether you love him or find him unsettling, Gary Busey remains one of the most distinctive, unforgettable figures in modern cinema. There’s really no one quite like Gary Busey.
When it comes to Gary Busey’s filmography, fans and critics often point to The Buddy Holly Story from 1978 as his standout performance—widely regarded as Gary Busey’s highest rated movie. It’s no surprise that this biographical musical drama earned so much acclaim, showcasing Gary Busey’s remarkable talent and dedication to the role. On the other end of the spectrum, Gary Busey’s lowest rated film tends to be Behaving Badly, released in 2014. While opinions may vary, the general consensus reflects a significant drop in critical reception compared to his earlier work. So, whether you’re exploring the highs or lows of Gary Busey’s career, these two films really highlight the range of his journey in Hollywood.