Steve Buscemi's Wife & Mom of His Only Child Was His 'Biggest Inspiration' till Death Separated Them

• They were a multitalented couple who shared a passion for art and a cosmic coincidence.
• They were married for over 30 years and raised their only son together.
• Jo Andres was Steve Buscemi's "biggest inspiration" until their love story was cut short by a devastating illness.

Steve Buscemi and his wife Jo Andres had a long and loving relationship that spanned over three decades. They raised their only son together, who followed in his father's footsteps as an actor and filmmaker. But death separated the couple in 2019 when Andres succumbed to a rare condition after battling ovarian cancer.

At 66, Buscemi is a highly respected actor with a career as diverse as his onscreen roles. He is known for his roles in films such as "Fargo," "Reservoir Dogs," "The Big Lebowski," and "Ghost World," as well as TV shows such as "Boardwalk Empire," "The Sopranos," and "Miracle Workers."

Buscemi's roots are firmly grounded in real-world experiences. Long before gracing the silver screen, he worked as an ice cream truck driver and bartender, attempted stand-up comedy, and was a professional firefighter. However, it was his role as a firefighter, a job he continues to do voluntarily, that he holds dearest to his heart.

These experiences shaped the man who would captivate audiences worldwide. Buscemi showed courage and compassion when he volunteered at his old firehouse the day after the World Trade Center tragedy in New York. He stood shoulder to shoulder with his comrades, anonymously sifting through the rubble at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks, looking for missing firefighters.

Andres was a visionary artist born on May 21, 1954, in Wichita, Kansas. Her arrival in New York in the early 1980s marked the beginning of a unique fusion of contemporary dance and performance art. With her innovative choreography, Andres sought to immerse audiences in a sensory experience beyond traditional dance performances.

Andres created a mesmerizing blend of dance and visual art using multimedia elements such as slides and film. Her creations, including the acclaimed 1996 "Black Kites," reflected a deep connection to human experiences, seen through surreal imagery and poignant storytelling.

Buscemi and Andres's paths crossed in 1983 in the vibrant East Village. Their love story unfolded with cosmic serendipity, as Buscemi, smitten from afar, would strategically walk his dog, hoping for a chance encounter with Andres.

On the other hand, Andres had been seeing Buscemi's face on posters and confided in a friend that she was interested in Buscemi, saying, "I'm going to snag that guy."

Only when the universe conspired and Andres visited Buscemi's apartment, did she realize he was the same guy she had seen on the handmade posters. The encounter revealed their connection, and Andres ended up snagging the guy.

In 1987, the couple exchanged vows, embarking on a journey that would lead to the birth of their only son, Lucian Buscemi, in 1990. Lucian followed in his parents' footsteps in the entertainment industry and is known for films such as "Trees Lounge" (1996), "Interview" (2007), and "4:44 Last Day on Earth" (2011).

Andres and Buscemi's union was grounded in mutual respect, shared dreams, and a love that weathered the storms of life. The couple supported each other's artistic endeavors and collaborated on several projects. Buscemi admired Andres not only as his wife but also as a talented artist, choreographer, and filmmaker.

Andres was highly praised for her 1996 film "Black Kites," which premiered at several film festivals. Her work included directing music, art videos, and her own performance works. In a 2009 interview, when asked about his favorite work of art, Buscemi said, "My favorite work of art is ... probably something by my wife Jo Andres. She paints, she makes films, she has done performance."

As Buscemi should have been enjoying the pinnacle of his career, his personal life took a big blow. In 2015, Andres fell ill and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The couple faced the challenges head-on, with Andres undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing periods of remission. However, the cancer returned with a relentless force in 2017, leading to Andres's passing on January 6, 2019, at the age of 64.

Buscemi revealed that his wife's silent struggles included encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis, a condition marked by intestinal blockage. In an interview with GQ, Buscemi opened up about his wife's death and how it affected him.

A year after his wife's untimely passing, his heart remained heavy with grief, and it was a slow process for him. Buscemi opened up about the painful journey, emphasizing the profound impact of witnessing a loved one battle cancer. With his voice catching, he said, "People who are going through that, it's painful. It's painful to die from cancer."

The actor laid bare the raw reality of grief, describing days when he felt submerged and was unwilling to accept comfort. The previous fall had been particularly challenging for Buscemi, and he had experienced anxiety about being far from home while filming in Prague.

Despite the grief, he acknowledged the support of friends and family. The actor admitted that, despite the personal nature of grief, the shared sense of loss connects people profoundly.

On April 5, 2019, a few short months after Andres' passing, Buscemi stood on the stage of CinemaCon in Las Vegas to accept an award. While giving his speech to the National Association of Theater Owners, he expressed gratitude to his supportive family, including his son.

He also extended a heartfelt acknowledgment to his late wife, saying, "My wife Jo, who we knew each other going back to [1984 film] Parting Glances. She was my biggest supporter and, also, audience and my biggest inspiration."

In conclusion to his touching tribute, he reflected on the challenges of maintaining a relationship in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the strength of the connection they shared.

Buscemi's late wife was a talented filmmaker, choreographer, and artist, his biggest inspiration in life and career. They had a long love story that lasted over three decades, and they raised their only son, Lucian together. Buscemi's love for his wife is evident in how he speaks about her, and he continues to cherish her memories.