TV and movie actor Steve Buscemi has been taken to hospital following a “random attack” on the streets of New York City.
Steve Buscemi is an actor so beloved, with so many hits under his belt, it’s hard to imagine him on the receiving end of one in the literal sense. The 66-year-old has shone in such legendary movies as Reservoir Dogs, Fargo, The Big Lebowski, and he’s also well remembered as the voice of Mike Wazowski in the Disney Pixar classic Monsters, Inc. In the World’ of TV he’s just as revered, playing the lead role of the period crime drama Boardwalk Empire, prefigured by a big role on The Sopranos as Tony Blundetto. He’s a tremendous talent, but recently he suffered a terrible blow…
Steve Buscemi taken to hospital after ‘random attack’
On Wednesday, May 8th 2024, Steve was taking a walk through Kips Bay, a neighborhood on the east side of the NYC borough of Manhattan, when he was suddenly hit in the face by a random stranger.
Officials say the incident happened at 11:48 am in front of 369 Third Ave. Although the alleged attacker is yet to be officially identified, the NYPD released surveillance photos of a man with a beard sporting a baseball cap, blue tee, and black sweatpants.
“Steve Buscemi was assaulted in Mid-Town Manhattan,” the actor’s publicist released in a statement to the New York Post on the matter, “another victim of a random act of violence in the city.” This comes after law enforcement told the Post of a string of unprovoked attacks in the five boroughs recently.
“He is OK and appreciates everyone’s well wishes,” the publicist assured, “though incredibly sad for everyone that this has happened to him while also walking the streets of New York.” With a swollen face and left eye, he was taken to Bellevue Hospital and given appropriate treatment.
Somebody working in the area gave a witness account to the Post: “I saw he was with a woman, and then through the corner of the window I saw him trip and fall backward. He right away got up and ran in the opposite direction. I didn’t see who hit him… It worries me for when we close because we close at 11 and it can get scary around that time.”
Fans rage in defense of a ‘national treasure’
You don’t make so many great movies and TV shows without accumulating a wide sea of fans, and they couldn’t be more outraged that somebody would do such a thing to the acclaimed Brooklyn native and icon.
“He randomly attacked him, punching him in the face,” one tweeted.
“Steve is the salt of the earth. A former firefighter who worked onsite 9/11, great artist, and easily one of the kindest and most generous people you could meet.”
Another said of the attack: “Steve Buscemi is like the core memory that instantly makes everyone smile. Guy’s a household favorite. Any movie he’s in is a classic. Hope he recovers well.”
Also acknowledging Steve’s kind heart beyond his work as an actor, another wrote: “Just a reminder that Steve Buscemi rejoined the FDNY as a volunteer after 9/11 to help rescue and recover. (Before he was an actor he was a firefighter) He risked his life to search through the rubble and NY will never forget that, so you come for him you come for all of us.”
Venting their outrage, somebody praised Steve as “a goddamn national treasure. He is not to be harmed.” Wishing him all the best and a speedy recovery.