Steve Buscemi, 53, plays a corrupt 1920s politician in ‘Boardwalk Empire’ the TV series which just cleaned up at the Golden Globes. Produced by the legendary director Martin Scorsese, A-List actor Mark Walhberg, Hoolywood stalwart Tim Van Patten, and creator Terence Winter, ‘Boardwalk Empire’ is a top rated show with excellent acting and top production values. In fact the premiere episode cost $18 million to make and was directed by Scorsese himself.
Steve said: “This is one of the best parts I’ve ever had in my life. I mean, only in my wildest fantasies or dreams… “ He felt that getting the part of the character of Enoch “Nucky” Thompson was just too good to be true and he doubted he would get the role.
“When I first read the script, I could tell from page one that Nucky was the man,” said Steve, adding “And it was sort of terrifying in a way. When I first read the script, I hadn’t gotten the offer yet to play the character. I just thought, ‘Wow, I’m almost sorry I’m reading this because, if I don’t get it, I’m going to be so disappointed, so sad’.”
So even when Terrence Winter phoned to say that he and Scorsese wanted him, he refused to believe – “My response was, ‘Terry, I know you’re looking at other actors, and I appreciate just that, you know, my name is being thrown -‘. He says, ‘No, no, Steve. I just said we want you’.”
On Sunday night Steve won the Golden Globe for best actor in a TV drama for the role, and Boardwalk Empire won best series.
It is based on the true story of Nucky, local kingpin in New Jersey resort town and gamblers’ paradise Atlantic City.
When the US bans booze he sets up as the town’s go-to man for illegal alcohol, and gets tangled up with gangsters from Chicago and New York City.
Steve said: “He likes being a politician and he likes being a leader.” “He sort of is presented with this opportunity now with Prohibition, and you’re either on the trolley, or you can be put six feet under.” Scorsese, 68, said of the role: “Steve’s character is basically a decent guy, but that world, it corrupts him so much.” Steve added: “It’s just so exciting for me to go to work and to know that these scripts are so strong. I hope this continues for years and years.”
Well we know that ‘Boardwalk Empire’ has been renewed for a second season at least.
