Actor Gary Busey was nominated for an Academy Award early in his career, but as the years advanced, his best work was unfortunately eclipsed by bizarre personal behavior and speculation that a near-fatal motorcycle accident had rendered him “a little off.” Whether he was mining his own personal demons –drug addiction and, at times, violent behavior – or merely acting, the toothy six-foot blond came to be known as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic, believable wackos for his unsettling intensity both onscreen and off. Well into his sixties, the actor who claimed he was born with “the energy of 10
Began his career as a singer, drummer and bandleader in Rubberband, a group which eventually changed its name to Carp; brought Carp to Los Angeles in 1966, where they met the Doors and Byrds and recorded an album for CBS/Epic Records; later, under name Teddy Jack Eddy, played drums with various musicians including Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and fellow Oklahoman Leon Russell (on the Gold album "Will o' the Wisp" and on tour)
1966
Survived a near-fatal car accident at the age of 22 (date approximate)
1970
TV acting debut in an episode of the NBC Western "The High Chapparal"
1971
First film appearance in the Roger Corman-produced "Angels Hard as They Come"
