“Trees Lounge is based on my own life. Both my parents like the movie. My father,…” — Steve Buscemi

When I moved to the East Village in the late seventies, I wanted to be a street performer, so I practiced daily. I never did work up the skills or the courage to perform on the street, though.

I've always tried to have a healthy take on the characters I play; they are only characters I play.

There's a certain type of character that you can't help but come in contact with growing up and living in Brooklyn and Long Island. A certain mixture of moxie, heart, and a wise guy sense of humor.

I never did improv professionally, but that was certainly in my training as an actor. I like it.