Steve Buscemi disclosed during a recent interview that many people, including himself, have been mispronouncing his name for years. The actor made this admission while appearing on The Tonight Show to promote his role in Netflix‘s popular series Wednesday, where he plays the character Barry Dort. His discussion about the correct way to say the Steve Buscemi name pronunciation became a humorous highlight of the conversation.
Humorous Debates on Pronouncing Buscemi
The topic of his surname’s pronunciation was sparked by a scene from Seth Rogen’s Apple TV+ comedy The Studio, where the cast joked about how to say “Buscemi.” Host Jimmy Fallon mentioned one peculiar version, saying,
“At one point they said ‘Bruscemi,’ like ‘bruschetta,’”
to which Buscemi responded with a laugh that he does not favor that version. Instead, he expressed a preference for “Buscemi” pronounced as Boo-shemi.
After Fallon questioned whether this pronunciation was correct, Buscemi explained the complexity behind the name’s Italian roots and his family’s variation. He stated,
“Well, that is the Italian way to say it,”
but added,
“I just didn’t grow up that way. Growing up, we said ‘Bue-semi,’ which is like, I can’t even do that anymore. So now I say ‘Boo-semi.’”
Buscemi admitted mixing elements from different pronunciations, concluding,
“I don’t know how to say my own name.”
Early Career Nickname and Name Challenges
Reflecting on his early years as a stand-up comedian, Buscemi shared that he used the nickname “Buce,” which led to amusing situations during performances. He quipped,
“You can imagine the fun the emcees had with that,”
revealing some of the challenges he faced introducing himself on stage.
Parallel Name Pronunciation Challenge: Denzel Washington
In a coincidental theme about celebrity names, actor Denzel Washington clarified recently that many have been mispronouncing his first name. On Jimmy Kimmel Live, he explained that his name is pronounced “Den-zull,” rather than the widely used “Den-zell.” He described how his mother coined the alternate pronunciation to distinguish him from his father, Denzel Washington, Sr. Washington said,
“I’m Denzel Jr. My mother would say, ‘Denzel,’ and we’d both show up,”
explaining why she instructed him, “From now on, you’re Den-zell.”
Buscemi Discusses Joining the Cast of Wednesday
During the same interview, Buscemi expressed feeling somewhat intimidated to join the second season of Wednesday as the villainous principal of Nevermore Academy, despite previous collaborations with director Tim Burton and star Jenna Ortega. He shared,
“Before I knew I was going to be in the second season, I loved the first season. Everyone was great … but still, you come into something that’s so well established and that people love, it is a little intimidating.”
Impact of Name Pronunciation and Future Expectations
Buscemi’s candid remarks highlight how even well-known actors grapple with the specifics of their own identities, including how their names are said. This discussion brings attention to the broader issue of cultural and familial variations in name pronunciation. As Buscemi continues his acting career with roles like that in Wednesday, audiences may also become more aware of the nuances behind celebrity names. His openness adds a personal touch to an often overlooked detail in fame, providing fans with a glimpse into the complexity behind the Steve Buscemi name pronunciation.
