Ep 6. Steve Buscemi
- March 25, 2011
Who Do You Think You Are? is a television series that explores the family histories of celebrities, tracing their bloodlines back through generations to uncover their ancestors' stories and shed light on their own personal histories. In season 2 episode 6, titled Steve Buscemi, the popular actor delves deep into his family's past to discover more about their origins and the events that have contributed to his own life story.
The episode begins with Buscemi poring over old family photographs and documents alongside his wife and parents, trying to piece together the disparate threads of his genealogy. He discovers that his mother's parents met and fell in love in Italy, but were ultimately separated by World War II and forced to build new lives apart from one another. Buscemi travels to Italy to learn more about his family's history there, exploring the countryside and meeting with historians and genealogists who provide insights into the political and cultural currents of the time.
Along the way, Buscemi also uncovers some unexpected secrets about his own family, including an ancestor who was accused of murder and left his children on their own to flee the law. He visits the small town where this ancestor lived and learns more about the circumstances surrounding his alleged crime, as well as the legacy he left behind for future generations.
Beyond delving into his family's past, Buscemi also reflects on how his own upbringing and family dynamics have influenced the kind of person he is today. He speaks candidly about the challenges of growing up with a father who struggled with mental health issues, and how his experiences in youth have shaped his perspective on the importance of empathy and social justice.
Ultimately, the episode is a moving exploration of family ties, personal identity, and the power of history to shape our individual stories. Through his research and introspection, Buscemi gains a deeper understanding of his ancestors' lives and the events that have led him to where he is today, and emerges with a renewed appreciation for the complexities of human experience.
