Actor Gary Busey on relationship with his father, ‘Buseyisms’ and playing iconic musician Buddy Holly

Actor Gary Busey has made well over 100 films during his five decades in Hollywood. The 74-year-old star, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of the title character in “The Buddy Holly Story” (1978), says of playing the iconic musician, “My award was being chosen to play Buddy Holly.”

In the years following his Oscar nomination Busey, who went on to make blockbusters such as “Lethal Weapon,” “Point Break,” and “Under Siege,” says he also suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 1988; and went into recovery after overdosing on cocaine in 1995.

The actor discusses these events, as well as anecdotes from his childhood, his 50+ year career, and his life today with his wife, Steffanie, and their 8-year-old son in his recently published autobiography “Buseyisms: Gary Busey’s Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.”

“This book is me, pulling back the curtains to my life and letting everyone see and feel my everything,” Gary tells Dr. Phil.

Watch the videos above and below to hear what Gary says about his relationship with his father, and how he says actress Valerie Harper helped the elder Busey to accept Gary’s chosen career path.