NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday honored Brooklyn-born award-winning actor Steve Buscemi with a key to New York City.
The actor was presented the key during the mayor's daily coronavirus press briefing.
De Blasio said the 64-year-old has "changed the world," and has had a profound impact on his own life.
"When I was starting out, he's one of the people who lent not just a hand, but tremendous support, and kindness and encouragement and helped our whole team get here to City Hall and make an impact," the mayor said of Buscemi.
After playing a video of the Buscemi providing de Blasio with some drama advice prior to a "inner-circle show," the mayor went on to highlight Buscemi's off-screen heroism.
Mayor Bill de Blasio presents the Key to The City of New York to Steve Buscemi at City Hall on Dec. 28, 2021.Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
"I have been moved by not only the friendship I have experienced, but the love he feels for so many people in this city, particularly our first responders," de Blasio said.
Prior to working as an actor, Buscemi served as an FDNY firefighter with Engine Company 55 in Little Italy. While he left the department in the 1980s, he did return to his roots later on in life to help in the aftermath of September 11 and Superstorm Sandy.
Mayor Bill de Blasio presents the Key to The City of New York to Steve Buscemi at City Hall on Dec. 28, 2021.Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
"Steve, no matter what you do, how famous you become, you always come back to your love for this place and your love for the people who serve us," de Blasio said. "And I got to tell you, your heart, your soul, your feet are on the ground always and it has moved me every single time."
Buscemi — known for his role on HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" and 1996's "Fargo" — said he was flattered to receive the key to the city and thanked de Blasio for being a great friend over the years.
Mayor Bill de Blasio presents the Key to The City of New York to Steve Buscemi at City Hall on Dec. 28, 2021.Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
"This is such an incredible honor," Buscemi said. "I never could have imagined in a million years that I would receive this honor and one day, I would count the mayor of the city of New York as a friend."
"This means the world to me," he added.
Buscemi, who was born in Brooklyn and has lived in Park Slope since the 1990s, is the latest celebrity to be given the key to the city as de Blasio wraps his time as mayor.
Director Spike Lee and legendary punk rocker Patti Smith were also honored.
