Many of us know Steve Buscemi as the actor in Fargo, but he is also a loving family man. Sadly, his family has been hit with a tragic death, as Buscemi's wife of over 30 years, Jo Andres, has passed away.
Buscemi and Andres were married in 1987, and welcomed a son together in 1990, named Lucian. They were a couple that chose to stay relatively out of the public eye, but that didn't mean Andres was someone who kept to herself professionally.
During the 1980s, Andres became known on the New York arts scene thanks to her film, dance, and light performances. Her work was shown at The Performing Garage, La Mama E.T.C., P.S. 122, St. Marks Danspace, and the Collective for Living Cinema. She also directed man music and art videos, many of which were well-received in the industry.
Perhaps Andres' best-known piece of work was her 1996 film Black Kites, which aired on PBS and was featured at a number of international film festivals, including Sundance, Berlin, Toronto, London and Human Rights Watch Film Festival.
The film was ticketed as "a film of survival based on the true journals of an artist during the siege of Sarajevo." Andres both wrote and directed the film, which won best short at the Avignon/New York Film Festival, the award for Short Subject Experimental at the Chicago International Film Festival, and Best Experimental Film at the Uppsala International Short Film Festival.
Andres was also known for her dance and choreography talents, and was a consultant to the acclaimed Wooster Group, which is a company of artists focusing on theater, dance, and media in New York City.
Buscemi was a big fan of his wife's artistic abilities, and during an interview with Independent in 2009, he was asked about his favorite piece of art.
"Probably something by my wife Jo Andres," he told the news site. "She paints, she makes films, she has done performance."
Andres loved inspiring others to become one with their creative self, and in an excerpt from the Jung Journal, volume 7, number 1, she had this to say about the creative process:
I really believe that the creative process is about opening up channels. I just feel like an instrument through which information is flowing. The other thing about the creative process is showing up. You have to show up for yourself, whether it's to a physical space, or to a space in yourself, because the creative energy is always there.
There have not been many details about Andres' death made available, including her cause of death or date of death, but a private memorial service was reportedly held on Tuesday at the family home. Buscemi, along with other friends and family, was seen carrying a wicker casket out of the home.
Not many celebrities have commented on the passing of Andres, as the news is still fresh and Buscemi's camp has not released an official statement, but actor James Woods did send his condolences on Twitter.
"Condolences to Steve Buscemi and loved ones on his loss," the tweeted. "This fine family was so supportive of first responders during 9/11 tragedy."
[H/T: E! Online]