In a press conference held at Busey Bank headquarters on Monday, marketing executives revealed that actor Gary Busey has been chosen as Busey Bank’s new celebrity spokesperson.
Busey, 66, has appeared in such films as The Buddy Holly Story (for which he was nominated for an Oscar), Lethal Weapon, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Firm, and Point Break. In the late 90’s, Busey had a very public breakdown in which he confessed his addiction to cocaine and other drugs.
By his own account, however, he has been clean for more than 15 years, and he has recently reinvigorated his career by serving as a mentor on the reality show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. He is currently appearing as a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice, playing for his charity The Center for Head Injury Services.
“Gary Busey is an inspiration,” said Busey Bank CEO Van Dukeman. “Choosing him as a representative drives home the point that Busey Bank is all about second chances. He is a shining example of what it means to turn a life around.”
As representative for Busey, Busey will be featured in television, radio, and print ads, and be present for such community events as the opening day of this year’s Boneyard Arts Festival, the Urbana Sweetcorn Festival, and Blues, Brews, and BBQ.
“The good people at Busey Bank have hired me to work for them, and they couldn’t be more excited,” Busey said when he was reached for comment at his Malibu, California home. “There will be surprises that are unexpected even by me. They are in for a ride of their lifetimes. I look forward to sharing the message of Busey Bank with all of God’s children.”
Signing Busey to a two-year contract might seem like an unprecedented move, but it isn’t the first time the local bank has chosen a celebrity spokesperson that shares their namesake. In 1933, Wanda Busey, a popular jazz singer was chosen to be a representative, and in 1980, Ralph Busey, a Formula One racer appeared in television commercials.