Gary Busey Is Proud to Have Passed Down ‘Everything’ to Son Jake: He Is ‘Everything I Am’

When it comes to proud dads, Gary Busey is definitely one of the proudest — especially when it comes to son Jake Busey. The Buddy Holly Story star, who turns 75 this month, thinks very highly of Jake, 47, and all that he has accomplished in life thus far.

“His first movie he was playing my son, with Dustin Hoffman and Kathy Bates [in 1978’s Straight Time], Gary exclusively told Closer Weekly at the 7th annual Ed Asner & Friends Poker Tournament on Saturday, June 1. “He’s a veteran, he’s an honest veteran.”

Not only is Jake part of the family business, but one of his recent roles draws a direct line from him to Gary. Jake starred in 2018’s The Predator, from director Shane Black, while Gary starred in 1990’s Predator 2, from director Stephen Hopkins. That means they’ve both gone head-to-head against the skilled alien hunter in the film franchise — a full 28 years apart.

The Starship Troopers star is just one of Gary’s three kids — he is also father to daughter Alectra, 25, and son Luke, 9. He was born William Jacob “Jake” Busey in 1971 to Gary mom Judy Helkenberg, who were married from 1968 to 1990. These days, Jake is loving fatherhood. He and partner April Hutchinson welcomed their 6-year-old daughter, Autumn, in 2012.

“Everything,” Gary said when asked what positive thing he is proud to have passed down to Jake. “Everything I am. Even the hard parts I’ve had in my life he’s learned from that, it’s a part of him from growing up. It’s a union of heaven between the two of us.”

As for whether or not he has any regrets, the Point Break star is crystal clear about not letting those get to him.

“Why have regrets when you’re moving forward?” Gary, who has had plenty of ups and downs in his life, replied. “It’s a useless place to think, live and fell, regrets. Let go of the regret and move on to the light.”