Actor Rejects Spicy Wings: Buscemi Rules Out Future Appearances
The actor says the pain of eating progressively hotter food makes him angry, ensuring he will skip the popular YouTube segment during his current press tour.
By Nia Foster ·
Steve Buscemi has ruled out a future appearance on Hot Ones, the YouTube interview series known for its spicy food challenge. The actor made the declaration this week while discussing his personal dislikes with host Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. Buscemi is currently promoting two new films, Wild Horse Nine and Klara and the Sun, and said the show’s format is not a stop he will make on his press tour.
The actor expressed confusion over the popularity of spicy food, specifically questioning why people enjoy having their mouths burn. He stated that the experience makes him confused and angry. Buscemi cited a conversation with actor Sam Rockwell, who mentioned doing the segment with Parker Posey. Buscemi used that anecdote to emphasize his stance, saying he would never participate regardless of the financial offer or the promotional benefits for his film.
He laughed as he delivered his final verdict on the show, telling the audience, “You’ll never get me, Hot Ones!” The remark confirms that the veteran performer will avoid the platter of ten wings that serves as the centerpiece of the series. Each wing is coated in a different hot sauce, with the heat level increasing with every bite.
Hot Ones was created by Sean Evans and Christopher Schonberger and launched in 2015. The show has become a standard part of the promotional circuit for many high-profile celebrities. Guests sit with Evans while they eat and answer questions. The format has attracted a wide range of stars over the past decade.
Notable past participants include Jennifer Lawrence, Paul Rudd, Billie Eilish, Post Malone, Conan O’Brien, Charlize Theron, Pedro Pascal, and Shaquille O’Neal. Many of these guests displayed visible distress during their episodes. Lawrence famously told viewers, “I feel like I’m gonna die,” during her turn on the show. These reactions have become a recognizable feature of the series for fans.
In a previous interview with Matt Belloni earlier this year, Evans offered advice to new viewers. He suggested starting with episodes featuring Conan O’Brien, Gordon Ramsay, Jennifer Lawrence, Maya Rudolph, Paul Rudd, or Charlize Theron. Evans noted that if a viewer likes those specific episodes, they will likely enjoy the show. If they do not, he advised them to stop watching.
The segment remains a popular content producer for the platform, with millions of views for many of its episodes. The show continues to book A-list talent despite the physical challenge it poses to its guests. For Buscemi, however, the heat is too much to handle.
