Trivia / The Buddy Holly Story

• Actor-Shared Background: Both Buddy Holly and Gary Busey are from Texas.
• And Introducing: Marks the first for Maria Richwine.
• Dawson Casting: 33-year-old Gary Busey plays Buddy Holly from 19 to 22.
• The Danza: Maria Richwine plays Buddy Holly's wife (and later widow) Maria Elena Santiago.
• Star-Making Role: For Gary Busey, even netting him an Oscar nomination.
• What Could Have Been: Randy Quaid lobbied for the role of Buddy Holly as he felt he struck a resemblance to the deceased musician. But the producers thought he wasn't handsome enough for the role and he was asked to consider another role. He wouldn't appear at all in the final film.