Timothy Busfield's journey from the son of a drama professor and a university press president to a Hollywood mainstay is nothing short of remarkable. By the time he donned his cap and gown at East Lansing High School in 1975, Busfield was already on a trajectory toward the bright lights of the entertainment world. His charm and boy-next-door vibe quickly landed him a spot understudying Broadway superstar Matthew Broderick.
Hollywood knocked on his door soon after. Busfield snagged roles in comedies like "Revenge of the Nerds" and its sequel, along with a steady gig on "Trapper John, M.D." But it was his Emmy-winning turn on "Thirtysomething" that solidified his place on the Hollywood A-list. As a symbol of American decency and morality, Busfield became a household name, later making memorable appearances in "Field of Dreams" and "The West Wing."
In recent times, Busfield shifted his focus from acting to directing, following the path of fellow co-star Ken Olin. His directorial endeavors on popular shows like NBC’s "This is Us," CBS’s "FBI," and Fox’s "The Cleaning Lady" added a new dimension to his career. The transition from actor to director placed Busfield at the helm, making him a powerful figure on set.
However, this newfound authority is now at the center of troubling allegations that have surfaced. Busfield turned himself in to authorities on January 13 in Albuquerque, following an arrest warrant issued days earlier. He faces accusations of criminal sexual contact with minors – twin boys he met through his work on "The Cleaning Lady."
The affidavit paints a disturbing portrait – Busfield allegedly engaged in "inappropriate touching framed as play" with the children, leading one to develop PTSD and anxiety. In a defiant video, Busfield declared, "I did not do anything to those little boys."
“It was highly likely that he would have [picked them up and tickled them]," Busfield reportedly said in a phone interview with authorities.
An anonymous complaint also described an incident in which Busfield allegedly kissed a minor on the face in the hair and makeup trailer. Despite Busfield’s denials and claims of revenge by the boys’ mother, the narrative is already casting a shadow over his career.
This isn't Busfield's first brush with controversy. A past legal battle surrounding defamation and sexual assault allegations connected to the film "Little Big League" has resurfaced. In 2012, another groping allegation in Los Angeles came to light, though lack of evidence halted further action.
With Fox and Warner Bros. stressing their commitment to safety and cooperation with authorities, and NBC shelving a "Law & Order: SVU" episode featuring Busfield, the implications of these proceedings are deep. As Hollywood grapples with evolving standards for child performer protections, this case highlights the critical importance of robust set policies and vigilant enforcement.
As the story unfolds, all eyes are on the outcomes that will reshape the landscape for industry practices and Busfield's career.