When it comes to iconic actors that have stood the test of time, Bruce Willis is undoubtedly high on the list. He has not only proven himself as one of biggest action stars of all time, he also showcased a dynamic range through a plethora of TV and movie roles. He is a true box office titan, and his movies have grossed massive amounts of revenue.
Although he may have been typecast as an action hero, he has always made great efforts to branch out with a variety of roles. He has starred in comedies, dramas, and even appeared as a guest on the hit show, Friends. Despite retiring from acting in 2022, his movies still generate massive amounts of traction to this day. So, let’s take a deep dive into Bruce Willis’ life, from his early beginnings in TV, to his seismic rise to superstardom.
How Old Is Bruce Willis?
Bruce Willis was born on March 19, 1955, in West Germany. His father was American and his mother was German. At the time, they were living on a US military base. Shortly after Willis was born, he was then moved to New Jersey, United States, where he grew up. Thanks to his age and experience as an actor, Bruce Willis is easily considered one of the most iconic veterans in the movie industry.
How Bruce Willis Rose To Fame
Moonlighting was a television comedy-drama series that aired from 1985 to 1989. The hit show is known for being the launchpad of Bruce Willis’ career. Willis played the role of David Addison, a wisecracking detective who co-owns an investigation agency with his partner, Maddie Hayes (Cybill Shepherd).
Moonlighting revolved around the funny yet romantic relationship between the two characters, as they bantered and investigated cases together. With its clever writing, snappy dialogue, and witty pop culture references, Moonlighting quickly gained a huge following. Furthermore, it earned critical acclaim and multiple Emmy awards. The success of the show catapulted Bruce Willis into the limelight, and paved the way for his future film career.
Bruce Willis’ Most Iconic Roles
Near enough, every Hollywood superstar has one iconic role that they will always be remembered for. For Bruce Willis, that role is John McClane in Die Hard. The blockbuster classic was released in 1988 and is widely considered to be one of the greatest action films of all time. It was a box office smash hit, and was nominated for four Academy Awards. It also kickstarted the movie career of Willis. However, it wasn’t an easy ride.
At the time Die Hard was released, musclebound stars like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger were dominating action movies. In fact, when the first trailer was released for Die Hard, audience members reportedly laughed Willis off the screen. Willis was known for his comedic approach, making it difficult for moviegoers to picture him as an action hero. However, Willis brought a boisterous charm to the movie. He spliced the movie with moments of comedic relief, and proved that action wasn’t all about muscles.
Willis’ role in Die Hard totally reinvented the action genre. It opened up the scene to heaps of unlikely actors who would have normally been passed off. On top of this, Willis continued to climb and delivered action epics like The Fifth Element, Armageddon, and The Last Boy Scout. Additionally, Die Hard spawned four sequels, becoming one of the most successful franchises in cinema history.
Underrated Bruce Willis Movies You May Have Missed
It is not enough to know Bruce Willis’ age and early career, it is worth exploring his underrated movies too.Outside of action movies, Bruce Willis has showcased a more dramatic side in Oscar-winning classics like Pulp Fiction, and The Sixth Sense. However, he has always played to his strengths and kept up his action hero persona. In 1998, Willis starred in Mercury Rising. The film follows a cop who becomes the protector of a young autistic boy who has unwittingly cracked a top secret government code. Although the movie went under the radar, Willis showcased a delicate side to his tough framework whilst still forefronting the picture with dazzling action.
In 2001, Willis delivered another hidden gem as the lead in Barry Levinson‘s Bandits. Alongside Billy Bob Thornton, Willis starred as a bank robber who is broken out of prison. As the two convicts evade the police, they encounter a troubled woman who soon tests the strengths of their relationship.
Bruce Willis’ Family Life Explained
It’s fair to say that Bruce Willis has an interesting family life. He has been married twice and has five daughters, three from his first marriage to Demi Moore and two from his current marriage with Emma Heming. Willis has been open about his struggle with dementia, and his family has joined together to support him. Furthermore, Demi Moore has been supportive of him as well, despite a difficult divorce in 2000.
Since his diagnosis, both Demi Moore and Emma Heming have been working together to care for him. In addition, his daughters have played a critical role in his care. While Willis’ diagnosis has been challenging for his family, they’ve shown their love and support for him every step of the way. His family’s commitment to his care and well-being has been an inspiration to many, especially those who have faced similar situations.
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