Bruce Willis: the life and career of a Hollywood legend

Following his aphasia diagnosis in 2022, Willis announced his retirement from acting and from the spotlight. In 2023, his family provided a further update with the sad news that his condition had progressed to dementia. With a magnificent career behind him, Willis is living comfortably in the care of his large and loving family.

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Bruce Willis -

Bruce Willis was born on March 19, 1955, in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. He moved to the US with his family two years later.

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A star is born -

Let's take a look at some of his most iconic roles.

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'Moonlighting' -

Bruce Willis's breakthrough role was on the TV show 'Moonlighting,' which aired from 1985-1989.

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'Moonlighting' -

Bruce Willis played David Addison Jr., a private detective, who worked in an agency run by former model Maddie Hayes (Cybill Shepherd).

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'Moonlighting' -

The show won seven Emmy Awards and three Golden Globes.

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'Die Hard' -

In 1988, Willis became an action star as NYPD officer, John McClane.

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'Die Hard' -

The movie was a hit and launched Bruce Willis into a whole new level of stardom.

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'Look Who's Talking' -

If you have ever wondered who voiced baby Mikey in 'Look Who's Talking,' well, that was Bruce Willis!

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'Die Hard 2' -

In 1990, Willis returned to the big screen as John McClane with 'Die Hard 2.'

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'Pulp Fiction' -

Willis then landed a role in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 cult film 'Pulp Fiction.'

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'Pulp Fiction' -

Willis played boxer Butch Coolidge, who is paid by a mobster to lose a fight.

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'Die Hard with a Vengeance' -

In 1995, the third movie of the 'Die Hard' franchise hit the theaters. Jeremy Irons and Samuel L. Jackson are Willis's co-stars.

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'12 Monkeys' -

In the same year, we could see the actor playing James Cole, a prisoner who travels back in time to prevent a virus epidemic.

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'12 Monkeys' -

Bruce Willis and Madeleine Stowe are pictured in a scene from the sci-fi thriller '12 Monkeys.'

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'The Fifth Element' -

In 1997, we saw Willis return to the sci-fi universe as bleached-hair, cab driver-turned-hero Korben Dallas.

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'Armageddon' -

And in 1998 Willis saves the world again ( and wins a Razzie Award)! 'Armageddon' became known for Aerosmith's song 'I Don't Want to Miss a Thing.'

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'The Sixth Sense' -

Willis played child psychologist Malcolm Crowe, who tries to help Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), who sees dead people.

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'The Sixth Sense' -

The 1999 supernatural psychological thriller received several awards and nominations.

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'Sin City' -

The actor played detective John Hartigan in the neo noir film based on graphic novels by Frank Miller. He was back in 2014 with 'Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.'

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'Live Free or Die Hard' -

In 2007, John McClane teamed up with young hacker Matthew Farrell (Justin Long) to fight against a cyber-terrorist.

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'RED' -

In 2010, the actor played former black-ops agent, Frank Moses. A sequel ('RED 2') was released in 2013.

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'The Expendables 2' -

In 2012, Willis teamed up with a bunch of first-class action stars in 'The Expendables 2.'

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'A Good Day to Die Hard' -

John McClane was back for the final movie of the franchise in 2013.

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Debut album -

In 1987, Willis released his debut studio album, 'The Return of Bruno.'

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Second album -

In 1989 he released his second album, 'If It Don't Kill You, It Just Makes You Stronger.'

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Musician -

Not only can Bruce Willis sing, he can also play the harmonica really well!

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Planet Hollywood -

In 1991, Bruce Willis, together with Sylvester Stallone, Demi Moore, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, endorsed the launch of Planet Hollywood in New York City.

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First marriage -

Willis and Demi Moore got married in 1987 and divorced in 2000.

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Family -

Willis and ex-wife Moore have three daughters: Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah.

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Friends -

The two actors maintain a good relationship to this day.

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Bruce Willis and Emma Heming -

Bruce Willis and Emma Heming got married in 2009. The couple has two daughters: Evelyn Penn and Mabel Ray.

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Retirement -

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Bruce Willis: the life and career of a Hollywood legend

The beloved actors turns 68 on March 19

16/03/23 | StarsInsider

CELEBRITY Actors

He's one of Hollywood's coolest action heroes. Or shall we say anti-hero? Bruce Willis's characters always seem to find a way out of chaos when everything falls apart around them. From hit action movies like 'Die Hard' to supernatural psychological thrillers like 'The Sixth Sense,' Bruce Willis has proven his versatility on the big screen time and time again.

In 2022, the Hollywood legend retired from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia, and later, dementia. The sad news gave rise to outpourings of love and support from fans around the world and his colleagues in the entertainment industry, prompting us all to reflect on the fragility of life.

In this gallery, we pay tribute to the man behind the smirky grin: his life, his movies, and his music. Browse through to learn more about Bruce Willis.