Bruce Willis. Overview and main events
Overview and main events
Walter Bruce Willis, known professionally as Bruce Willis, is a retired American actor renowned for his versatile and iconic roles in film and television. Born on March 19, 1955, in Idar-Oberstein, West Germany, Willis has had a career spanning over four decades, marked by significant milestones that have cemented his status as a Hollywood legend.
March 19, 1955
Birth
Bruce Willis was born in Idar-Oberstein, West Germany, where his father, David Willis, was stationed at an American military base. His mother, Marlene Willis, was German. This international beginning would later influence his diverse career.
1957
Move to New Jersey
At the age of two, Willis moved with his family to Carney’s Point, New Jersey, following his father’s discharge from the military. This move would shape his early life and influence the tough, blue-collar edge seen in many of his roles.
1980s
Early Career and Education
After high school, Willis took on various odd jobs before studying theatre at Montclair State College (now Montclair State University). He dropped out of college and moved to New York City, where he began his acting career with Off-Broadway roles and appearances in television commercials.
1985-1989
Breakthrough with Moonlighting
Willis gained widespread recognition for his role as detective David Addison in the ABC comedy-drama series "Moonlighting". This role earned him three Golden Globe nominations and two Primetime Emmy Award nominations, launching his career in television and film.
July 15, 1988
Die Hard and Rise to Fame
Willis starred as John McClane in the action thriller "Die Hard", a film that became a major box-office success and established him as a leading action hero. This role spawned four sequels and cemented his status in Hollywood.
1990s
Diverse Film Roles
Throughout the 1990s, Willis appeared in a variety of films, including "Pulp Fiction" (1994), "12 Monkeys" (1995), "The Fifth Element" (1997), and "Armageddon" (1998). He also starred in the critically acclaimed "The Sixth Sense" (1999) as Dr. Malcolm Crowe, further showcasing his acting range.
2009
Marriage to Emma Heming
Willis married model Emma Heming in 2009, marking his second marriage after his 13-year marriage to Demi Moore ended in 2000.
2015
Broadway Debut
Willis made his Broadway debut in 2015, appearing in an adaptation of Stephen King’s novel "Misery", where he portrayed a writer held captive by an obsessed fan.
March 2022
Retirement Due to Health Issues
Willis announced his retirement from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder that impairs the expression and comprehension of language. His condition later progressed to frontotemporal dementia.
2023
Final Film Release
Despite his retirement, Willis's final film, "Assassin", was released in March 2023, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned over 40 years.
