Bruce Willis

Born in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, but raised in New York City, Walter Bruce Willis embarked on his acting journey in the late '70s, starting off on the off-Broadway stage. Gaining widespread acclaim for his leading role as David Addison Jr. on the comedy-drama series "Moonlighting" from 1985 to 1989, Willis catapulted into stardom.

A versatile actor who thrived in various genres, Bruce Willis is best known for his iconic action hero persona as John McClane in the "Die Hard" franchise, spanning from 1988 to 2013. He continued to captivate audiences with memorable roles in an impressive catalog of films such as "The Last Boy Scout," "Pulp Fiction," "12 Monkeys," "Last Man Standing," "The Fifth Element," "Armageddon," "The Sixth Sense," "Hart's War," "Tears of the Sun," "Hostage," "Lucky Number Slevin," "Surrogates," "Moonrise Kingdom," "Rock the Kasbah," and most recently, "Motherless Brooklyn."

A multifaceted talent, Willis ventured into music, releasing his debut album, "The Return of Bruno" in 1987, followed by two more successful albums in 1989 and 2001. His foray onto the Broadway stage came with a bang when he made his debut in the adaptation of Stephen King's "Misery" in 2015.

Throughout his illustrious career, Willis has received numerous accolades including a Golden Globe Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and two People's Choice Awards. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.

In March 2022, Willis announced his retirement from acting due to aphasia, a condition that affects communication abilities. However, an update provided by his family in February 2023 revealed a more accurate diagnosis - frontotemporal dementia, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting speech and cognitive functions.

Regardless of the challenges, Bruce Willis' indelible mark on cinema remains undeniable, leaving fans with an extensive legacy to cherish.