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Bruce Willis has demonstrated incredible versatility in a career that has included such diverse characterizations as the prizefighter in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction (1994 Palme D’Or winner at Cannes), the philandering contractor in Robert Benton’s Nobody’s Fool, the heroic time traveler in Terry Gilliam’s 12 Monkeys, the traumatized Vietnam veteran in Norman Jewison’s In Country, the compassionate child psychologist in M. Night Shyamalan’s Oscar-nominated The Sixth Sense (for which he won the People’s Choice Award) and his signature role, Detective John McClane, in the Die Hard pentalogy. Following studies at Montclair State College’s prestigious theater program, the New Jersey native honed his craft in several stage plays and countless television commercials, before landing the leading role in Sam Shepard’s 1984 stage drama Fool for Love, a run which lasted for 100 performances off-Broadway. Willis next won international stardom and several acting awards, including Emmy and Golden Globe honors, for his starring role as private eye David Addison on the hit television series “Moonlighting,” winning the role over 3,000 other contenders. At the same time, he made his motion picture debut opposite Kim Basinger in Blake Edwards’ romantic comedy Blind Date. In 1988, he originated the role of John McClane in the blockbuster film, Die Hard, one of the highest-grossing releases of that year. He later reprised the character in four sequels: Die Hard: Die Harder (1990), Die Hard: With A Vengeance (1995’s global box-office champ), Live Free, Die Hard (one of the box-office hits of summer 2007) and a Good Day To Die Hard (2013). His wide array of film roles includes collaborations with such respected filmmakers as Michael Bay (Armageddon), M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable), Alan Rudolph (Mortal Thoughts, Breakfast of Champions), Walter Hill (Last Man Standing), Robert Benton (Billy Bathgate, Nobody’s Fool), Rob Reiner (The Story of Us), Edward Zwick (The Siege), Luc Besson (The Fifth Element), Barry Levinson (Bandits, What Just Happened), Robert Zemeckis (Death Becomes Her) and Robert Rodriguez (Sin City, Grind House). Other motion picture credits include Red, The Jackal, Mercury Rising, Hart’s War, The Whole Nine Yards (and its sequel The Whole Ten Yards), The Kid, Tears of the Sun, Hostage, 16 Blocks, Alpha Dog, Lucky Number Slevin and Perfect Stranger. He also voiced the character of the wise-cracking infant, Mikey, in Look Who’s Talking and Look Who’s Talking Too as well as the lead characters RJ & Spike in the animated hit features Over the Hedge and Rugrats Go Wild! In 2012, Willis successfully added to his credits, two critically acclaimed films: director Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom, for which Willis and the film received Independent Film Award nominations, and director Rian Johnson’s sci-fi thriller Looper, co-starring Joseph Gordon Levitt. An accomplished musician as well, Willis recorded the 1986 Motown album The Return of Bruno, which went platinum and contained the No. 5 Billboard hit “Respect Yourself.” Three years later, he recorded a second album If It Don’t Kill You, It Just Makes You Stronger. In 2002, he launched a U.S. club tour with his musical group, Bruce Willis and the Blues Band and he traveled to Iraq to play for U.S. servicemen.

Bruce Willis Photos

Bruce Willis STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2015
Paul Sheldon

[Off-Broadway]
1983
Eddie (Understudy)


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American Theatre of Actors Interactive Archive Now Live


Explore the newly launched interactive archive of AMERICAN THEATRE OF ACTORS, celebrating nearly 50 years of new works in New York.

Interview: Howard Skora Returns For More FREUD ON COCAINE


Howard Skora’s Freud On Cocaine returns to the Whitefire Theater March 29, 2024, after a repeatedly extended run just last year. Playwright Howard also directs his cast of: Jonathan Slavin, Barry Brisco, Aaron LaPlante, Mitch Rosander, Sara Maraffino, Sigute Miller and Amy Smallman-Winston.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 19, 2024


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 19, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Strindberg's CREDITORS to be Presented at the American Theatre of Actors


Creditors by August Strindberg will be presented at the American Theatre of Actors for one week only in March. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Two Rare Greenfield Plays BILLY & MY MOTHER'S BOOKIE To Be Produced At The ATA


Two rare unproduced plays by Irving A. Greenfield will be presented at the American Theatre of Actors.

Dorothy Clicks Her Heels Fabulously With The Audio Book Release Of DRAMA OZ


Dorothy Clicks Her Heels Fabulously with the Audio Book Release of Drama Oz, the 14th Nicky and Noah mystery novel, by Joe Cosentino, performed by Brian Cheney. Join Nicky and Noah as they stage an original musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz in a hilarious and captivating gay cozy mystery comedy series.

St. Louis Rep's It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Leads BroadwayWorld's Holiday Guide: Must-See Central US Shows


As the festive season sweeps across the country bringing holiday cheer, BroadwayWorld is thrilled to present our selection of must-see shows for December. Check out our central US picks!

American Theatre of Actors Presents New Production of TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA in 48th Season


'Continuing its 48th season, the American Theatre of Actors presents a new production of Shakespeare’s TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA. Directed by John Debenedetto and featuring a talented cast. Limited run: Dec. 13 - 22.'

THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA to be Presented At The ATA As Part Of Classical Series


Love, betrayal, and disguise take center stage in Shakespeare's THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA. Don't miss this rare performance by the American Theatre of Actors.

Interview: Sandro Monetti Anxious To Have A VERY DIE HARD CHRISTMAS


Jeff Schell and The Habit’s A Very Die Hard Christmas opens December 10, 2023 at Theatre 40. Celebrating the film’s 35th anniversary, Sandro Monetti directs this musical parody with the cast of Nick Versteeg, Lauren Samuels, Jesse Merlin, Raymund King, Nick Bredosky, and Theatre 40 favorites Roslyn Cohn, Joe Clabby and Kristal Dickerson. Sandro graciously made it a priority to promptly answer a few of my queries.

Nikki Glaser Brings THE GOOD GIRL TOUR To The Fabulous Fox, April 27


COMEDIAN Nikki Glaser announces hometown date in St. Louis for her 'The Good Girl Tour.' Get ready for a night of laughs with Nikki Glaser on April 27.

THE FAMILY SERENADE Written and Directed by James Jennings to Premiere At The ATA


The AMERICAN THEATRE OF ACTORS, one of the last of the original off-off Broadway movement theatres, will premiere a new play written and directed by its founding artistic director, James Jennings.

Penfold Theatre Company Announces 2023 Reading of YOUR OLD FASHIONED DIE HARD HOLIDAY RADIOCAST, December 22


Penfold Theatre Company (Penfold) announces the return of Your Old Fashioned Die Hard Radiocast for the 2023 holiday season. Based on the screenplay by Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza, Your Old Fashioned Die Hard Radiocast is written by Associate Artistic Director Nathan Jerkins and will play two performances – one night – on December 22 at the historic Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos St in Austin.

Huey Lewis Musical THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL Will Arrive on Broadway in 2024


As BroadwayWorld first reported in September, The Heart of Rock and Roll is coming to Broadway! Producers Hunter Arnold, Tyler Mitchell and Kayla Greenspan announced that the new musical inspired by the iconic songs of Huey Lewis and The News, will open on Broadway at The James Earl Jones Theatre.

A VERY DIE HARD CHRISTMAS Opens December 10 At Theatre 40


A Very Die Hard Christmas, a musical, opens at Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills. Written by Jeff Schell and The Habit, with additional dialogue by Sandro Monetti. Directed by Sandro Monetti.

Casting Director Nick Wilkinson Passes Away at 69


Casting director Nick Wilkinson passed away at the age of 69 from a heart attack. 

Peter Pan Flies In A New Direction With The Audio Book Release Of DRAMA PAN, The 12th Nicky And Noah Mystery Novel


Peter Pan takes a new twist in the audio book release of 'Drama Pan,' the 12th installment of the Nicky and Noah mystery series by Joe Cosentino. Join the merry crew at Treemeadow College as they create their own musical version of Peter Pan, filled with laughter, murder, and plenty of surprises. Get ready for a cozy mystery comedy that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

Joe Cosentino to Release New Novel For Thespians, DRAMA KING, in October


Joe Cosentino will release Drama King, the 18th and last Nicky and Noah mystery novel.

Rialto Chatter: Could DEATH BECOMES HER Be Headed To Chicago?


Wondering if Death Becomes Her will be gracing the Chicago stage? Get the latest details on the new musical comedy, based on the 1992 Universal Pictures film written by Martin Donovan and David Koepp.

DRAMA CHRISTMAS: The 11th Nicky and Noah Mystery Now Available as an Audio Book


Get ready for a festive treat with Drama Christmas: The 11th Nicky and Noah Mystery, now available as an audio book. Join Nicky and Noah in their hilarious musical version of A Christmas Carol, performed by Brian Cheney. Experience the witty and suspenseful world of this comedy/mystery/romance novel by Joe Cosentino.

Bruce Willis FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Bruce Willis been in?

Bruce Willis has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Bruce Willis been in?

Bruce Willis has not appeared in the West End.

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