Bruce Willis is a retired American actor and singer best known for his iconic role as John McClane in the Die Hard film franchise. Born on March 19, 1955, in Idar-Oberstein, West Germany, Willis became one of Hollywood’s most bankable action stars. His career spanned over four decades, starring in over 100 films, including Pulp Fiction (1994), The Sixth Sense (1999), Armageddon (1998), and The Fifth Element (1997).
Willis retired from acting in 2022 due to aphasia, and in 2023, his family announced that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Despite his health struggles, Willis remains an icon of American cinema.
In this article, we will explore Bruce Willis’ age, height, weight, career, net worth, early life, family, relationships, physical appearance, and lesser-known facts.
Bruce Willis Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Walter Bruce Willis |
| Profession | Actor, Singer |
| Hometown | Carneys Point, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | March 19, 1955 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 69 years |
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) |
| Weight | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Hair Color | Bald (formerly brown) |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Years Active | 1980–2022 |
| Notable Works | Die Hard, Pulp Fiction, The Sixth Sense, Armageddon, The Fifth Element |
Early Life and Education
Walter Bruce Willis was born in Idar-Oberstein, West Germany, on March 19, 1955. His father, David Willis, was an American soldier, and his mother, Marlene Willis, was German. After his father was discharged from the military in 1957, the family moved to Carneys Point, New Jersey.
As a child, Willis struggled with a stutter but overcame it through acting. He attended Penns Grove High School, where he was elected student council president. After high school, he worked as a security guard and a private investigator before pursuing acting.
Willis enrolled in the drama program at Montclair State University but dropped out in 1977 to move to New York City and pursue acting. He worked as a bartender while auditioning for roles.
Acting Career
1980s: Moonlighting, Die Hard, and Rise to Fame
- Willis’ big break came in 1985 when he was cast as David Addison Jr. in the ABC comedy-drama Moonlighting.
- His role won him a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award.
- In 1988, Willis starred as John McClane in the blockbuster action film Die Hard, which became a defining moment in his career.
1990s: Die Hard Sequels, Pulp Fiction, and The Sixth Sense
- Willis reprised his John McClane role in Die Hard 2 (1990) and Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995).
- He starred in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction (1994), which revitalized his career.
- In 1999, he starred in The Sixth Sense, which became one of the highest-grossing supernatural thrillers of all time.
2000s: Hollywood Icon and Continued Success
- Films like Unbreakable (2000), Sin City (2005), and Live Free or Die Hard (2007) kept Willis at the top of Hollywood’s action stars.
- He also voiced RJ the Raccoon in the animated film Over the Hedge (2006).
2010s: The Expendables, Looper, and Later Career
- Willis appeared in The Expendables (2010) and its sequel (2012).
- He starred in the sci-fi thriller Looper (2012).
- He reprised his role in A Good Day to Die Hard (2013), the fifth installment in the Die Hard franchise.
2020s: Critical Decline, Health Issues, and Retirement
- In the early 2020s, Willis starred in several low-budget direct-to-video films.
- In March 2022, Willis’ family announced his retirement from acting due to aphasia.
- In February 2023, he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
Family and Relationships
Marriages and Children
- Demi Moore (1987–2000): Willis was married to actress Demi Moore for 13 years.
- Children with Demi Moore:
- Rumer Willis (b. 1988)
- Scout Willis (b. 1991)
- Tallulah Willis (b. 1994)
- Children with Demi Moore:
- Emma Heming (2009–Present): He married Emma Heming, a model and actress, in 2009.
- Children with Emma Heming:
- Mabel Ray Willis (b. 2012)
- Evelyn Penn Willis (b. 2014)
- Children with Emma Heming:
Family Summary
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Father | David Willis |
| Mother | Marlene Willis |
| Siblings | Florence Willis, Robert Willis (deceased), David Willis |
| Spouse | Demi Moore (1987–2000), Emma Heming (2009–Present) |
| Children | Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, Evelyn |
Physical Appearance
Bruce Willis is known for his rugged looks, bald head, and signature smirk.
Physical Attributes
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) |
| Weight | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Hair Color | Bald (formerly brown) |
| Tattoos | No |
| Piercings | No |
Net Worth and Income Sources
Bruce Willis has been one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
Net Worth Breakdown
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $250 Million |
| Primary Income Sources | Acting, Film Production |
| Endorsements | Sobieski Vodka, Planet Hollywood |
- Earned $100 million from The Sixth Sense (1999).
- Owns real estate properties in Los Angeles and New York.
Lesser-Known Facts
- He was born in Germany because his father was stationed there in the U.S. military.
- He overcame a childhood stutter through acting.
- He worked as a private investigator before becoming an actor.
- He was a bartender in New York City before making it big.
- He recorded three albums as a musician.
- He was one of the first investors in Planet Hollywood with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone.
- He turned down the role of Sam in Ghost (1990), which went to Patrick Swayze.
- He earned $100 million from The Sixth Sense (1999).
- He has appeared in over 100 films.
- He retired from acting in 2022 due to aphasia.
FAQs
Q: What disease does Bruce Willis have?
A: Bruce Willis was diagnosed with aphasia in 2022 and later frontotemporal dementia in 2023.
Q: How old is Bruce Willis in 2025?
A: Bruce Willis is 69 years old.
Q: What is Bruce Willis’ net worth?
A: His estimated net worth is $250 million.
Q: Why did Bruce Willis retire?
A: He retired due to aphasia, a condition affecting language and comprehension.
Conclusion
Bruce Willis is one of Hollywood’s most legendary action stars, known for his charisma, humor, and iconic roles. Though he has retired due to health issues, his legacy in film remains unmatched.
“This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.”
