Star Bruce Willis will no longer set foot on film sets. At least not as an actor. The frontotemporal dementia from which the actor suffers abruptly ended his career in front of the camera. Nevertheless, the American can be proud of having carried action scenes on his shoulders for five decades. A look back at films where his contribution is undeniable.
Armageddon – 1998
Photo provided by Touchstone Pictures
The actor's patriotic character couldn't shine brighter than in this mega-production. Transformed into a NASA astronaut, the all-American American has the fate of Earth – and humanity – in his hands as an asteroid heads straight for our planet. He and his team have a mission of utmost importance: they must destroy the projectile. And he takes his role very seriously, even if in the end all kinds of excesses are worth laughing at.
► Published by Disney+
Bandits – 2001
Photo provided by Metro Goldwyn Mayer
For a rare time, Bruce Willis gets on the bad side. He turns into a hairy crook who likes to make fun of the law. Accompanied by Billy Bob Thornton, he becomes a prison escapee who still has a very strong criminal streak. The two friends have fun robbing banks after kidnapping the directors. One would have thought the police would shake up their duo, but instead it's a woman (Cate Blanchett) who gets the job done…effectively.
► Offered by Prime Video
Until Dawn – 2020 (goes “Survive the Night”)
Photo provided by Lionsgate
The actor's last years were not very good. From 2020 to 2023, nothing special was offered to moviegoers, but no fewer than 25 film productions were unveiled… when Bruce Willis was 65 or older! Among these impressive films, in this feature film the American plays the brave father when his doctor son, his daughter-in-law, his granddaughter and himself become hostages of two brothers who need a doctor after a robbery that leaves repercussions.
► Can be seen on Club illico
RED and RED 2 – 2010 and 2013 (now called Red and Red 2)
Photo provided by Summit Entertainment
In this humor-heavy action film, Bruce Willis (visibly happy) finds his life as a retired CIA agent turned upside down when he becomes the target of killers. Immersed in a story about a weapon of mass destruction, he and the woman who makes his heart beat faster experience all the colors in the company of an old gentleman accomplice. The strong cast also includes Mary-Louise Parker, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Anthony Hopkins, all of whom return in the sequel.
► Available on Netflix Prime Video
Crystal Trap – 1988 (goes to “Die Hard”)
Photo provided by 20th Century Fox
Lieutenant John McClane had a huge impact on the actor's career, which was still in its infancy. Thanks to this popular action film in which he has to neutralize hostage takers, Bruce Willis immediately built a fan base and used his high profile to take on strong roles. In total, he lent his facial features to the fearless New York police officer five times. Each time, many moviegoers welcomed his return.
► Available to Disney+ subscribers