Bruce Willis turns 63 today and has always been my favorite movie star. I have seen more of his work than of any other actor, I read a book on him, heard his music, and Die Hard is the movie I have seen the most. He usually plays the hero, wise cracking, kicking ass, and has had lots of successful films, been part of multiple franchises, and also won a Golden Globe for his role on the tv show Moonlighting. Born in West Germany, raised in New Jersey, Walter Bruce Willis worked as a bartender while trying to establish himself as an actor in New York. Starring on Moonlighting with Cybil Shepherd (1985-1989) let him flex his comedic muscle, ample charm, and setup to make a successful jump into the movies with Die Hard (1988). Balanced in the film with emotion (with on screen wife Bonnie Bedelia) and wits (movie bad guy Alan Rickman), Willis made one of the most cinematic action heroes in John McClane. His police officer has appeared in 5 films so far with a 6th, a prequel taking shape (he will be involved). Not afraid to take chances earlier in his career, Willis appeared in odd comedies, (The Bonfire of the Vanities with Tom Hanks), gangster, (Pulp Fiction for Quentin Tarantino), and science fiction, (The Fifth Element with Gary Oldman).

I think Bruce Willis excels when he has a director or a screen rival that truly push him. If its one of the names above or Denzel Washington in The Siege, M. Night Shyamalan directing The Sixth Sense, or Matthew Perry in The Whole Nine Yards, Willis has a stronger performance if a stronger one is demanded. He starred in a Disney movie (The Kid), headlined blockbusters (Armageddon), and has done voice work for multiple animated productions such as Over the Hedge. Throughout the years he has continued to deliver clever action heroes, guys you want to cheer for like in Last Man Standing, RED, Unbreakable, and G.I. Joe: Retaliation. Willis has explored other genres, including with the Wes Anderson directed Moonrise Kingdom, but I wish he would diversify even more. He is witty and charismatic, and more talented than the numerous straight to video action movies he has amassed in the last 15 years. I would like to see him come back to tv. Its where he got his first success, he would be a selling feature for the show (if its a new one) or would boost the ratings of one currently airing. Bruce is currently in theatres starring in the crime action Death Wish, a reboot of the 1974 version now directed by Eli Roth. Always working, he will next be seen in Reprisal, The Bombing, Motherless Brooklyn (directed by Edward Norton), and Glass (once again starring opposite Samuel L. Jackson).

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