Bruce Willis retires from acting

johnny_ultimate

The sad news that Bruce Willis has retired from acting probably deserves its own thread.

Some excellent, alarming reporting from The LA Times here about how concerns about his cognitive state were seemingly downplayed by many of the producers of the DTV films he appeared in in recent years / Willis' own entourage, as well as details of a few alleged on-set incidents involving firearms.

It goes without saying of course that the previous suggestions that Willis himself was seeking some financial security for his family before retiring seem to match with what's now public.

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-03-30/bruce-willis-aphasia-memory-loss-cognitive-disorder

nigeldaniel

I heard someone speculating at Christmas time that something was not right about him as the last few movies seem to be paycheck events and whenever he was been interviewed he seems a bit off. He did some top drawer stuff in his day. I am pretty sure there are a few critics feeling a bit bad for him now given all the gruff they handed out to him these last few months.

That’s often the way with those kinds of illnesses though. The person themselves doesn’t necessarily notice the decline, or adapts to it and those around them go out of their way to try to keep things running for them.

It happens in all sorts of scenarios, but I would suspect if you’re a major Hollywood actor it’s likely to be even more pronounced.

They’ll also have a very strong commercial interest in his brand. that’s going to result in a reluctance to let him retire.

Royale with Cheese

Was only looking at his filmography recently and how bad it had gotten in recent years, makes a bit more sense now.

thefallingman

that's pretty sad he's a part of all our lives, from the moonlighting days on, at least he's free now he probably should have retired years ago after reading the link the op put up, i'm just thinking of him in Friends even he was so funny in it

mewso

The Razzies award looks a bit mean now and there is no way they can say they hadn't heard about the rumours.

Sad Professor

Very sad. He's been suspiciously absent from mainstream productions for a long time and this certainly explains why. He was apparently fired from Cafe Society in 2015 for not being able to remember his lines and had use an earpiece the same year on a broadway show, so the problem must have been pretty bad even then.

Ger Roe

It is sad to see him retire like this.

He is a fan fave actor... he had his own particular genre and while he was not a critically acclaimed actor, the fans liked what he did and he did it well. For an actor to lose the power of using words effectively, it must be a very cruel hardship to endure and terrible for family and friends to see happening.

I hope he can enjoy his retirement and that he will be able to look back on the joy that he brought to so many film fans.

magic_murph

Bruce hasn't acted since Die Hard.

Hardly a loss to cinema given his most recent appearances.

Bigger things happening in the world to think about.

gmisk

It would have been great to see him in a really decent film before retiring.

His last good film? Looper maybe? And that is 10 years back...it's a shame...then again Gene Hackman's last film was welcome to mooseport...

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861170#Comment_118861170

Oh ffs.

What a stupid **** take.

You should be embarrassed.

o1s1n

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861170#Comment_118861170

Pulp Fiction?

AyeGer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861170#Comment_118861170

Go stand in front of a mirror, take a good look at yourself then give yourself a good hard slap.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861254#Comment_118861254

I hear that if you stand in front of the mirror and say "Fresh Prince" three times, someone will do that for you.

thefallingman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861254#Comment_118861254

or call Will smith !

Luckycharms_74

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861254#Comment_118861254

And then go back to the same mirror and give yourself another hard slap 😁

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861266#Comment_118861266

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861267#Comment_118861267

great minds...

TryingNot2Lie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118860563#Comment_118860563

elperello

He wasn't my favourite actor or anything but it's sad to see the art slipping away from a man who gave so much entertainment.

I hope he has a contented retirement.

TryingNot2Lie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861170#Comment_118861170

"Bigger things happening in the world". Says a person commenting on a thread in the film section. If you truly don't care why did you post?

Luckily I will never have to see your inane commentary ever again, you small, petulant little man because I am now, forthwith adding you to my ignore list.

pixelburp

During the Planet Hollywood phase in the 90s when Willis, Stallone and Schwarzenegger were lauded as the Big Three of action cinema, Willis was always the odd duck in being the only one who showed genuine range and ability to actually act. Sure there was a lot of throwaway action schlock, but he definitely had an eye for dramatic roles that perfectly suited his understated, wounded style: Sixth Sense; Moonrise Kingdom; Pulp Fiction; 12 Monkeys; Looper to name a few. And of course, there was Die Hard; sometimes it's easy to forget how so much of that franchise (or rather, the first three films) often only worked 'cos of Willis' exasperated underdog charisma. Anyone who says he can't act simply hasn't watched enough films.

But this is deeply sad news: degenerative cognitive diseases have a singular tragedy in how they rob someone of their mind, while Loved Ones watch, impotent, while their parent/sibling/child disappears in front of them. It's horrible. Even the worst physical ailments can leave one's sense of self intact. I feel for Willis' family.

I said it elsewhere, but on learning of this news I felt a little shame for all the times I gave Willis shít for his taking of all those DTV roles - assuming those generally checked-out performances were down to a lack of professionalism than the first seeds of something medical.

Shred

I was sad to read this earlier, he did some really great work over the years but hasn’t done much of note recently I think it’s fair to say. The NYT article said he has a further 10 projects in post; so upon reflection it does seem like he was getting through as many roles as possible, regardless of their quality, while he could still earn.

Good luck to him and his family.

El Gato De Negocios

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861170#Comment_118861170

Jaysus lad, careful not to cut yourself on the edge. 🙄

Die Hard

Last Boy Scout

Pulp Fiction

Sin City

Sixth Sense

He's been involved in some absolutely smashing movies over the years but like many, the star wanes as time passes. Sad to see his career end like this but hopefully it will improve his quality of life.

gmisk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861254#Comment_118861254

Or insult someone's wife about her alopecia and wait....

Ash.J.Williams

I feel bad now knowing his phoned in performances over multiple movies over the last year or two are because of illness, however that criticism i had is now admiration for getting paid huge sums by phoning in performances over the last year or two while ill.

AllForIt

I distinctly recall the first time I saw Willis on TV. It was in a single episode of The Twilight Zone. Weeks or months later Moonlighting started on RTE 2. That's why I remember because I remember remembering him in the Twilight Zone when Moonlighting started. Yes I have a good memory and yes that was a awful long time ago. Well that's my bit of Willis trivia.

Anyway, my favourite movie of his is 12 Monkey's, which noone ever seems to remember to mention when listing off his list of best movies. I thought that 6th Sense , which everyone seems to remember to mention was a load of nonsense, even though that wasn't Willis' fault or to say he wasn't good in it.

The last movie I seen him in was Looper, which I seem to recall I liked but can't for the life of me remember what it was about.

Sorry to hear this news about him, I always rather liked him.

magic_murph

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861388#Comment_118861388

Die Hard - his best movies

Last Boy Scout - quality but essentially die hard

Pulp Fiction - quality movie his performance was decent (in my opinion)

Sin City - didn't rate at all (in my opinion)

Sixth Sense - didn't rate at all (in my opinion)

In my mind Bruce was a hollywood star (horrible term) but not a great actor. simple as.

magic_murph

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861193#Comment_118861193

Just an opinion. He hasn't delivered a good movie in years hence by retirement the audience wont loose out.

magic_murph

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861354#Comment_118861354

Just taking a break from worrying about all worlds problems to comment. Simple as. I never said I didn't care just commenting on how his retirement wont be a great loss to cinema.

Your comments against me are more harmful than mine. Maybe have a cup of tea and smell the roses baby.

KieferFan69

I thought this man was a zombie for many years, now I know why

El_Duderino 09

I can't say I'll miss him as an actor, but I wish him well and best of luck with his diagnosis.

I know other people liked his acting so fair play, but I can't think of any movies where I thought he was good. He was in some good movies though and Pulp Fiction must be the highlight of his career. Never got the appeal of the Die Hard movies. Found them boring.

I never really understood why he was supposed to be so intimidating. It was a bit like being on a ghost train where you have to pretend you're scared in order to enjoy the ride, I thought you generally had to pretend you were enjoying his acting to enjoy his movies.

KieferFan69

No I think the first 3 die hard movies were iconic

although I think you can already see the mental decline in die hard 4

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861471#Comment_118861471

It is just an opinion. An opinion that you thought was rounded enough to offer it publicly. And an opinion which most right minded people believe to be crass, unnecessary and idiotic.

"there's bigger things happening in the world". So **** what? You obviously cared enough to respond.

And just to be pedantic, it's lose. It's not loose.

Arghus

Some real classy commentary in places here on the thread.... Talk about a lack of tact.

I'd only really heard of the stories on the back of the red letter media guys on YouTube doing an overview of his DTV career.

Always liked him as an actor and I for one am sad to see his career end like this.

pixelburp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861471#Comment_118861471

Because that's what's important here, the audience. 🙄

Look, fair enough if you don't rate Willis as an actor, but maybe think of stepping away from the commentary that makes you look a little crass.

There are always "bigger things" happening in the world, but if you've ever had a loved one slowly degrade in front of you, their mind simply disintegrating one heartbreak at a time, then you'd think twice about attempting towards some sense of macro whataboutery.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861170#Comment_118861170

You actually came here to post that guff?

Shame on you.

GerardKeating

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861467#Comment_118861467

Lucky Number Slevin was alway my favourite...

Sleeper12

Very sad news

I don't think many actors have 100% good movies but the vast majority of his were very enjoyable

Penn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861794#Comment_118861794

As I said on the off-topic thread, in the right role, he could be great. I think throughout his career he's picked some pretty awful roles, and a lot of them he didn't seem to care much or put much effort in. But when he gave a damn, it showed. He had a lot of awful performances, but he had a lot of great ones too.

I certainly don't begrudge him taking on as many awful roles as he could over the last few years, especially if the reason he was doing so was to earn money for his family as he knew he'd no longer be able to do so.

I hope his condition is as kind to him as possible and affords him some enjoyment and peace going forward.

magic_murph

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861532#Comment_118861532

A multi-millionaire has RETIRED from pretending to be other people. He hasn't died.

Think bigger and move along.

magic_murph

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861617#Comment_118861617

is Bruce a loved one to you or anybody else on here.... if so my condolences. If not lets just take a step back and congratulate him on retirement and still being alive.

I wasn't trying to be crass but hay each to their own.

magic_murph

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861636#Comment_118861636

Thanks for your feedback - it is always important to me.

should you need to vent anymore please call 1800-bla-bla-bla.

JP Liz V1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118860563#Comment_118860563

One of the best guests on Friends, The Last Boy Scout and Striking Distance are two of my favourites of his, probably both are underrated

Penn

Yeah, I agree with magic_murph. It's pointless talking about things like this. We should be discussing far more important things, such as how long would it take to introduce a skip into your walk without your partner noticing.

magic_murph

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118862094#Comment_118862094

Never id get a convincing answer. The quest for knowledge continues.

pixelburp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118862055#Comment_118862055

Did you even read the article? The whole point was that the disease he suffers from will make "being alive" a variable concept. Cognitive degeneration is tough. The retirement ain't through choice, acting being a rare job you can do til you croak at 90+

You started this by deciding to lecture everyone wanting to express some sympathy for a shítty degenerative disease, with finger wagging about "bigger things". Read the room.

Tork

It looks like that LA Times article was either timed to coincide with the news of Willis's retirement, or that his people knew it was coming and got their announcement ready. Either way, it's a sad end to his acting career. Even if you leave out those late films, his career was always something of a mixed bag. But still, he had some well loved roles and films in his back catalogue. That's pretty good innings.

When I read down through that article, the incident where he fired the gun at the wrong time on a set reminded me of that awful Alec Baldwin accident. Questions were asked at the time about how that unfortunate cinematographer came to be shot dead on the set. Now, I'm reading about an actor who seems to have been working on movie sets, despite having some sort of cognitive impairment. I wonder who was making the big decisions behind the scenes and how much input did Bruce have into them?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861376#Comment_118861376

He's worth an estimated $250 million though so his grandkids, never mind his kids, should be ok for funds.

and wouldn't have been getting that much money compared to what he used to get for "proper films" for those horrific Randall Emmett cameo-piece so-called "Geezer Teaser" movies that he has been doing for the last few years.

But yes, it would explain why he was doing those films where he'd only have to work a short time.

It also reduces further (if that was possible) my assessment of Emmett. Willis's own "team" of agents and minders would not come out of too well either.

(so-called because the likes of Willis turns up for a few days (or less) filming and his name is used as a top-billing marketing and sales draw, even though he's only on-screen for not much more than cameo-role time; the likes of Nic Cage also has indulged. The "per-day" rate would work out very good I suppose!)

https://www.vulture.com/article/randall-emmett-movies.html

Sad Professor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118862285#Comment_118862285

Yeah I think they knew and got ahead of the bad news. If the LA Times article had come out first there might have been less public sympathy for Willis. It was only a matter of time until the full extent of his condition became known and he became unhirable even for the dreck he's been in lately. I am a bit sceptical about the incident of him firing the gun though. Not saying it didn't happen or there isn't truth to it but there's obviously a market for stories like that at the moment.

laoisgem

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118862055#Comment_118862055

Your lack of empathy speaks volumes.

KieferFan69

I said for years something was terribly wrong in this man’s gear

not all there

condolences to everyone involved they did the right thing by sparing him and finally pulling him out