Career Timeline of Bruce Willis: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Bruce Willis, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Bruce Willis is a retired American actor renowned for his role as John McClane in the Die Hard franchise, establishing him as an action hero. He initially gained prominence with the TV series Moonlighting (1985-1989) and has starred in over one hundred films. His career spanned several decades, making him a significant figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

2000: Cheyenne Enterprises Started

In 2000, Bruce Willis and Arnold Rifkin started a motion picture production company called Cheyenne Enterprises.

2002: Donation of Girl Scout Cookies to Troops

In 2002, Bruce Willis purchased 12,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies, suggested by his daughter Tallulah, and donated them to sailors aboard USS John F. Kennedy and other troops stationed throughout the Middle East.

2003: USO Tour in Iraq

In 2003, Bruce Willis visited Iraq as part of a USO tour, performing for the troops with his band, The Accelerators.

2007: Departure from Cheyenne Enterprises

In 2007, Bruce Willis left Cheyenne Enterprises, his motion picture production company, to be run solely by Arnold Rifkin after the release of Live Free or Die Hard.

2009: Face of Sobieski Vodka

In 2009, Bruce Willis became the international face of Belvedere SA's Sobieski Vodka in exchange for 3.3% ownership in the company.

October 12, 2013: Hosting Saturday Night Live

On October 12, 2013, Bruce Willis hosted Saturday Night Live with Katy Perry as the musical guest.

2018: Brand Ambassador of Hell Energy Drink

In 2018, Bruce Willis became the brand ambassador of the Hungarian brand Hell Energy Drink.

2021: Worst Bruce Willis Performance in a 2021 Movie

In 2021, The Golden Raspberry Awards created a dedicated category, Worst Bruce Willis Performance in a 2021 Movie, for Willis's roles in eight films released that year, acknowledging the decline in his performance in low-budget films.

2021: Difficulties on set of Out of Death

In 2021, during the production of Out of Death, Bruce Willis had difficulties on set including appearing confused, needing to be fed lines through an earpiece, and having his role significantly reduced due to concerns about his cognitive state.