Hollywood has no shortage of action heroes, who, with their thrilling stunts and an unquenchable thirst for action have continued to entertain viewers worldwide. While most might recall actors like Tom Cruise or Keanu Reeves as some of the best action heroes of all time, now-retired actor Bruce Willis is no less than them.
He was even hailed as Hollywood’s leading action hero at one point. Yet, despite being the most sought-after action star at that time, Willis never let go of his down-to-earth and humble nature, as his former co-star Monica Bellucci once revealed.
Monica Bellucci Reveals How Bruce Willis Was Behind His Action Hero Image
Bruce Willis might have started off in the comedy-drama genre, but he quickly gained recognition for his hard-core action hero portrayals in movies like the Die Hard franchise. Charismatic and an impeccable actor, he defied the very boundaries that the audience held for ‘action heroes’ with his depiction of ‘everyday’ characters in the action archetype.
Yet, beyond the big screen, he remained as humble and generous as ever. When it comes to his co-stars, the star was even more humble, as one of his co-stars, Monica Bellucci once revealed. Having starred opposite him in the war action thriller Tears of the Sun, the Italian actress revealed how Willis helped her get through the emotional scenes (via Black Film).
He was so involved with the character. With me he was very generous. There was one time; it was off camera and there was my close-up and he cried for me to give me the emotion and he did in every take. So it was beautiful. There’s not anybody who has a generous actor like that in front of you.
Bellucci’s experience of working alongside the Die Hard star reveals a different side of Bruce Willis’ personality, one that we might see on the big screen but would often get overshadowed by his towering action persona. Her reflections also reveal how generous the actor was, making sure his co-star got the best of shots and remaining on set to help her despite not being featured in the scene.
Monica Bellucci Felt Protected by Bruce Willis While Filming Tears of the Sun
Filing an action film set in a jungle is no easy job and Monica Bellucci had a first-hand experience of how hard it is while filming Tears of the Sun. While navigating the jungle is one thing, filming action scenes was even tougher, so naturally the actress was afraid and worried.
Thankfully, her co-star Bruce Willis was of immense help to her during those times, as the actress revealed in an old interview with Black Film.
I was scared in the middle of the jungle with all that was going on because it could be dangerous for us too. It’s an action movie, and it’s difficult and dangerous to do an action movie. Anything can happen out there. Maybe Bruce could get used to it but not me.
However, things became much easier, when Willis helped her feel protected throughout the shoot through his generous and caring nature.
It was an interesting experience because Bruce was generous and I respect him very much. He’s not just a movie star; he’s also an actor who takes risks in his choices. I was really protected.
So while we often hear tales of Bruce Willis performing stunts while putting his life on the line, it is refreshing to see him as an actor who deeply cared about his co-stars and made them comfortable. Now battling frontotemporal dementia, Willis’ roles and his acts of kindness will forever remain part of his legacy as an action hero, solidifying his place in cinematic history.
Tears of the Sun is available to be streamed on Netflix.
