You know Don Johnson right? Miami Vice icon Doctor Odyssey star and all-around cool dude. Well he recently shared some really touching words about his friend Bruce Willis . And it is making everyone feel a little bit warm and fuzzy inside.
Don Johnson's Heartfelt Message and Update on Bruce Willis's Health Journey
During an interview promoting his new show Doctor Odyssey Don Johnson took a moment to talk about Bruce Willis. He mentioned they are "best of friends" and acknowledged Bruce is going through "a little bit of a struggle right now" . Of course he was referring to Bruce's frontotemporal dementia diagnosis that his family shared last year. Don took the opportunity to send Bruce some love and support publicly which is just a really classy move.
It's been known that Bruce retired from acting in 2022 because of health issues initially diagnosed as aphasia. The update to frontotemporal dementia was shared in February 2023 and it has been a challenging time for Bruce and his family. Don Johnson's words are a reminder of the bond between these two Hollywood legends and the support within the industry.
From Bartender Buddy to Miami Vice Magic: Don Johnson Reminisces About Discovering Bruce's Talent
But the story gets even better. Don Johnson actually went way back to share how he and Bruce Willis first became friends. Before Bruce was the Die Hard superstar we all know he was a bartender in New York City at Cafe Central. Don Johnson would hang out there and get to know Bruce.
Don recalled that even back then Bruce was a great storyteller. He would entertain Don with tales about dealing with customers at the bar both the tipsy ones and the actor types. Don said he could tell even then that Bruce had something special. He thought Bruce would be awesome as an actor.
And here is where Don played a key role in Bruce's early career. Don actually called up the casting director for Miami Vice and suggested they audition Bruce. He told her "There's a guy over there and I think he's a struggling actor and you should bring him in and read him because he's really funny and I think he'd be good." Talk about sticking your neck out for a friend!
Turns out Don's instincts were spot on. The casting director brought Bruce in he auditioned and guess what? He got cast in Miami Vice! Don even joked that Bruce got the role of the "wife-beater" in the episode. It was Bruce's first episodic TV role and it happened before he became a household name with Moonlighting. It is a cool full-circle moment that Don brought up especially since Bruce's daughter Rumer Willis recently made a guest appearance on Don's new show Doctor Odyssey.
Rumer Willis Shares Positive Update on Dad Bruce's Well-being and Family Unity
Speaking of Rumer Willis she also gave a recent update on her dad's health. During an appearance on the UK talk show Loose Women Rumer said that Bruce is "doing really well" lately. That is definitely good news to hear.
Rumer also talked about the beautiful way their family has come together to support Bruce. She mentioned her mom Demi Moore and sisters Scout and Tallulah and how they "rally around each other" as a unit. Demi Moore has also spoken about their close family bond saying "We will always be a family just in a different form" and that supporting Bruce was never a question for her.
It sounds like Bruce Willis is surrounded by a lot of love and support from his family and friends during this time and Don Johnson's kind words just add to that positive vibe.
Key Moments in Don Johnson and Bruce Willis's Friendship & Career:
- Bartender Beginnings: Bruce Willis was a bartender at Cafe Central in New York where he befriended Don Johnson.
- Miami Vice Connection: Don Johnson personally recommended Bruce Willis to the Miami Vice casting director leading to Bruce's first episodic TV role.
- Pre-Moonlighting Days: Bruce's Miami Vice role was before his breakout fame on Moonlighting.
- Rumer Willis's Doctor Odyssey Cameo: A "full-circle moment" for Don Johnson seeing Bruce's daughter on his new show.
- Recent Health Update: Don Johnson shared a heartfelt message and update on Bruce Willis's dementia battle sending love and support.
- Family Support: Rumer Willis provided a positive update on Bruce's health and highlighted the family's strong unity.
A Hollywood Friendship Story: Respect and Support Through Thick and Thin
The story of Don Johnson and Bruce Willis is a great reminder of lasting friendships in Hollywood. It is cool to hear about their early days their professional connection and the way Don is supporting Bruce now. It shows that even in a fast-paced industry real bonds can form and endure. Here's hoping Bruce continues to be surrounded by love and care and that his friendship with Don Johnson continues to be a source of strength.