Before Bruce Willis became a household name in Hollywood, he had a modest role that few might recall. During a recent appearance on “Watch What Happens Live,” actor Bill Murray reminisced about Willis’s early days at NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). Murray revealed that Willis worked as an NBC page, responsible for refilling M&Ms and pretzels in the dressing rooms of SNL cast members. This behind-the-scenes task was part of Willis’s duties before his breakout role in the entertainment industry.
Murray, who was a prominent figure on SNL from 1977 to 1980, recalled that Willis appreciated the kindness shown to him during those formative years. Reflecting on their interactions, Murray noted that Willis once mentioned how both he and Gilda Radner were kind to him during his time as a page. This early connection laid the foundation for a lasting friendship between the two actors.
Years later, Willis returned to SNL, not as a page, but as a host, showcasing his evolution in the entertainment world. He hosted the show twice, first in 1989 and again in 2013, marking significant milestones in his career. Beyond SNL, Murray and Willis collaborated professionally in the 2012 film “Moonrise Kingdom,” directed by Wes Anderson. Murray spoke fondly of this experience, highlighting the joy of working alongside Willis and describing him as a “good guy” and a “good friend.”
In recent times, Willis celebrated his 70th birthday on March 19. His family, including his daughter Rumer Willis, provided positive updates about his well-being, noting that he is “doing great.” This comes after Willis’s retirement from acting in 2022 due to health challenges, including a diagnosis of aphasia that progressed to frontotemporal dementia. Despite these challenges, the support and love from his family remain evident.
Reflecting on Willis’s journey from an NBC page to a celebrated actor underscores the unpredictable paths to success in the entertainment industry. His story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of perseverance, humility, and the enduring impact of early relationships in one’s career.