Actor John Goodman expressed deep love and gratitude for Bruce Willis at a Los Angeles movie premiere on Monday, September 28, thanking his longtime friend for supporting him early in their careers.
Speaking to People magazine at the red carpet premiere of his new film Digger, the 74-year-old actor reflected on a friendship with Willis, now 71, that spans nearly five decades.
Goodman recalled meeting Willis frequently in the 1980s around the time Willis landed his breakthrough television role in the hit comedy drama series Moonlighting. He described celebrating the news at the New York bar where Willis previously worked and where their circle of friends regularly gathered.
Goodman remembered how thrilled Willis was upon securing the part, recalling that Willis jumped over a railing in excitement and jokingly crushed Goodman's shoulder in the process. He added that the two young actors spent their time constantly talking about their craft, whether working or socialising, and noted that Willis took acting immensely seriously.
Goodman explained that he moved to Los Angeles to begin working about one or two years after Willis. Reflecting on those pivotal early years, Goodman said Willis took care of him, adding that he loved his friend very much.
Early years in New York
The bond between the two Hollywood veterans dates back far before either achieved global stardom. Goodman has frequently spoken about their early days in Manhattan, where both were struggling actors trying to break into the industry.
The duo previously shared the screen in the 2017 action comedy film Once Upon a Time in Venice. During a 2012 interview with The Guardian, Goodman explained that he and Willis belonged to a tight-knit group of young actors chasing their dreams in 1980s New York.
At the time, Willis supported himself as a bartender at a venue Goodman frequented. Goodman, who stopped drinking in 2007, praised Willis as a natural showman behind the bar who kept the entire crowd captivated every night. Goodman noted that Willis would serve the drinks while Goodman drank them.
Decades of friendship
Goodman elaborated further on their origin story during a 2017 interview with the New York Post, stating that he had known Willis since 1979. Willis was then working as a bartender at Chelsea Central in New York City.
Goodman declared Willis to have been the best bartender in New York, recalling how he kept the entire establishment entertained throughout the night and never let the show stop.
Goodman rose to prominence starring as Dan Conner in the sitcom Roseanne and built an extensive film career working with directors such as Joel and Ethan Coen. Willis became an international action star following his breakout role in Moonlighting and his starring role as John McClane in the Die Hard film franchise.
