Following in Dad’s Footsteps
Rumer Willis is the first to admit she has “a kooky Hollywood legacy,” and it lives on in her daughter Louetta (whom she shares with ex-boyfriend Derek Richard Thomas). The 2-year-old was unfazed seeing her mother blood-soaked on the set of Trail of Vengeance. The Civil War era western, now in theaters and streaming on demand, left Willis, 36, wanting more. “I would love to do an action movie with [my mom],” she says.
What is it like balancing motherhood with acting?It feels like the most exciting time of my life. Louetta comes with me everywhere. She’s always on set with me. Toward the end of [Trail of Vengeance], I just get covered in blood. She showed up to set, and it didn’t scare her. I was like, “Man, I really know you’re a Willis girl.”
Did that bring back memories of going to work with your dad, Bruce?I have a photo of me on-set with my dad. I think it was Die Hard, and his face is covered in blood, and I’m about to give him a smooch. It’s just so sweet, because I’m in this white little shirt with a plaid dress on top of it, just looking ever so tender, and he’s just covered in blood, and I’m not afraid.
Any thoughts on your mom recently gracing People’s World’s Most Beautiful issue?It’s so well-deserved. I sometimes look at her like, “Hey, lady, can you slow down a little bit? The rest of us are just trying to keep up!” She has been a leader for women and has redefined beauty her whole career. It’s been such an exciting time to see her finally receive accolades.
Lastly, how is Bruce doing? He’s good. When I go over with Louetta, he lights up, and he is so excited to see her. He [looks] at me and goes, “Oh, she’s so beautiful.” I feel so much gratitude that my dad gets to know my daughter and that she gets to know him. It’s so sweet.
—JACK SMART
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