Bruce Willis Recalls ‘Die Hard’ Stunt That Almost Ended in Disaster: ‘I Almost Missed the Bag!’

Bruce Willis’ legendary career as an action star took off with Die Hard in 1988, but not without some harrowing moments behind the scenes. In a newly released book titled The Last Action Heroes: The Triumphs, Flops, and Feuds of Hollywood’s Kings Of Carnage, Willis shares a chilling tale of a botched stunt that almost ended in disaster.

The stunt in question was a pivotal moment in Die Hard, where Willis’ character, NYPD officer John McClane, had to leap off a building’s ledge onto an airbag below while a massive fireball erupted behind him. What was meant to be a show-stopping action scene nearly turned into a tragedy when Willis came dangerously close to missing the safety bag.

In the book, Willis recalls the tense atmosphere on set as crew members slathered him with a viscous gel to prevent burns from the explosive fireball. As the scene unfolded, the actor found himself in an intense moment of focus, ready to take the leap. But as he landed, he realized just how close he had come to catastrophe.

“I almost missed the bag,” Willis said in his recollection. “When I landed, everyone came running over to me, and I thought they were going to say, ‘Great job! Attaboy!’ Instead, they were checking to see if I was alive.”

The memory is a haunting reminder of the risks actors face while performing their own stunts. Crew members, fearing for Willis’ safety, even took extra precautions, applying the gel to his skin to minimize the risk of him catching fire when the explosive charges were detonated. His dramatic leap remains one of the iconic moments in Die Hard history, but behind the scenes, the stakes were higher than anyone could have imagined.

The revelation comes as Bruce Willis continues to face personal health challenges. Earlier this year, his family confirmed that the actor had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a condition that has affected his ability to communicate and process information. The diagnosis followed his previous condition, aphasia, which he was diagnosed with in 2022. While there are no treatments for frontotemporal dementia as of now, his family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans around the world.

Willis’ contribution to film, particularly in the Die Hard series, remains a lasting legacy. Despite the challenges he now faces, his courage and dedication to his craft continue to inspire fans and fellow actors alike. The memory of that near-disastrous stunt serves as a testament to his resilience and willingness to push boundaries, both on and off the screen.

As his family navigates the difficult journey ahead, the love and admiration for Bruce Willis remain stronger than ever, with fans cherishing the thrilling performances and unforgettable characters he brought to life.