Rumer Willis
Rumer Willis – Life, Career, and Personal Journey
Discover the life and career of Rumer Willis — actress, singer, Broadway performer, and daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore. Explore her acting roles, accomplishments, and personal evolution.
Introduction
Rumer Glenn Willis (born August 16, 1988) is an American actress, singer, and stage performer. As the eldest daughter of Hollywood stars Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, she has built her own path in film, television, and theater, while also showing talent in dance and music.
Her career spans child acting roles to mature parts, plus a notable win on Dancing with the Stars and a Broadway debut in Chicago.
Early Life and Family
Rumer Willis was born on August 16, 1988, at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky, while her father was filming in Kentucky. She was named after British novelist Rumer Godden.
She is the eldest of three full sisters: Scout LaRue Willis (born 1991) and Tallulah Belle Willis (born 1994). From her father’s second marriage, she also has two younger half-sisters.
Rumer spent parts of her upbringing in Hailey, Idaho, where her family sought a more grounded lifestyle outside Hollywood.
For schooling, she attended Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan early on, and later enrolled in Wildwood Secondary School in Los Angeles. She also briefly attended the University of Southern California for one semester before leaving to pursue her performing career.
Career & Achievements
Film & Television
Rumer’s acting career began at age 5:
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Debut: She appeared in Now and Then (1995), acting alongside her mother. She was credited as Willa Glen for that role.
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She appeared in Striptease (1996) with her mother.
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She had roles in Hostage (2005), The House Bunny (2008), Sorority Row (2009), From Within (2008), and more recently Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).
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On television, she played Gia Mannetti in 90210 (2009–2010) and Tory Ash in Empire (2017–2018).
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She also appeared in guest roles on shows like CSI: NY, Hawaii Five-0, Medium, and others.
Dancing & Stage
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In 2015, Rumer competed in Season 20 of Dancing with the Stars, partnered with Valentin Chmerkovskiy. She won the competition, taking home the Mirrorball Trophy.
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Later in 2015, she made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago.
Personal Life & Recent Developments
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From 2020 to 2024, Rumer was in a relationship with Derek Richard Thomas.
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On April 18, 2023, she gave birth to her daughter, Louetta Isley Thomas Willis.
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In 2024, she publicly confirmed she and Derek had separated, and she is co-parenting their daughter as a “single mom.”
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Rumer has discussed her co-parenting philosophy, drawing from the example set by her parents in how they navigated their own divorce while keeping the family bond strong.
Artistic Style & Voice
Rumer Willis has often embraced the challenge of stepping out of her parents’ shadow to craft an identity of her own. She has shown versatility—acting in dramatic and comedic roles, performing in musicals and dance, and taking on stage work.
Her win on Dancing with the Stars highlighted her discipline and performance strengths beyond acting. Her Broadway role further solidified her legitimacy in the theatrical world.
As she navigates motherhood and evolving career stages, Rumer has shown openness about vulnerability, personal growth, and balancing public and private life.