Justin Long Recalls Awkward Bruce Willis Moment: 'I Felt Like A Slacker'

Late last month, the daughter of Bruce Willis disclosed that the legendary actor was struggling with aphasia. Many tributes have since poured in for the “Die Hard” actor, including one from costar Justin Long.

The “Accepted” actor posted a photo of him and Bruce Willis on Instagram.

He began, “It was an honor and highlight of my career to get to work with this man, in a genre that he helped reinvent and master.”

“This pic is from when we were shooting Die Hard 4 and, after we wrapped one day, he asked me if I wanted to go see the new Rocky movie,” he explained. “I excitedly said ‘yes’, eager that he wanted to hang out outside of work and when I quickly changed and re-emerged from my trailer, wearing this tee shirt and hoodie that I’d worn to work, he squinted his classic squint and deadpanned ‘that’s what you’re wearing?’”

Long then said that he “realized [that Bruce had] invited me to the fancy red carpet PREMIERE of the new Rocky movie.”

“I felt like a slacker AND a tag-a-long, but he accepted both of these truths and seemed to not hold either one against me - and we had a REALLY fun night,” he continued. “At one point, he was huddled up with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, while I was awkwardly standing off to the side as his briefly neglected date. I only momentarily felt… expendable 🙄😬”

“Anyway, grateful for that night and for my whole Die Hard experience,” he concluded. “Wishing Bruce and his family love and strength. He is and always will be A Legend❤️ #tbt”

Plenty of fans and fellow actors in the industry took a moment to comment on Long’s awkward encounter. Nathan Fillion called it “Classic Justin.” Nick Viall dropped one red-heart emoji in the comments. Michael Hitchcock dropped three. Michael Rosenbaum wrote, “Awesome dude.”

Kristofer Buckle commented, “You are the cutest guy in Hollywood… Until @roblowe comes back from vacation.”

Fans also loved the story, with one writing, “Your anecdotes are the best. Another fan wrote, “That’s a great story!”

“What a great story I’ve been a Bruce Willis fan for so long and became a fan of yours as well along the way. I loved live free or die so much !!” another fan commented.

“but a bro-hang at the ACTUAL movies 🍿? With Bruce Willis?! ☺️That did sound super fun for a sec. THEN y’remember that’s not probs even a THING for someone with his fame anymore,” another wrote. “I’m old enough to remember that his STAR quality & serious comedic timing was undeniable when he was on Moonlighting with Cybill Shepherd. Great story 😎”

“I used to watch Moonlighting with my parents (I’ve dated myself) and loved him ever since,” another shared. “Highly suggest people go watch it if you can find it anywhere. His humor and sarcastic, deadpan delivery is just my favorite.”

“You just never know. Hug your loved ones and make that phone call. Hug strangers too. They may or may not fight you. But love is love. ❤️”

“Thank you for sharing and that’s my favorite die hard movie,” said another.

“This movie is actually one of my favorites and I would consider this to be one of both of yours best work. Truly loved that film,” another commented.

“So good hearing from so many people that he’s such a cool guy,” another wrote.

“What an incredible memory to have with him. I love every die hard movie and 4 is my favorite,” another shared. “It’s ok to feel awkward, I think we all feel that way when you feel like the new person of the group. Especially myself…I constantly tell myself try not to be awkward and say something stupid. 🤣😬it’s always good to just be you and comfortable. That’s the important thing.❤️🥰”

Actor Haley Joel Osment also weighed in on Bruce Willis' struggle. Osment was just a child when he starred alongside Willis in the 1999 M. Night Shyamalan drama “The Sixth Sense.” The film spawned the famous line “I see dead people” and won Osment the Critics’ Choice Movie Award For Best Young Performer.

In an Instagram post, Osment posted a photo of Bruce Willis alongside a heartfelt caption showing his support.

“It’s been difficult to find the right words for someone I’ve always looked up to—first on the big screen, and then by some wild stroke of luck, in person,” he began. “He’s a true legend who has enriched all of our lives with a singular career that spans nearly half a century.”

“I am so grateful for what I got to witness firsthand, and for the enormous body of work he built for us to enjoy for years and years to come,” he went on. “I just wanted to express the respect and deep admiration I have for Bruce and his family as they move forward with the courage and high spirits that have always defined them.”

Many fans showered the post with heart emojis and seconded Osment’s tribute, calling Bruce Willis a true legend and are thankful for all the movies that he contributed to the world.