What’s Up, Rumer Willis? The Love Loss Star Talks Life With Parents Bruce Willis and Demi Moore

The daughter of former Hollywood power couple Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, 22-year-old Rumer Willis has successfully paved her own acting career in films such as Sorority Row and The House Bunny. Now Willis is making her New York stage debut as a member of the latest cast of off-Broadway’s fashionable hit, Love, Loss and What I Wore. After a recent performance, Willis chatted with Broadway.com about her new theater job, working as a model and life with her famous parents.

Welcome to the New York stage. Have you had your eyes set on doing theater for a while?
I talked to my managers and they just brought [Love, Loss and What I Wore] up and I thought I’d love to do it. I’d done a little bit of theater in high school, but never anything like this so I was really excited to try it.

Have you found theater different from your film and TV work?
For sure. Theater is its own kind of realm. The feedback is instant and it’s all live, so you if you mess up you can’t say, "Oh, can I have another take?" It’s great. It keeps you on your toes. My castmates are so unbelievably amazing. It’s such a great learning experience to just sit on the stage and watch them.

How would you describe your own fashion sense?
I feel like it’s very eclectic. I’m almost schizophrenic with my style. One day I’ll decide I want to be really girly and want to wear a dress, and other days I’ll just rock jeans and a comfy t-shirt. I’m all about being comfortable and being yourself.

You were recently featured in an ad campaign for Badgley Mischka. What was that modeling experience like?
It’s been really fun to work with [designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka]. They’re so sweet and so involved with what they do. They really take the time and care to make sure everything they put out is a unique representation of themselves.

Would you ever be interested in creating your own clothing line?
I would love that! What’s better than creating clothes that are exactly what you want to wear? I don’t think that will happen anytime in the near future, but hopefully someday.

Who are some of your own style icons?
My mom, for sure. I love anybody who’s willing to take risks and do something different.

Your parents attended your opening night of Love, Loss and What I Wore. Did they enjoy the show?
They really enjoyed it. My sisters [Scout and Tallulah Willis] came as well, and they were laughing and having a great time.

As your career continues to grow, do you seek advice from your parents about acting or choosing roles?
If there’s something I’m maybe unsure about I’ll come to them and see what they think of it, but other than that I like just seeing what’s out there and what’s next.

You made cameos in their films Striptease and The Whole Nine Yards when you were younger. Would you like to make a film with them someday?
Oh, for sure. I don’t know if there’s any ideal project I’d have in mind, but I’d love to just work with them again.

What do you think was the key to becoming a successful actor on your own and not just a hard-partying child of celebrities?
That’s just really about your focus and what you want to accomplish. I think it helped growing up in Idaho and not Los Angeles, but it’s all about who you are and what you want to do with your life. I have way too much I wanted to accomplish to get wrapped up in that kind of stuff.

Are you enjoying your time living in New York?
I love it. I wish it was a little warmer [laughs]. I’m a big fan of New York. I’ve gotten to go to some great restaurants. The Chinese food takeout is far beyond anything we have back in California.

Speaking of California, you starred on 90210 last season. Is the set as dramatic as the series itself?
The cast was so great and honestly so welcoming to newcomers. Sometimes when you have shows that have been on for a while everyone has already bonded, but they were so welcoming and just such a great cast and crew. I had an amazing time.

Would you like to continue working in the theater?
If the opportunity presents itself I would love to. I’m always open to new opportunities.

Do you have any projects lined up after you complete your run in the show?
A vacation!