Yahoo Lifestyle Don Johnson Shares Update on 'Best' Friend Bruce Willis Amid Health Battle
Don Johnson has nothing but love for his old friend Bruce Willis.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Johnson, 75, talked about the "full circle" moment of having Willis' daughter, Rumer Willis, make a cameo on his ABC medical drama, Doctor Odyssey. Johnson has a far-reaching history with Willis, as he explained, taking the opportunity to share the story of how he got the Die Hard star his start on TV.
"It was his first episodic TV, before Moonlighting," Johnson explained. "And I knew him from New York, and I'd hang out with him and he was funny."
"So I called our casting director on Miami Vice and I said, 'You know, there's a guy over there and I think he's a struggling actor, and you should bring him in and read him because he's really funny and I think he'd be good,'" Johnson continued.
As Johnson recalled, the casting director "brought him in and she read him and she cast him for the wife-beater."
While Johnson agreed that he "stuck his neck out" for his pal, he made a point of noting it "wasn't that far" of a stretch.
The Nash Bridges actor went on to send Willis, 69, a supportive message, referencing his ongoing battle with dementia.
"We're best of friends and he's having a little bit of a struggle right now, and I take this moment to send him love," Johnson said.
Related: Don Johnson Shares Rare Photo With All 6 of His Children for 75th Birthday
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Fans on Instagram loved hearing Johnson's nostalgic tale.
"What a great interview, Don looks amazing 🥰🥰🥰 and I love Bruce very much too 💕💕," wrote one person.
"My 2 favorite 80s actors!!❤️❤️❤️❤️" a second commenter chimed in.
"Loved the Miami Vice episode with Bruce Willis. I actually have it video taped," shared someone else.
Interestingly enough, the episode of Miami Vice in question—which served as Willis' first credited role—is considered to be a significant installment in the classic '80s series, according to Decider.
Titled "No Exit," the episode features Willis as "the straight-up terrifying arms dealer Tony Amato," and it's "such a big deal in regards to Miami Vice that it has its own Wikipedia page."
Next: Demi Moore Speaks Candidly About Ex Bruce Willis: 'For Me There Was Never a Question'
