Bruce Willis Reveals His Favourite Book in Rare 2013 Interview
Sunday, 27 April 2025, 11:30, UK
Hollywood icon Bruce Willis has long been synonymous with high-octane action films, but the star has also demonstrated a more cultured side throughout his career. From his critically acclaimed performances in Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom to his adaptations of literary classics like Tom Wolfe’s The Bonfire of the Vanities and Kurt Vonnegut’s Breakfast of Champions, Willis has proven himself to be a versatile and accomplished actor. According to an interview with GQ in 2013, Willis’ love of literature extends far beyond the silver screen, with the actor revealing his favourite book to be JRR Tolkien’s beloved classic, The Hobbit.
As reported by Far Out Magazine, Willis’ comments about The Hobbit offer a fascinating glimpse into the actor’s personality and tastes. "Maybe The Hobbit," he said, when asked about his favourite book. "That guy has created his own little religion, his own little world. And I think it was great escapism. I just went back and read it again. I always said that it would make a great film. But no film can live up to the images you have in your head when you’re 16 or 17 years old and caught up in the noble actions of the characters." [1]
Willis’ affection for The Hobbit is perhaps surprising, given his tough-guy image and association with high-octane action films. However, as Far Out Magazine notes, the actor has always been a man of contradictions, and his love of fantasy literature is just one example of his multifaceted personality. "It was something I could do by myself," Willis explained, when asked about the importance of reading in his life.
Published in 1937, The Hobbit has become one of the best-selling books of all time, inspiring Tolkien to write more stories set in the world of Middle Earth. The book’s enduring popularity is a testament to Tolkien’s boundless imagination and storytelling ability, and it’s clear that Willis has been captivated by the author’s unique world and characters.
Interestingly, Willis’ comments about The Hobbit making a great film seem almost prophetic, given the success of Peter Jackson’s trilogy inspired by the book. However, as the actor noted, "no film can live up to the images you have in your head" – a sentiment that will be familiar to fans of the book. According to Far Out Magazine, Willis’ instincts about the film adaptation were spot on, with some critics arguing that the movies failed to live up to the expectations set by Jackson’s previous ventures.
As we reflect on Willis’ career and legacy, it’s clear that his love of literature and his multifaceted personality have made him a beloved and enduring figure in popular culture. As reported by Far Out Magazine, Willis’ revelation about his favourite book offers a fascinating glimpse into the actor’s personality and tastes, and serves as a reminder that even the toughest action heroes have a softer side.
In conclusion, Bruce Willis’ love of The Hobbit is just one example of his fascinating and multifaceted personality. As Far Out Magazine has reported, Willis’ comments about the book offer a unique insight into his thoughts on literature and escapism, and demonstrate his enduring passion for the world of Middle Earth.
References:
[1] Far Out Magazine: Bruce Willis names favourite book. Available at: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/bruce-willis-names-favourite-book/.
