Township honors the Penns Grove High School student council president who became an Emmy winner and John McClane
CARNEYS POINT TWP. — Before Moonlighting, before Die Hard, before the Hollywood fame, Bruce Willis was a kid from Carneys Point. This Saturday, the township will put his name on a street.
The Carneys Point Township Committee will unveil a commemorative “Bruce Willis Way” street sign at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, on South DuPont Road. The public, the media, former classmates, alumni and fans are all invited.
Willis was born in 1955 in Idar-Oberstein, West Germany, and moved with his family to Carneys Point as a young child. At Penns Grove High School he got involved in drama and served as student council president. From there he went on to television fame as David Addison on Moonlighting, which earned him a 1987 Emmy, and to film stardom as John McClane in the Die Hard series. He was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2011.
“Bruce Willis is more than a Hollywood legend to us,” Deputy Mayor Charlyn Martin said in a statement announcing the event. She said the community watched “one of its own” grow up, pursue his dreams and become an internationally recognized actor and entertainer.
The local connection reaches the dinner table, too. The township’s announcement notes that Willis once dubbed Roman Pantry as “having the best cheesesteaks on the planet.”
What to know before you go
What: Bruce Willis Way street sign unveiling
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 3 p.m.
Where: South DuPont Road, Carneys Point
Media and speaker parking: Carneys Point Municipal Building, 303 Harding Highway, Carneys Point
Organizers expect a large turnout. Officials advise arriving early, because traffic near South DuPont Road may be heavier than usual. Drivers should follow posted directions and any temporary traffic controls from local authorities.
Did you go to school with Bruce Willis, grow up near him, or have a story about him? Send it to editor@thenewsofsalemcounty.com. We may include your memories in our coverage.
The News of Salem County will be at the ceremony and will have full coverage after the event.