Bruce Willis and M. Night Shyamalan.Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty
M. Night Shyamalanis praising frequent collaboratorBruce Willisfor his talent — and for making him feel “protected.”
TheOscar-nominated filmmaker, 52, previously worked with Willis, 67, on multiple films including 1999’sThe Sixth Senseand 2000’sUnbreakable,in which he played David Dunn. He reprised his role as Dunn in two of Shyamalan’s later films: 2016’sSplitand 2019’sGlass.
“And for him to be so pivotal in my life and start my career means so much,” he added. “Our families are also very close, and Iwill always think of him as a big brotherand remember how much he protected me.”
“So the things that are happening with him are happening to a family member,” said theServantshowrunner, referring toWillis' aphasia diagnosis, which his family revealedlast year.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
Bruce Willis and M. Night Shyamalan.Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty
Shyamalan also praisedWillis as “a true movie star”: “I’m not being self-deprecating here, but I’m a nerdy, boring dude most of the time. But when I first got to hang out with him, I felt the electric charm of this blue-collar, great-looking guy.”
“He could take over a room with his humor and his charm, and that’s what he could imbue into his characters,” Shyamalan added.
The filmmaker previously said in a 2020 interview withThe New Indian Expressthathe and Willis have remained friendsover the years, telling the outlet, “Bruce and I have actually stayed in touch and our families have stayed close. So, we’ve stayed in touch and he’s always been the big brother in my life … since I was a little kid, you know.”
Shyamalan added, “He’s the one that took the big risk on me and protected me.”
RELATED VIDEO: Bruce Willis' Heartbreaking Diagnosis: Family Is “Focused on All the Happy Moments They Are Able to Share”
“All mylove and respect to my big brother Bruce Willis. I know his wonderful family is surrounding him with support and strength,” he wrote. “He will always be that hero on that poster on my wall as [a] kid.”
TheExtremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vileactor, 34, went on to say heconsiders Willis “a true legendwho has enriched all of our lives with a singular career that spans nearly half a century.”
“I amso grateful for what I got to witnessfirsthand, and for the enormous body of work he built for us to enjoy for years and years to come,” Osment added. “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.”
source: people.com
