Actres/singer Rumer Willis has carved out a strong career on her own, apart from being the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore.
She made her film debut on her mother's film Now and Then and later with her on Striptease. She worked with her father on two films also The Whole Nine Yard and Hostage. She stood out in movie like The House Bunny, Sorority Row and Wild Cherry.
Willis' television series have included Army Wives, Medium and Pretty Little Liars. Recently she landed a recurring role on Fox's Empire as Tory Ash.
The season 20 Dancing with the Stars' winner talked about what makes her dance at a recent event at the Hard Rock Hotel.
Windy City Times: You were born in Paducah, Kentucky, where did you grow up?
Rumer Willis: In Idaho. I liked it so much. I think it was one of the best decisions my parents had ever made. There is something that is so wonderful about growing up in a small town.
I feel that is one of the reasons why I am so grounded as an adult. I didn't grow up too fast.
WCT: That must have been nice after growing up on the public eye.
RW: Yes. I was able to be out of it a little bit.
WCT: How was being on Broadway, in the musical Chicago?
RW: It was amazing. I have so much respect for anyone that takes on Broadway. It is one of the most demanding jobs that you can possibly have. I wasn't dating anyone when I was doing it, but I can't imagine being married or having a family while being in it. You can't have a life when one your day off you can't lose your voice.
WCT: How is your stint on Empire going?
RW: It going so well. I feel unbelievably grateful to be on a show where I get to sing and act. I work with some incredibly talented people. It is really inspiring.
WCT: Your character is a lesbian?
RW: She is very genderfluid. She doesn't like to put herself in a box, which I really appreciate. We live in a world where there is a lot more of that. I think it is important not to force people to defined by labels or have to pick one. We need to appreciate people for their uniqueness.
WCT: You are DJ'ing today at this Bed Head event. What is your favorite thing to play?
RW: I heard this new band called Lake Street Dive. It is the stuff that I would want to sing. I think the lead singer is amazing. They do some really cool covers of George Michael and Michael Jackson. I am excited to play that.
WCT: Are the retro tunes crowd-pleasers?
RW: Yes. If I hear a loud beat, I am not going to run to the dance floor. If I hear an oldies song that I know then I am for sure going to want to dance.
WCT: You are remaking the movie Hello Again [which will kick off the Reeling Film Festival]. Did you watch the one made in the past?
RW: No, I didn't want to cloud anything. I wanted our work to be what it was. It is now being put out at festivals so hopefully in wide release soon.
Catch new episodes of Empire with Willis and the gang starting Wed., Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. central on Fox.