Bruce Willis paid an emotional tribute to Paul Bloch at a memorial held for the late publicist at Hollywood’s Paramount Theater on Monday night (23Jul18).
The Die Hard star was among over 350 guests which included: family members and celebrities Jerry Bruckheimer and Caitlyn Jenner, who gathered for a memorial to honour the life of the celebrated publicist.
Bloch passed away aged 78 on 25 May (18) at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles following a long illness.
Bloch was chairman of top Hollywood publicity firm Rogers & Cowan and during a five-decade long career he worked with clients including John Travolta, Michael Keaton and Tom Cruise.
Willis grew emotional when paying tribute to longtime friend and publicist, who represented him for three decades.
“This was the beginning of a friendship that would always be a safe harbour to me in this rough and tough industry. Paul was one of a kind,” he told attendees at the memorial, reports Variety. “A singular kind. Like those belt buckles. He was larger than life… he never judged me… He always encouraged me to go with my gut and to be true to who I am… Paul I miss you dearly.
“I miss your honesty, your integrity, your loyalty and your guidance. Your wonderful laugh, your heart and most of all your everlasting friendship.”
The veteran publicist worked with Cruise for five years following his infamous couch-jumping episode in 2005.
