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Rumer Willis Honors Demi Moore’s Iconic Role from *Striptease*

Rumer Willis is taking a step back into the past, recontextualizing her mother Demi Moore’s legacy in the film *Striptease* nearly three decades later. By donning a renowned attire from the movie, Willis is making a statement about empowerment and familial connection.

At the age of seven, Willis made her acting debut in *Striptease*, playing the character of Angela Grant, who is the daughter of Moore’s character. Now at 36 years old—matching her mother’s age during the film’s release—Willis wore the iconic gold sequined bikini that became a symbol of the film’s provocative nature.

In a heartfelt tribute, Willis not only showcased the bikini but posed with her two-year-old daughter, Louetta Isley Thomas Willis, perched on her hip, blending nostalgia with the joy of motherhood. This moment captures a generational bond while honoring the past.

Demi Moore has openly reflected on her experience with *Striptease*. She has discussed the challenges and criticisms she faced for portraying Erin Grant— a single mother who turns to stripping to finance her custody battle. Moore acknowledged the backlash as a substantial emotional burden during her career.

“With *Striptease*, it felt as though I had betrayed women. With *G.I. Jane*, it felt like I was betraying men,” Moore expressed in an interview on The New York Times podcast, “The Interview.” She elaborated on how her role made her vulnerable to criticism, particularly at a time when she became the highest-paid actress in Hollywood. “It’s fascinating to consider why my success in achieving pay equality invited such backlash—especially given the themes of bodily autonomy and feminism present in the film.”

During another interview with Variety, Moore described her $12.5 million salary for *Striptease* as a significant milestone not only for herself but for women in the industry as a whole. “It was a remarkable experience, as it represented a shift in the industry. However, my character’s profession led to accusations of betrayal against women,” she recalled.

Moore expressed how the dominant narrative often overshadowed her achievements, stating, “The focus quickly became about my role as a stripper, reducing my accomplishment to a mere monetary figure. It was a difficult pill to swallow, yet I acknowledged that those who dare to be pioneers frequently face backlash for challenging established norms.”

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