It all started with the characters of David Addison and Maddie Hayes, portrayed by Willis and Shepherd, respectively. This unconventional pairing of a laid-back detective and a former fashion model set the tone for the entire series.
Their playful bickering and simmering romantic tension kept viewers glued to their screens, episode after episode. Despite their frequent arguments, audiences could see the mutual respect and affection underlying their relationship.
Bruce Willis’ first TV show and his big break
Bruce Willis, who went on to become a top action movie star, was just a relative newcomer when he got his breakthrough role in “Moonlighting,” having only played small roles, like a bit part on Miami Vice and a few appearances as an extra.
Despite his relative lack of credentials, Willis’s portrayal of David Addison was nothing short of exceptional — and his unique mix of charm and roguish wit proved irresistible to viewers.
He brought the character to life with his magnetic charisma and impeccable comedic timing. His role in “Moonlighting” served as a springboard — one that would launch him into a highly successful acting career, which would include action-packed hits like the “Die Hard” series.
Cybill Shepherd, on the other hand, was already an established model and actress when she took on the role of Maddie Hayes. Her character, a former model who becomes a detective after her business manager embezzles all her money, was smart, independent, and not afraid to stand her ground.
Shepherd’s nuanced performance was a pivotal part of the show’s success. She simultaneously portrayed Maddie’s vulnerability and strength, giving audiences a complex and relatable character.
Unconventionally entertaining
“Moonlighting” was not only a launchpad for Willis’s career, but also a milestone in television history. Its distinctive blend of genres and the chemistry between its leads left a lasting impression. The show took risks and broke conventions, offering a viewing experience that was both refreshing and entertaining.
It may have been over three decades since it first aired, but the impact of “Moonlighting” and its stars continues to resonate in the world of television today.
Read on for some fun reminiscing — including a video (plus lyrics) of the Grammy-winning theme song, promo shots, and a feature article teasing the upcoming season.
Sparks fly between ‘Moonlighting’ co-stars Bruce Willis & Cybill Shepherd (1985)
Excerpted from The Muncie Evening Press (Indiana) July 13, 1985
When actor Bruce Willis auditioned for a role in the series “Moonlighting,” ABC at first turned him down. Then they asked him to do a screen test with Cybill Shepherd and the sparks flew.
“I flew out on a Monday, tested on a Wednesday, and got the gig on Friday,” says Willis, a New Yorker.
Willis and Miss Shepherd created magic on the television screen like no couple has done for years, when they rubbed against each other, or rubbed each other the wrong way. During its brief springtime run, it was one of the few bright ratings spots among ABC’s also-rans. The network ordered more shows for the fall.
Willis stars as David Addison, a fast-talking private eye, who finds himself teamed up with glamorous model Maddie Hayes, played by Cybill Shepherd. Maddie’s business manager swindled all her assets except one of her tax write-offs: the detective agency.
It’s the battling, mismatched pair, reminiscent of “Remington Steele” and the Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy movies, which makes the humor, the sparks, and the romance.
Addison is an impulsive, quick-witted schemer. Maddie’s strong-willed and authoritative, with an icy demeanor that would chill an ordinary suitor, but to Addison, it’s like catnip to a Persian.
“Addison’s a guy who’s been having a party all his life,” says Willis, lounging on a huge L-shaped couch in his secluded canyon home. He wears baggy khaki pants, a shirt that looks like it’s part of a pajama set, and a week’s growth of beard. Every now and then he takes a drink from a bottle of mineral water.
How does he rate as a detective? “He’s trying,” says Willis. “He’s watched a lot of old detective movies. I don’t think he’s what comes to mind when you say detective. The hard-boiled gumshoe. He’s more modern.”
Moonlighting: A snazzy, screwball comedy (1986)
With Bruce Willis as David Addison, and Cybill Shepherd as Madeleine “Maddie” Hayes
“Look, Maddie, Time Magazine said we’re ‘…snazzy… a screwball comedy.'”
“That’s right, Addison. I’m snazzy and you’re a screwball.”
ALSO SEE: Get Cybill Shepherd’s favorite hamburger recipe (1987)
Moonlighting intro/theme song & lyrics
Here is Moonlighting’s theme song from seasons 1 to 3, which earned singer/songwriter Al Jarreau a Grammy nomination.
Moonlighting theme lyrics
Some walk by night
Some fly by day
Nothing could change you
Set and sure of the way.
There is the sun and moon,
They sing their own sweet tune,
Watch them when dawn is due,
Sharing one space.
We’ll walk by night,
We’ll fly by day,
Moonlighting strangers
Who just met on the way
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