Bruce Willis goes commando for action roles

The 'Die Hard' legend - who has portrayed police detective John McClane since 1988 - says it takes a certain type of man to become a fully fledged action hero, who needs to be macho, kind and be willing to drop your pants on demand.

He said: "You can't take yourself too seriously. And with being an action star there's a handbook about heroism, whether it's a firefighter or a cop or anything.

There's a set of values that come with it. You have to be a good friend, loyal and kind to animals. And kind to the director. You have to be brace and be able to cry on camera. Plus you have to share your thoughts, but only at gunpoint. You also have to be a damn good shot. And maybe wear no underwear."

The 55-year-old hunk also admitted he often worries he is getting too old to keep doing his own stunts and stripping off for the cameras.

He added: "Right now, I'm doing OK., but I used to bounce off cars a lot easier than I do now. On the last 'Die Hard' film there were a few weeks where I was from my hip to my ankle, so if we're going another one I thought I'd better hurry up and do it. When I reach the point that I really can't do it anymore, that's when I'll hang up the white best. In my head I feel about 28 years old. I'm always surprised when I'm reminded that I'm 55."