'Dancing' contestant Rumer Willis overcame cyberbullying with confidence, support from family

HOLLYWOOD, April 16 (UPI) -- On an episode of Dancing with the Stars in early April, contestant Rumer Willis described her younger self as "super awkward," inviting a string of bullies her way.

Even after college, the bullying didn't stop.

The eldest daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore discusses with People how she overcame "ugly" remarks from social media users.

"It was really hard," Rumer, 26, says, "I would read that stuff and feel awful. I thought, 'I don't even get a chance?'"

It's difficult to see any awkwardness now as Willis wows audiences week after week on Dancing with the Stars with partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy.

People reveals that Willis worked part-time at a boutique while taking acting and voice lessons after college, while still under the scrutiny of social media bullies.

"People still don't necessarily know that I work -- they just have opinions," she explains.

"People always say, 'You signed up for this, you're an actor,' but I used to take it really personally."

Her family has been incredibly supportive throughout the rising star's growth, cheering her on from the audience at "Dancing" last month. In an interview with Larry King, she describes her mother as "very strong."

"She always says 'live in what your integrity is and present yourself in how you want people to see you,'" she said.

Willis has made leaps and bounds in terms of her self-esteem since her apparently "awkward" teen years. When asked who her biggest competition is on the show, the actress confidently responded, "I don't think we have a whole lot of competition."