Action star Bruce Willis is retiring from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate, his family has announced.
The 67-year-old’s family took to social media on Wednesday, March 30, to post a joint statement announcing the actor would be “stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him” following his shock diagnosis.
“To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family, we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” the statement said.
“This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support. We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him.
“As Bruce always says, “Live it up” and together we plan to do just that.
“Love, Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, & Evelyn.”
Several high-profile Hollywood figures offered their support and love to Willis and his family.
Rita Wilson wrote, “my heart goes out to Bruce, and all of the family.”
“So thankful you shared this with us. Keeping you all in our prayer,” she said.
“Grace and guts! Love to you all!” said fellow actor Jaime Lee Curtis.
Elizabeth Perkins commented, “Sending so much love to you all” in response to Demi Moore’s post.
According to John Hopkins Medicine, “aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage in a specific area of the brain that controls language expression and comprehension. Aphasia leaves a person unable to communicate effectively with others.”
Willis achieved fame thanks to a leading role in the comedy-drama series Moonlighting and has since gone on to appear in over 70 films. Some of Willis’s notable credits include The Last Boy Scout, Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, science fiction hits such as 12 Monkeys, The Fifth Element, and Armageddon, as well as the supernatural thriller The Sixth Sense.
However, it was his role as John McClane in the Die Hard franchise that gave him global recognition and cemented his status as an action star.