He's been having a lot of difficulties on set recently, and had to rely on earpieces to get his lines delivered.
Action star Bruce Willis announced his retirement from acting on Wednesday due to aphasia, a language ailment that causes individuals to lose their capacity to speak. The actor’s family shared the shocking news on Instagram, accompanied with a picture of him.
“Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” read the post. “As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.”
The actor’s condition was not specified in the statement, but Aphasia is often caused by a stroke or a brain injury, but it may also develop gradually and progressively in rare situations, according to Mayo Clinic. The disorder impacts a person’s ability to read and write as well as talk and interpret verbal communication.
“This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support,” the statement continued. “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.”
The actor’s children Rumer Willis, Scout Willis, Tallulah Willis, Mabel Willis, and Evelyn Willis, as well as Bruce’s wife Emma Heming Willis and his ex-wife Demi Moore, all signed the post, which closed with the actor’s catchphrase, “Live it up.”
Bruce Willis has a lengthy and illustrious career in Hollywood, having starred in films such as “Die Hard,” and its sequels, “Armageddon.” However, one of his most well-known appearances in recent decades was as the deceased person seen by child actor Haley Joel Osment in “The Sixth Sense.”
He’s won a Golden Globe and two Emmys over his career, but this weekend he took home the Razzie for “Worst Performance by Bruce Willis in a 2021 Movie,” a newly formed category. The news was initially reported by TMZ.
Reactions to Bruce Willis Announces Retirement From Acting Owing To Aphasia Diagnosis
What a legend he is.. it's really sad to see him like this.
@HassanRonaNhi
What a legend he is.. it's really sad to see him like this. https://t.co/RJCbiKekR1
— Jedi, you look lonely. (@HassanRonaNhi) March 31, 2022
That's terrible. Hope he continues to thrive positively. Such a legend.
@21af083fcb8d4e1
That's terrible. Hope he continues to thrive positively. Such a legend. https://t.co/Ome4dtTHLM
— Pure (@21af083fcb8d4e1) March 31, 2022
In Bruce Willis defense, method actors such as himself, has been preparing for retirement for atleast his last, let's say, 25 films. This is most notable in his performance in the 2021 film, KILLDEATH: A BAD NIGHT TO LIVE SLOW. In which he induces an elliptic seizure on screen
@keenangreenan1
In Bruce Willis defense, method actors such as himself, has been preparing for retirement for atleast his last, let's say, 25 films.
— Keenan Greene (@keenangreenan1) March 30, 2022
This is most notable in his performance in the 2021 film, KILLDEATH: A BAD NIGHT TO LIVE SLOW. In which he induces an elliptic seizure on screen https://t.co/TWVpcGDuCy
😢 how unfortunate. what an iconic career.
@themichaellamb
😢 how unfortunate. what an iconic career. https://t.co/CxJOtqEp9P
— Michael Lamb he/him (@themichaellamb) March 30, 2022
This is truly sad, did not expect these news today, he really is a great actor
@joaohugopires
This is truly sad, did not expect these news today, he really is a great actor https://t.co/72qyFauuhK
— J.H.P 🕷 (@joaohugopires) March 30, 2022
Now this is sad. I always like his films.
@faizrazak_12
Now this is sad. I always like his films. https://t.co/hT9qDmwoLz
— FЯ12 ⚡ (@faizrazak_12) March 30, 2022
so sad to see a all time great retire in this way 😔
@Rossmcgreg
so sad to see a all time great retire in this way 😔 https://t.co/W0N4PUI6MC
— T’challa (@Rossmcgreg) March 30, 2022
This man is gonna be missed 😥 thank you for everything.
@Elariraimet
This man is gonna be missed 😥 thank you for everything. https://t.co/vZZXa9UqLk
— Elari (@Elariraimet) March 30, 2022
The industry will miss you 💯👌... You're legend Bruce🥺...stay strong 💪
@MozezKingwins
The industry will miss you 💯👌… You're legend Bruce🥺…stay strong 💪 https://t.co/6NZ2uHNYKC
— El guaje (@MozezKingwins) March 30, 2022
He had a great career🙏 sad to hear this
@Alej_PDV
He had a great career🙏 sad to hear this https://t.co/5X3RX9eEwO
— Alex PDV (Spider-Man) (@Alej_PDV) March 30, 2022