Action fans around the world are reeling today as news of action hero Bruce Willis retirement sweeps the news cycle. According to a statement put out from his family and shared across social media by ex-wife and actress Demi Moore, Willis has been diagnosed with Aphasia, which has affected the actor’s cognitive functions.
In their statement the family shared, “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 signed by Willis's wife Emma Heming Willis, Moore and Bruce Willis’s children asked fans to understand that these are difficult times.
The statement went on to say, “As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him,” and continued. “This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support.”
Willis has been acting since 1980 and has starred in some of the most iconic television and films. He may be best known for the Die Hard Series which started with the first film released in 1988.
Willis’s talent for melding sarcastic comedic wit and timing with great action to create, what was then a new kind of action hero, endeared him to fans across the world. In the age of sculpted muscles and towering physiques, Willis might not have looked the typical action star, but with early action comedy hits like 1987’s Blind Date and television’s Moonlighting, his casual banter, quick wit and charm won over media consumers and made Willis one of the biggest action stars on the planet.
According to Willis’s IMDb entry the star has appeared in more than 145 film and television properties that have, with his star power and presence grossed a combined total of more than $2.5 billion worldwide.
Aphasia is the loss of ability to understand or express speech, typically caused by brain damage. The three kinds of aphasia are “Broca's aphasia,” “Wernicke's aphasia,” and “global aphasia.” All three interfere with the ability to speak or understand language. This is, as one might imagine, particularly hard on an actor or performer professionally as well as making day-to-day communications with family and friends tremendously difficult.
The joint statement was sure to let fans know how much they have meant to Willis and his entire family.
“We are moving through this as a strong family unit,” the statement said. “… and (we) wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him… Bruce always says, ‘Live it up’ and together we plan to do just that.”
The statement was signed, “Love: Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, & Evelyn.”
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