Earlier today, the family of Bruce Willis shared that the 67-year-old action star would be “stepping away” from his acting career after being diagnosed with aphasia, a brain condition that has been “impacting his cognitive abilities.” The news was confirmed in a series of posts by his daughters Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn, as well as his wife Emma Heming Willis and his ex-wife Demi Moore.
“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,” their joint Instagram statement read. “As a result of this and with much consideration, Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.”
Willis’s diagnosis came as a shock to his legions of fans, particularly given the Die Hard and Armageddon star’s dense slate of films over the past few years, as well as his full schedule for 2022. If this indeed means a permanent retirement for the actor, it marks the end of one of Hollywood’s most impressive box-office runs, with Variety reporting that his films have grossed more than $5 billion worldwide. (Willis has also won a Golden Globe and two Emmys throughout his four-decade career across film and television.)
The messages from those within Willis’s family placed a particular emphasis on their request for privacy and empathy as they continue to support him during his period of ill health. “This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion, and support,” their 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.”
Finally, as is fitting for a totemic figure in the world of entertainment whose blockbusters continue to captivate millions to this day, the family signed off on a note of optimism. “As Bruce always says, ‘Live it up,’” they wrote. “Together, we plan to do just that.”
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