Bruce Willis is retiring from acting after getting diagnosed with a brain disorder and suffering from cognitive issues.
The family of the 67-year-old Hollywood star on Wednesday revealed that Willis has been diagnosed with a degenerative brain condition known as aphasia.
The condition, which is caused by damage to the brain, affects one’s ability to comprehend language and control language expression.
According to the reports, Willis was struggling with his condition as early as 2020 when he was pictured using an ear prompter on the set of American Siege to get help with his lines.
“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 Die Hard star’s family wrote in an official statement.
“As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.”
The statement, which was signed by Willis’ wife, ex-wife, and his children, added: “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.”
Meanwhile, a source with knowledge of the Hollywood scene told Page Six how Willis’ condition was an open secret.
“Everybody knew, the cast and crew. [He was] using earpieces, hearing things, for them to feed him the lines,” the insider said as they claimed it became “increasingly difficult to have him on screen.”
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