Bruce Willis

Bruce Willis is ‘stepping away’ from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia. Image via Getty Images Photographer: Dave J Hogan

Final cut: Iconic action hero Bruce Willis fights aphasia, retires from acting

The family of Bruce Willis has shared the tragic news that the veteran actor’s aphasia diagnosis is impacting his cognitive abilities.

Bruce Willis

Bruce Willis is ‘stepping away’ from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia. Image via Getty Images Photographer: Dave J Hogan

Iconic American actor Bruce Willis has kept film fanatics entertained for more than two decades, starring in more than 100 movies, including Die Hard, Unbreakable, Pulp Fiction, The Last Boy Scout and Armageddon. In a tragic turn of events, the action hero actor will be retiring from acting following an aphasia diagnosis. 

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday 30 March, one of Willis’s daughters, Emma Heming, said the brain disorder aphasia has been impacting the veteran actor’s cognitive abilities. 

ALSO READ: ‘I’m not Chuck Norris’: Mark Pilgrim’s cancer returns after 33 years

WHAT IS APHASIA? 

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), aphasia is a language disorder that occurs when one has brain damage. 

Damage on the left side of the brain leads to language problems while damage on the right side of the brain can cause poor attention or memory. 

The disorder can also make it difficult to speak, read, or write and usually causes muscle weakness in the mouth. 

BRUCE WILLIS DIAGNOSED WITH APHASIA 

In her heartfelt Instagram post, Bruce Willis’ daughter shared that the actor’s aphasia diagnosis has been a challenging time for the Willis family.

“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,” she wrote. 

“As Bruce always says ‘live it up’ and together we plan to do just that.”

SUPPORT POURS IN FOR BRUCE WILLIS 

Fans of the 67-year-old actor have been sending messages of support to the Willis family. Taking to Twitter, one tweep wrote: “You’ll always be one of my favs Bruce!”

“I love you. Thank you for making bald guys look cool for as long as you did,” wrote another tweep. 

“Prayers of grace and healing for Bruce Willis and his family,” wrote.