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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Hana Carter

Bruce Willis' 'extreme mental pain' amid aphasia diagnosis after failed stunt 20 years ago

Bruce Willis was allegedly struck on the forehead 20 years ago after a stunt went wrong.

The actor said the incident had caused “extreme mental, physical and emotional pain and suffering," in a lawsuit.

The 67-year-old's family announced that he would be retiring from the film industry after he was diagnosed with aphasia.

It's not known what caused Bruce's disorder, but it's most commonly caused by a stroke, severe head injury or brain tumour and affects around 350,000 people in Britain.

Stuart F Wilson, his stunt double of 17 years, told The Sun: "We had seen some changes. Sometimes when you were talking to him, he just seemed sidetracked and we would think it would mean nothing but you would wonder if there are other things going on."

(Getty)

Colleagues on the set of White Elephant also noticed he appeared to be confused, asking two crew members: "I know why you're here, and I know why you're here, but why am I here?"

It was also claimed that Bruce wore an ear piece which reminded him of his lines.

Michael Burns, who directed 2021's Out Of Death, reportedly told the screenwriter to keep Bruce's lines "short and sweet".

(Getty Images for goop)

He then directed another film with Bruce, but that was the last one he wanted to do.

He revealed: “After we finished, I said: ‘I’m not going to do any other Bruce Willis movies.’ I am relieved that he is taking time off.”

The family issued a joint statement: "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 actor is best known for his role in the Die Hard franchise (Getty Images)

"As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.

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. Love, Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, & Evelyn."

Bruce Willis' family have said he has been diagnosed with the condition aphasia (AFP via Getty Images)

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Scott Willis shared a photo of her and her dad following the family's news.

"Yesterday was so surreal, sharing something so personal,' she wrote. 'I didn’t know how it would be received, there is always an unknown when sharing out so vulnerably into the world.

"I’d hoped for some love and compassion, I truly NEVER could have anticipated the depth and breadth of the love we received as a family yesterday."

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