Die Hard star Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with a devastating brain disorder and has quit his acting career.
The 67 year old Hollywood star has aphasia, a brain condition which has impacted on his cognitive abilities.
Bruce's daughter Rumer Willis shared the news on her Instagram and admitted it was a “really challenging time” as the family thanked followers for their “continued love, compassion and support”.
The post read: "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.
"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."
Aphasia, according to the National Aphasia Association, means an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write.
The condition is reportedly always due to injury to the brain, most commonly from a stroke, particularly in older individuals.
Head trauma, brain tumours or from infections can also cause aphasia.
Celtic fan Bruce who posed in a Bhoys cap during a game of golf rose to fame through private detective TV drama Moonlighting and later starred in Pulp Fiction, Sin City and Armageddon.
His anti-hero John McClane in 80s blockbuster Die Hard sold out box offices around the world with the original grossing more than $140 million and spawning countless follow ups.
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