Bruce Willis quits acting after devastating brain disorder diagnosis

Bruce Willis is quitting his acting career after discovering a devastating diagnosis.

The 67-year-old actor has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, a condition which has affected his cognitive abilities, and has made the decision to step back from making movies.

Disclosing the news to fans on social media, the Willis family said it had been a “really challenging time” for them and thanked fans for their “continued love, compassion and support”.

“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,” a statement shared on Instagram read.

Bruce Willis shot to fame as John McClane in blockbuster Die Hard (Daily Record)

“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.”

The post was signed from Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, & Evelyn.

Bruce and his wife Emma are parents to two daughters (emmahemingwillis/Instagram)

Bruce shocked fans by isolating with ex-wife Demi Moore and their three daughters for some weeks during the coronavirus pandemic (Buuski/Instagram)

Bruce shot to fame starring in films such as Pulp Fiction, Sin City and Armageddon.

He is perhaps best known for his role as sardonic anti-hero John McClane in 80s blockbuster Die Hard.

You may have seen actor Bruce Willis in Die Hard and The Sixth Sense (Getty Images)

The 1988 original grossed more than $140 million at the box office and is considered one of the greatest action movies ever made.

It spawned a franchise comprising the sequels Die Hard 2 (1990), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Live Free or Die Hard (2007), and A Good Day to Die Hard (2013).

Bruce with former wife Demi Moore (Ron Galella Collection via Getty)

The actor goofs around at home in a video shared by the GI Jane actress (rumerwillis/Instagram)

Bruce has been nominated for multiple awards including five Golden Globes, of which he has won one, and three Primetime Emmys, of which he won two.

In 2006, he was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in Los Angeles.

The actor has also been known for showbiz life off camera, marrying actress Demi Moore in 1987 with whom he shares daughters Rumer, Scout and Tallulah.
The pair separated in 2000 but remained on amicable terms and Willis remarried actress Emma Heming in 2009.
Bruce and Emma went on to have daughters Mabel and Evelyn.