Hollywood legend Bruce Willis has retired from acting, it has been announced. The 67-year-old Pulp Fiction and Die Hard icon has been diagnosed with aphasia, a brain condition which has affected his cognitive abilities.
Announcing the shocking news on social media the Willis family said it has been a 'really challenging time' for them. And they 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," the Instagram statement read.
"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, and Evelyn."
Bruce, who shot to fame in the romantic comedy drama Moonlighting in 1985, has received numerous accolades during his career, including a Golden Globe, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and two People's Choice Awards. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.
He famously played boxer Butch in the 1994 Quentin Tarantino film Pulp Fiction and his movie credits also include 12 Monkeys, Armageddon, The Fifth Element and The Sixth Sense.
In 2000 he won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on Friends in which he played the father of Ross Geller's much-younger girlfriend.
