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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Katie Wilson

Bruce Willis shows off his music skills after retiring from acting with brain disorder

Bruce Willis has showed off his impressive music skills in an impromptu “jam session” on Instagram.

The Die Hard star was filmed expertly playing the harmonica as his musician pal Derek Richard Thomas sang a song on the guitar.

Sharing the black and white clip on social media, Bruce’s wife Emma Heming wrote: “Their talent is speaking for itself. I’ll just leave this here @derekrichardthomas #jamsession.”

And fans were quick to praise the 67-year-old actor, who recently retired following his brain disorder diagnosis earlier this year.

One fan wrote: “He’s a darn good harp player”, while another said: “They sound great. Loving it!”

Bruce with 44-year-old wife Emma Heming (Getty Images)
Bruce showed off his music skills on Instagram (mirror.co.uk)

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What a lot of fans might not know is Pulp Fiction star Bruce enjoyed a career as a singer and musician, alongside his acting.

He released his debut record – a rhythm and blues album called The Return of Bruno - back in 1987 using the pseudonym Bruno Randolini.

Featuring the hit ‘Respect Yourself’, a duet with June Pointer, it peaked at Number 4 on the UK album charts and Number 14 in the US.

Bruce also made an hour-long mockumentary which aired on HBO later revealing his true identity.

In 1989 he released another album – If It Don’t Kill You, Just Makes You Stronger – this time under his real name. Then in 1999 a third album called Classic Bruce Willis came out.

The star is known for his roles in Die Hard (PA)
But he started out as a singer before becoming a Hollywood star (Getty Images)

With his movie career taking off, Bruce hung up his microphone – but it seems he still likes to play music in his spare time.

Perhaps it is a comfort to him following his aphasia diagnosis, which led to him quitting acting.

The condition affects around 2 million people in America and at least 250,000 in the UK.

It is commonly caused by a stroke, but can also be as a result of a head injury, brain tumour or the degeneration of the brain in older age.

Bruce has not revealed the cause of his condition which is said to have already impacted his cognitive abilities.

Bruce is being supported by his family following his devastating diagnosis (Instagram)

Announcing his decision to step back from acting, Bruce’s family said it 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.

“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 his wife Emma, ex-wife Demi and his kids Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, & Evelyn.

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