Bruce Willis: Hollywood stars support 'legend' Die Hard actor as he retires after aphasia diagnosis

Breaking Bad's Dean Norris, Seth Green and Director M Night Shyamalan were among the stars celebrating Bruce Willis's career, describing him as a "legend" and an "awesome badass".

Thursday 31 March 2022 08:18, UK

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Some of Hollywood's biggest stars have shown support for actor Bruce Willis after his decision to retire due to a condition that causes difficulties with language or speech.

The Pulp Fiction star, 67, was diagnosed with aphasia, a condition which has affected his cognitive abilities and is retiring from acting, his daughter said.

Breaking Bad's Dean Norris, Seth Green and Director M Night Shyamalan were among those who posted messages of support to Willis and his family, celebrating the star's action-filled career.

Norris, who worked with Willis on Death Wish, described him as an "awesome badass".

'He will always be that hero' on my wall

Shyamalan, who directed the actor in the 2019 superhero thriller Glass, paid tribute to him and sent "love and respect to my big brother Bruce Willis".

"I know his wonderful family is surrounding him with support and strength," he added.

"He will always be that hero on that poster on my wall as a kid."

Willis has starred in hit films including the Die Hard series, Pulp Fiction, Armageddon, Moonrise Kingdom, 12 Monkeys and Looper.

His Deadlock co-star Matthew Marsden described his retirement as "sad", but added that he was "very proud to have worked opposite the great Bruce Willis in one of his last movies. This is very sad. Legend".

Seth Green, whose credits include Austin Powers and Scooby-Doo 2, tweeted: "I have so much love for Bruce Willis, and am grateful for every character he's given us.

"Hugs and love for the whole family - thank you for sharing him with us all."

Cheers star Kirstie Alley tweeted: "Terribly sad news. I'm just happy Bruce has such an awesome support system. Great guy, great actor, great family. Winning combination."

Condition impacting actor's 'cognitive abilities'

Disclosing the news on social media on Wednesday, the star's family said it had been a "really challenging time" for them and thanked fans who've supported his decision to step back.

What is aphasia?

Aphasia is a condition that affects sufferers' cognitive abilities with the most obvious problems in speech.

People with aphasia may make mistakes with the words they use, perhaps using the wrong word, using the wrong sounds in a word, or putting words together incorrectly.

Most people with aphasia have some trouble with their speaking, and a mixture of issues with writing, reading and perhaps listening.

Speech and language therapy is the main type of treatment for people with aphasia.

In some cases, it can lead to isolation, anxiety and depression.

A stroke is the most common cause of aphasia, but it can also result from a severe head injury, a brain tumour or progressive neurological conditions, such as dementia.

Aphasia can affect people of all ages, but it's most common in those aged over 65.

His daughter, Rumer Willis, revealed that Willis's aphasia is "impacting his cognitive abilities", in an Instagram post with a picture of her father.

The statement was signed by the actor's wife, Emma Heming Willis, 43, his ex-wife Demi Moore, 59, and his five children, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn.

According to the NHS, aphasia is more common in people over the age of 65.

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