For years, there’s been speculation about Bruce Willis’ health and state of mind. But on March 30 — less than two weeks after he turned 67 — the beloved actor finally set the record straight via a statement released by his family. They revealed their “beloved Bruce” is suffering from aphasia — which robs a person of his or her ability to communicate — and “is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him” for the past 40 years.
The action star had no choice but to retire. “Aphasia is impacting his cognitive abilities,” explained Bruce’s wife, Emma, 43, his ex-wife, Demi Moore, 59, and his daughters, Rumer, 33, Scout, 30, Tallulah, 28, Mabel, 10, and Evelyn, 7. The neurological disorder, which occurs suddenly after a stroke or head injury — but can also come on gradually from a slow-growing brain tumor or a disease that causes progressive, permanent damage — can be crippling vocally. If the aphasia is caused by a neurodegenerative condition such as dementia, language and communication skills will continue to decline over time, and there is no cure for dementia. “Bruce has fought so hard — and continues to fight hard — but he just couldn’t continue acting,” a family insider tells In Touch. “Saying goodbye to acting and his fans has been very emotional for him.”
SUPPORT SYSTEM
Even harder that walking away from the profession he loves so dearly was telling his family about his life-changing diagnosis, says the insider. “It’s been an emotional roller coaster. The doctor visits, the tests, coming to grips with his condition...it hasn’t been easy. Everyone broke down in tears when they found out.”
This story is from the April 18, 2022 edition of inTouch.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 18, 2022 edition of inTouch.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
KEVIN: I WANT TO COME BACK TO YELLOWSTONE!
Will Yellowstone patriarch John Dutton return to the ranch?
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE HENSEL TWINS
Just days after the news broke that Abby Hensel had quietly wed Army vet Josh Bowling two years ago, it was business as usual for her and her twin, Brittany, as they ran errands in their hometown of New Brighton, Minn.
0.J.Simpson's Final Hours
O.J. Simpson - the football legend who stood trial for (and was acquitted of) the double murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman - is dead at the age of 76.
Ben's Secret Texts to Matthew's Ex
Ben Affleck's brief stint on the dating app Raya in 2019 produced one very interesting love connection.
Kate's New Life
How Princess Kate has prioritized her children and relied on a tight inner circle, led by Prince William, for support during her brave cancer battle
SECRETS OF THE CHOSEN
Apparently Jesus isn't the only one who can perform miracles.
SACHA & ISLA WHY IT REALLY ENDED
How ego and fundamental differences torpedoed Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher's marriage
Billionaire Kylie GOING BROKE?!
As sales reportedly dip for Kylie Cosmetics, the makeup mogul hatches new ways to make money
GARTH DITCHES TRISHA!
Garth Brooks raises eyebrows for skipping wife Trisha Yearwood's big moment at the CMT Awards
This Is a New Chapter in Our Lives
Welcome to suburbia! Bravo's buzzy new spinoff features a few familiar faces along with some fresh blood