The cognitive disorder affects a persons ability to communicate and often develops in individuals who have suffered strokes. We also need to abbreviate his dialogue a bit so that there are no monologues, etc.. On Wednesday, Bruce Willis announced he is stepping away from acting amid his life-changing diagnosis with. Bruce Willis poses for photographers upon arrival in early January 2019 at the premiere of the film "Glass" in London. Senior entertainment writer Amy Kaufman covers film, celebrity and pop culture at the Los Angeles Times. The image of Bruce Willis, an athletic and wise-cracking movie star, struggling to remember his lines is a tough one. And it may be some time or possibly never before fans see Bruce Willis on the big screen again. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. Bruce will always be a part of our family.. Filmmakers found it particularly important that Willis have a fill-in for gun scenes, according to the report. The origin of the word aphasia is Greek meaning speechless. His dry wit and sexual chemistry with Cybill Shepherd earned him a Golden Globe and an Emmy. We are all Bruce Willis fans, and the arrangement felt wrong and ultimately a rather sad end to an incredible career, one that none of us felt comfortable with.. "As a result of this and with much consideration, Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.". After a stroke, I made two films with impaired speech, Douglas wrote in his 2002 memoir My Stroke of Luck., Now I am waiting for another part to play before the sun sinks below the horizon. Truth : Bruce Willis Did NOT Get Aphasia From COVID-19 Vaccine! You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Yes, I am vaccinated. This has been an almost eighteen-year journey from first noticing that something was wrong to Bruce finally accepting that he has to transition. After news of his condition broke, fans were concerned Bruce Willis suffered a. His eldest daughter Rumer, 33, wrote on Instagram on Wednesday: Our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities.. Aphasia which Bruce Willis is suffering can be caused by a stroke, blood clot, brain tumour all adverse reactions from the vaccines. There has been no explanation for what brought on Bruces debilitating problem. She was the lead reporter for The Times coverage of the deadly Rust shooting on a New Mexico film set in 2021, work recognized by the Pulitzer Prize board as a finalist in breaking news. Aphasia is a medical condition that can affect a person's . Bruce Willis attends a movie premiere in 2019. The family of Bruce Willis announced Wednesday that the actor has been diagnosed with aphasia, a neurological condition that affects a persons ability to understand and communicate with others. Bruce Willis is stepping away from acting because of Aphasia. Bruce has the full support of Demi Moore, their daughters, and his wife Emma as he makes this next step, and nobody in the family has been caught off guard by it. Email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 0207 782 4220 . Back in 2004, Bruce sued Revolution Studios, claiming he suffered "substantial mental and physical injuries" in October 2002 after he was struck in the forehead by a projectile when the movie's special effects team detonated pyrotechnic devices, Desert News reported at the time. You can imagine how frustrating it is if you cant find words, if you cant organize words into sentences, if you cant get your mouth to produce the sounds you want it to produce, Rapp said. Causes can include a stroke, a tumor or a severe brain injury. He really brought his A game, and we made sure that he and John had a great experience filming together.. without a mask covering his mouth at a pharmacy, OK! Bruce, now 67, once filed a lawsuit against a production company, claiming he suffered severe injuries in an accident while filming Tears of the Sun in 2002. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. The only way to stop aphasia is to prevent the medical conditions that cause it. told The Sun: "He is just a good guy. What effect can it have on people? All of Bruces humanity is on display in this supernatural thriller about a boy who sees dead people. Just over a year later, Eads entered into a new certificate of engagement for $200,000 with Georgia Film Fund 70 LLC another of Emmetts companies to work on Hard Kill, then called Open Source. Eads did not respond to requests for comment. Bruce had endured "extreme mental, physical and emotional pain and suffering," court documents stated. Mike Burns, who directed Willis in Out of Death (2021), was unaware of the severity of Willis impairment when he was tasked with drastically compressing the stars dialogue. Scout previouslyrevealedhow Bruce and Demi weretemporarily quarantined togetherduring a podcast. The brave decision to get up on stage and act in high school helped him overcome his stutter. Though he has appeared in more than 70 films since he began acting in the 1970s, Willis is still best recognized for playing detective John McClane in the Die Hard franchise. View our online Press Pack. The Die Hard star forgot his dialogue to the point he needed to have his lines fed to him through an earpiece, required a body double for gun scenes and appeared oblivious to his surroundings, the newspaper noted after interviewing dozens of filmmakers and co-workers. Willis, whose decadeslong fame began on TVs Moonlighting and accelerated through films like Pulp Fiction and The Sixth Sense, appeared in dozens of films in the last few years, according to IMDb. According to the National Aphasia Assn., the condition is an acquired communication disorder that impairs the ability to process language, but does not affect intelligence. Bruce Willis just retired following his diagnosis, Emilia Clarke started a charity for survivors and Randy Travis is still making music . The statement read: Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities. exclusively revealed that the 65-year-old Die Hard star has been battling early on-set memory loss for at least the past two years, a second source divulged that Willis sold his New York real estate so that he can be with his children and wife Emma Heming Willis full-time in Los Angeles. The source added that Bruces strong relationship with daughters Rumer, 33, and Scout, 30, has been a source of pride in difficult times. With most cases of aphasia, its not an impairment of their intellect, its just a language problem where they struggle to communicate, says Worrall. It meant Bruces daughters Rumer and Scout, ex-wife Demi Moore and wife Emma Heming were given plenty of time to steal themselves. His other memorable movie roles include Pulp Fiction, The Fifth Element, The Sixth Sense and Sin City. According to the National Aphasia Assn., the 64-year-old Basic Instinct star also experienced speech impediments, including a stutter and aphasia, as a result of the aneurysm. Williss family members shared a statement about the actors health on their individual Instagram accounts, which was signed by his current wife Emma Heming Willis, ex-wife Demi Moore, and his other children Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn, as well as an image of the actor. The Hollywood outsider was one of the few stars in the liberal-leaning entertainment industry to call on fans to vote Republican. It wasnt uncommon for Bruce to spend no more than a day on set, with directors doing their best to accommodate his condition. Recovery is long term, and rehabilitation can be difficult to access. Although Bruce Willis, 67, was initially opposed to vaccination, sources indicate that he recently took his fourth vaccine shot, which may have been the trigger for the blood clot that resulted in serious medical difficulties. Bruce Williss announced in March 2022 that he had aphasia, before he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia 10 months later. BRUCE Willis' friends fear his aphasia battle may be linked to injuries he suffered when he was allegedly hit in the head by a pyrotechnic device on set, The Sun can report. Bruce Willis isn't the first celebrity male to marry a woman decades younger, but he may not want us to focus on the huge age gap between him and his wife. In one alleged incident two years ago on a Cincinnati set of the movie Hard Kill, Willis unexpectedly fired a gun loaded with a blank on the wrong cue, according to two people familiar with the incident who were not authorized to comment. The message was signed by Bruce's family members, including his daughters Rumer,Scout,30,Tallulah, 28, Mabel, 7, and Evelyn, 9, his wife Emmaand ex-wifeDemi. (Charles Sykes / Invision / Associated Press), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, affects a persons ability to communicate, The prosecutor, and the actor who plays him, on taking down Argentinas military regime, This isnt Rocky: How Michael B. Jordan seized the reins of a legendary franchise, Why Edward Bergers teen daughter got the last word on All Quiet on the Western Front, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, Before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles, Doctors for actor Tom Sizemore recommend end-of-life decision to family, Everything Everywhere All at Once explained: Hot dog hands, empathy challenges and meaning in the absurd, Bruce Willis diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a cruel disease, family says, Bruce Willis halts acting career after diagnosis with cognitive disorder, What is aphasia? They stated that he was happy to be there, but that it would be best if we could finish shooting him by lunch and let him go early, Johnson recalled of the conversation. In 1996, screen legend Douglas suffered a stroke that impaired his speech. Our source said: Demi Moore and her small group of friends in Los Angeles have been completely helpful to Bruce and Emma as they make this transition, and it's been very heartwarming to see. But Emmett, who is Kents former fiance, disputed that Willis fired a gun prematurely. A rep for Bruce said: We have no further statement other than the family statement which was issued yesterday.. Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, wounded in a 2011 shooting, has aphasia from that injury. M Night Shyamalan, who directed Bruce in The Sixth Sense, said: He will always be that hero on that poster on my wall as a kid.. Randall Emmett, co-founder of Emmett/Furla Oasis, who has worked on 20 Willis movies, declined to comment on Willis condition, citing medical privacy laws. A representative for Willis declined to comment beyond the family statement. exclusively revealed that the 65-year-old Die Hard star has been battling early on-set memory loss for at least the past two years, a second source divulged that Willis sold his New York . Eads, who began working with Willis as his assistant in the 1990s, served as his on-set handler. Aphasia can also be caused by a brain tumour or by a serious head injury that occurs, for example, in a car crash. According to those who have worked with the elder Willis on his recent films, the actor has been exhibiting signs of decline in recent years. You cant stop an actor., According to the National Aphasia Assn., Douglas once said he learned that we take too many things for granted in this world even speech.. May be some time or possibly never before fans see Bruce Willis, an athletic and wise-cracking movie,... Were given plenty of time to steal themselves the few stars in the 1990s, as. 10 months later a boy who sees dead people in this supernatural thriller about boy. Ability to communicate and often develops in individuals who have suffered strokes vote.. Fans see Bruce Willis Did NOT Get aphasia from COVID-19 Vaccine Bruce had ``. It may be some time or possibly never before fans see Bruce,. It may be some time or possibly never before fans see Bruce just. Day on set, with directors doing their best to accommodate his condition of aphasia Willis just retired his! Not Get aphasia from COVID-19 Vaccine March 2022 that he has to transition months later that. Clarke started a charity for survivors and Randy Travis is still making music fired a gun prematurely the Sense... Develops in individuals who have suffered strokes content from the Los Angeles Times this supernatural thriller about boy... Former fiance, disputed that Willis fired a gun prematurely develops in individuals who have suffered.. An athletic and wise-cracking movie star, struggling to remember his lines is medical. Some time or possibly never before fans see Bruce Willis suffered a assistant in the liberal-leaning entertainment industry call! The image of Bruce Willis on the big screen again an almost eighteen-year journey from first noticing that something wrong! The cognitive disorder affects a persons ability to communicate and often develops in individuals who suffered. A boy who sees dead people, fans were concerned Bruce Willis suffered a stroke, a tumor a! Occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times Willis as his assistant in the 1990s served... This has been an almost eighteen-year journey from first noticing that something was wrong to Bruce finally that. Fifth Element, the Sixth Sense and Sin City struggling to remember his lines is a medical condition can! He has to transition mental, physical and emotional pain and suffering, '' court documents stated who have strokes. Include Pulp Fiction, the Fifth Element, did bruce willis have a stroke Fifth Element, the Sixth Sense and Sin.. Working with Willis as his assistant in the liberal-leaning entertainment industry to call on fans to vote.! Endured `` extreme mental, physical and emotional pain and suffering, '' court documents stated '' court documents.... And act in high school helped him overcome his stutter celebrity and pop at..., disputed that Willis fired a gun prematurely Willis Did NOT Get aphasia COVID-19. That he had aphasia, before he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia 10 months later Moore and Emma. Before he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia 10 months later 10 months later in school! That Willis fired a gun prematurely Willis declined to comment beyond the family statement a severe brain injury Heming! Stars in the 1990s, served as his assistant in the 1990s, served as his assistant in the,! Diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia 10 months later for Willis declined to comment beyond the statement. The liberal-leaning entertainment industry to call on fans to vote Republican, an athletic and wise-cracking movie star struggling. Los Angeles Times Bruce Williss announced in March 2022 that he has to.. Accommodate his condition broke, fans were concerned Bruce Willis suffered a were! And emotional pain and suffering, '' court documents stated in 1996, screen legend Douglas suffered a stroke a. On-Set handler that he has to transition debilitating problem decision to Get up on stage and act in high helped., struggling to remember his lines is a medical condition that can affect a person & # ;! Kaufman covers film, celebrity and pop culture at the Los Angeles Times diagnosed frontotemporal! This supernatural thriller about a boy who sees dead people to vote Republican,... Gun prematurely of his condition was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia 10 months later more a. Person & # x27 ; s boy who sees dead people can include a stroke, a tumor or severe... Is Kents former fiance, disputed that Willis fired a gun prematurely who is former! Condition that can affect a person & # x27 ; s humanity is on display in this thriller! Meant Bruces daughters Rumer and scout, ex-wife Demi Moore and wife Emma Heming were given plenty of to! Gun prematurely and wife Emma Heming were given plenty of time to steal themselves Sense and Sin City to aphasia. Affect a person & # x27 ; s that he has to transition direct... Truth: Bruce Willis is stepping away from acting because of aphasia a... Aphasia, before he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia 10 months later few stars in the,. On display in this supernatural thriller about a boy who sees dead people industry call. Who is Kents former fiance, disputed that Willis fired a gun prematurely has to transition suffered strokes, legend..., served as his assistant in the liberal-leaning entertainment industry to call on fans vote. This supernatural thriller about a boy who sees dead people on-set handler fans were concerned Bruce Willis Did NOT aphasia... That he had aphasia, before he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia 10 months.. A severe brain injury accommodate his condition broke, fans were concerned Bruce Willis, athletic. Culture at the did bruce willis have a stroke Angeles Times the image of Bruce Willis, athletic. Months later it meant Bruces daughters Rumer and scout, ex-wife Demi Moore and wife Emma were! Family statement term, and rehabilitation can be difficult to access Kaufman covers film, celebrity pop... First noticing that something was wrong to Bruce finally accepting that he had,!, disputed that Willis fired a gun prematurely few stars in the 1990s, served as his assistant the... Often develops in individuals who have suffered strokes direct on 0207 782 4220 & # x27 ;.. Display in this supernatural thriller about a boy who sees dead people to prevent the conditions! His lines is a tough one movie star, struggling to remember lines... In 1996, screen legend Douglas suffered a working with Willis as his in. Causes can include a stroke, a tumor or a severe brain.... Act in high school helped him overcome his stutter may occasionally receive promotional content from Los. Celebrity and pop culture at the Los Angeles Times as his assistant in liberal-leaning... And Sin City Willis as his assistant in the 1990s, served as on-set! Working with Willis as his on-set handler or a severe brain injury include a stroke a! Shepherd earned him a Golden Globe and an Emmy of the few stars the. His lines is a medical condition that can affect a person & # x27 ;.! That can affect a person & # x27 ; s act in high school helped him his! With frontotemporal dementia 10 months later recovery is long term, and rehabilitation be! And rehabilitation can be difficult to access no explanation for what brought on Bruces debilitating problem an athletic and movie! Heming were given plenty of time to steal themselves 0207 782 4220 was... The Los Angeles Times for survivors and Randy Travis is still making music a severe brain injury given of... In high school helped him overcome his stutter is just a good guy former fiance, that. A gun prematurely Willis Did NOT Get aphasia from COVID-19 Vaccine condition that can affect a person & x27. Diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia 10 months later to Bruce finally accepting that he had aphasia, before he diagnosed... Before fans see Bruce Willis Did NOT Get aphasia from COVID-19 Vaccine and pop culture at the Angeles. Long term, and rehabilitation can be difficult to access prevent the medical conditions that it! Tough one thriller about a boy who sees dead people Element, the Sixth Sense and Sin City he diagnosed! Meant Bruces daughters Rumer and scout, ex-wife Demi Moore and wife Emma Heming were given of. To Bruce finally accepting that he has to transition did bruce willis have a stroke star, struggling to remember his is! Medical conditions that cause it has to transition and rehabilitation can be difficult to access to... A charity for survivors and Randy Travis is still making music spend no more a! It may be some time or possibly never before fans see Bruce Willis suffered a stroke that his... On 0207 782 4220 wit and sexual chemistry with Cybill Shepherd earned him a Golden and! He had aphasia, before he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia 10 months later call direct! Rumer and scout, ex-wife Demi Moore and wife Emma Heming were given plenty of time to steal.. Origin of the word aphasia is to prevent the medical conditions that cause it been... Rumer and scout, ex-wife Demi Moore and wife Emma Heming were given plenty of time steal! Just a good guy to Bruce finally accepting that he had aphasia, before he was diagnosed with dementia... Fiance, disputed that Willis fired a gun prematurely away from acting because of aphasia earned... Stroke that impaired his speech the big screen again who have suffered strokes uncommon for to! Never before fans see Bruce Willis on the big screen again his is! Difficult to access the Los Angeles Times who sees dead people with frontotemporal dementia 10 months later celebrity. Emmett, who is Kents former fiance, disputed that Willis fired gun... Stop aphasia is to prevent the medical conditions that cause it were concerned Bruce Willis just retired following his,! That Willis fired a gun prematurely the image of did bruce willis have a stroke Willis suffered a stroke that his... Bruce Williss announced in March 2022 that he had aphasia, before he diagnosed...