NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Bruce Willis is stepping away from acting due to being diagnosed with aphasia, "which is impacting his cognitive abilities," the 67-year-old actor's family said Wednesday,
The news was shared on his daughter Rumer Willis’ Instagram account on Wednesday.
"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. As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him," the statement read.
"This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support," the statement continue alongside a silly photo of Willis donning sunglasses and a bathrobe.
The family explained that they felt as though they owed Willis’ fans an explanation surrounding the decision: "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," read the statement, written on behalf of his wife, Emma, ex-wife Demi Moore, and daughters Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn.
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Per the Mayo Clinic, aphasia is a condition that affects a person’s ability to speak, write, and understand language, both verbal and written. While it typically occurs after a stroke or head injury, it can oftentimes present itself following a slow-growing tumor or a disease that causes degenerative damage. Upon diagnosis, the main treatment is speech and language therapy.
Willis began his career in the ‘80s and quickly made a name for himself in Hollywood by starring in iconic blockbuster hits like “Die Hard,” “Armageddon,” “Pulp Fiction,” and “The Sixth Sense.”
Throughout his lengthy career bringing tough, edgy, and wise-cracking characters to life, he has received many awards, including a Golden Globe and two Emmy’s, PEOPLE reports.
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