Willis ends acting career, citing cognitive disorder
Legendary “Die Hard” and “Pulp Fiction” actor Bruce Willis has ended his more than four-decade acting career after being diagnosed with a cognitive disorder, his family said.
The 67-year-old actor's blended family announced the news Wednesday morning in an Instagram post from his daughter Rumer Willis.
“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,” Rumer Willis said in the post. “As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.”
Questions about Willis' short-term memory have been circulating in recent week, and the actor was not present at Sunday's 94th Academy Awards during a celebration of the Quentin Tarantino film “Pulp Fiction.” Instead stars Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman and John Travolta took the Dolby Theatre stage.
“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,” said the note that was signed by Bruce's wife, Emma, and his exwife Demi Moore. It was also signed by his other children Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn.
“As Bruce always says, “Live it up” and together we plan to do just that.”
Willis has in recent years churned out straightto-video thrillers. Last year, he starred in a staggering eight films. Most came and went quietly, including titles like “Cosmic Sin,” “Out of Death” and “Deadlock.”
Most recently, Willis starred in February's “Gasoline Alley” and “A Day to Die,” released in early March. Willis has already shot at least six more films due out this year and in 2023, including “Die Like Lovers,” “Corrective Measures” and “The Wrong Place.”