Bruce Willis To Retire From Acting Due To Brain Disorder Aphasia

Bruce Willis is "stepping away" from acting following an aphasia diagnosis.

Willis, 67, who is known for his roles in hit films such as Pulp Fiction and Die Hard, has been diagnosed with aphasia, and as a result, will be taking a break from his career, his daughter Rumer has confirmed.

Aphasia, according to the Mayo Clinic, is "a condition that robs you of the ability to communicate" and "It can affect your ability to speak, write and understand language." It can be caused by a stroke, head injury, or a brain tumor.

The House Bunny actress wrote on Instagram: " 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."(sic)

The caption continued: "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.

"As Bruce always says, “Live it up” and together we plan to do just that."

The Emmy-winning actor has Rumer, 33, Scout, 30 and Tallulah, 28, with ex-wife Demi Moore as well as daughters Evelyn, seven and Mabel, nine, with current wife Emma Heming.

Following the announcement, celebs flooded the comment sections with well-wishes and messages of hope and encouragement for Willis and his family.

Fashion designer Rachel Zoe wrote, "I am so sorry and sending all the love and healing to you."

Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks' wife, wrote, "My heart goes out to Bruce, and all of the family. So thankful you shared this with us. Keeping you all in our prayers."

Kristie Alley, Willis' Look Who's Talking co-star, tweeted,"Terribly Sad news. I’m just happy Bruce has such an awesome support system. Great guy great actor great family."

Smith said Willis was so difficult that he "wouldn't even sit for a f***ing poster shoot" and that "were it not for Tracy, I might have killed either myself or someone else in the making of f***ing Cop Out."

Their animosity was also mentioned in Smith's recent book Kevin Smith's Secret Stash: The Definitive Visual History "Cop Out could have been a great experience if it were no for the fact that I met true darkness in Bruce Willis," he wrote. "I love making movies and he does not, at all."

In light of Willis' retirement announcement, Smith — who also shared a few scenes with Willis in 2007's Live Free or Die Hard — tweeted “Long before any of the Cop Out stuff, I was a big Bruce Willis fan, so this is really heartbreaking to read.

“He loved to act and sing and the loss of that has to be devastating for him. I feel like an asshole for my petty complaints from 2010. So sorry to [Bruce Willis] and his family.”

Photo: TPG News/Click Photos