Arnold Schwarzenegger has shared a touching tribute to Bruce Willis after the star stepped away from acting following a diagnosis of dementia.
Bruce, 68, had initially been diagnosed with aphasia in 2022 - which affects speech and language - before his family revealed that he is living with frontotemporal dementia, which was diagnosed when his symptoms "worsened".
The action star has remained largely out of the limelight since news of his health was made public, with his wife, Emma Heming Willis, sharing updates with fans on social media.
Fellow action star Arnold has now spoken out about his respect for his friend and the legacy he has left on screen.
He told CinemaBlend: "I think that he's fantastic. He ... is a huge, huge star. And I think that he will always be remembered as a great, great star, and a kind man."
Arnold explained that he understands why Bruce chose to retire from acting "under his circumstances, health-wise," but added: "In general, you know, we never really retire. Action heroes, they reload."
As well as being friends, Arnold and Bruce were also co-stars, having shared the screen together in the Expendables franchise, as well as launching the Planet Hollywood restaurant franchise along with Sylvester Stallone when it began in 1991.
Bruce's wife Emma had revealed in February that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, adding that his condition had deteriorated since they first shared the news of his aphasia diagnosis in 2022.
She said at the time: "Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis."
Emma added: "Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately.
"We know in our hearts that - if he could today - he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families."
Emma, along with Bruce's ex-wife Demi Moore, and their daughters have kept fans updated with pictures and information on how he has been doing since stepping back from the public eye.
Frontotemporal dementia is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 65 and is the most common form of dementia for people under the age of 60.
It affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, causing parts of them to atrophy, and can affect speech, emotions, and personality.
Like other types of dementia, it tends to begin slowly and worsen over several years, and while there is no cure, there are medications and therapies which can help manage the symptoms, which can include problems with walking, speaking, and other motor skills.
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