Legendary actor Bruce Willis is set to step away from his acting career following a heartbreaking diagnosis.
The 67-year-old Hollywood icon and his family announced in a statement on Wednesday that the Die Hard star will be "stepping away" from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia.
The message was announced by Willis' current wife Emma and ex-wife Demi Moore, as well as his Rumer Willis, Scout Willis, Tallulah Willis, Evelyn Penn Willis, And Mabel Ray Willis.
The statement read: "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.
"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.
"Love, Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, & Evelyn".
Per the official NHS website, aphasia is a brain condition that is usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain.
The condition often results in individuals struggling with words and communication, most notably when speaking. Sufferers could sometimes use the wrong sounds in a word, choose the wrong word, or struggle to put words together.
Willis has starred in some of cinema's most iconic movies, but actually landed his first major role on the ABC television series Moonlighting back in 1985. In 1987, Willis would even go on to win the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series (Comedy or Musical) for his role as David Addison on the show.
He then became a Hollywood icon after starring as action hero John McClane in the first Die Hard movie back in 1988.
Since then, he has starred in countless blockbuster hits, such as Armageddon, Unbreakable, The Sixth Sense, and Pulp Fiction.
We wish Willis and his family all the best in their future.
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