Twitter reacts to Bruce Willis’ shock health diagnosis, retirement

Demi Moore has led tributes as Hollywood reacts to Bruce Willis’ sudden retirement aged 67, after the blockbuster icon was diagnosed with a brain disorder.

Social media has reacted in shock after the sudden news Bruce Willis is retiring from acting after being diagnosed with a brain disorder.

Willis’ ex-wife Demi Moore was among those to express their devastation, taking to Instagram with a lengthy post about his health.

The 67-year-old US actor has been forced to retire from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia – a medical condition that can affect a person’s ability to speak, write and understand language, both verbal and written.

Moore, 59, who was married to Willis from 1987 to 2000 and shares three children with him, took to Instagram to announce the news, adding it was a “challenging time” for their family.

Bruce Willis and Demi Moore were married for 13 years and share three children. Picture: Instagram

The pair have remained close despite their divorce, and often post photos together with their “blended family”, including their children Rumer, 33, Scout, 30, and Tallulah, 28, and Willis’ current wife Emma Hemming Willis, 43, with whom he has two children, Mabel, 9, and Evelyn, 7.

“As a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues,” Demi wrote to her 3 million followers. “As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.

“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.”

Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with aphasia. (Photo by Angela Weiss / AFP)

It comes as Hollywood has paid tribute to Willis’ career, with many expressing their devastation he would no longer appear on the big screen after four decades in showbiz, which has seen him star in some of the most iconic blockbusters, including the Die Hard franchise, Pulp Fiction and Armageddon.

Bruce Willis has given us so many iconic characters and great performances across his career. Forever a legend. Wishing him all the best, and I hope he enjoys retirement. pic.twitter.com/Pof4ZwPB77

— Isaac Feldberg (@isaacfeldberg) March 30, 2022

I first heard of Bruce Willis’ condition last year from a director who worked with him, and I’ve felt bad for him ever since. I hope he and his family are okay. I’m glad he’s getting the help he needs. Thanks for all the iconic performances. pic.twitter.com/aN8gIPYrhb

— Chris Stuckmann (@Chris_Stuckmann) March 30, 2022

Bruce Willis news is so sad. What a talent.

Just remember - we never know how long we get in this life.

— Jack Posobiec 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) March 30, 2022

When Bruce Willis was on it, there were few who were better. An under appreciated dramatic force, an unlikely comedic presence, a sterling leading man. He could do anything and did everything in the movies. I’m going to miss seeing him on the silver screen.

— Robert Daniels (@812filmreviews) March 30, 2022

I have so much love for Bruce Willis, and am grateful for every character he’s given us. Hugs and love for the whole family- thank you for sharing him with us all ❤️❤️ https://t.co/ct0HE1Ti2N

— Seth Green (@SethGreen) March 30, 2022

I met Bruce Willis randomly in a bar in Paris after Trespasser, when I was trying to run away from the world. I was wandering around at night and the owner was in the street and yelled “You’re American, I have an American you can talk!” So I went in. It was Bruce. He’s an A+ guy. pic.twitter.com/1E6nF6kLMz

— Seamus Blackley (@SeamusBlackley) March 30, 2022

Sad news about Bruce Willis, who I’ve spent a lot of time researching lately for my book. His arrival as a movie star with Die Hard was like a lightning bolt, despite almost no-one at the studio believing in him. And his performance had a seismic effect on the whole action genre. pic.twitter.com/xSniBMdz2B

— Nick de Semlyen (@NickdeSemlyen) March 30, 2022

Gossip magazine OK! first published rumours in January 2021 that Willis had been battling memory loss, and was spending more time with his family.

That came after Willis was booted from a Los Angeles chemist for not wearing a mask during Covid-19. He later apologised, saying in a statement that it was “an error in judgement”.

But an “insider” told OK! that Willis “simply forgot” to bring the bandana hanging around his neck up to his face. “Those close to Bruce have been helping him out, and trying to maintain the secret,” they said.

Bruce Willis is retiring from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia. Picture: Rich Fury/Getty Images

They said while he had not been formally diagnosed with early-onset dementia, “he’s been waging a personal war for a number of years”.

The onset of aphasia may be related to disease or brain tumour causing degenerative damage and can affect one’s ability to communicate.

Treatment for aphasia comes in the form of speech and language therapy, where the diagnosed may learn new ways to communicate.