Bruce Willis’ stunt double has said the Die Hard actor changed in the months before he was diagnosed with a condition that causes difficulties with language or speech.
The Pulp Fiction star, 67, is retiring from acting following his aphasia diagnosis, which his daughter said is “impacting his cognitive abilities”.
‘He just seemed sidetracked’
Willis during a break of the shooting of his film A Good Day to Die Hard in 2012. Pic: AP
Stuart F. Wilson told The Sun: “Sometimes when you were talking to him, he just seemed sidetracked and we would think it would mean nothing but you would wonder if there are other things going on”.
Read more: Hollywood stars support ‘legend’ Bruce Willis
He added that it became obvious that the actor was dealing with more than just forgetfulness.
Mr Wilson and Willis had last worked together the second week of December only last year.
Mr Wilson had worked with action star Willis for 17 years.
The star has featured in more than 100 films
He told The Sun that he knew an announcement would be made about Willis’ health at some point, but he didn’t know when.
During the course of his career that spans almost 40 years, Willis won a Golden Globe award and two Emmys.
The star has featured in more than 100 films, but is best known for playing John McClane in the iconic Die Hard films.
Willis’ aphasia diagnosis
The actor’s daughter Rumer Willis, revealed the news on an Instagram post, where she said he had been experiencing health issues and was diagnosed with the condition.
The actor’s daughter Rumer Willis, revealed the news on an Instagram post, where she said he had been experiencing health issues and was diagnosed with the condition.
It is not clear what led to Willis’ diagnosis.
Aphasia is defined by the NHS as when “a person has difficulty with their language or speech”.
The statement was signed by the actor’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, 43, his ex-wife Demi Moore, 59, and his five children, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn.
The post was followed by an outpour of support from Hollywood stars, including actors he has worked with in the past such as Breaking Bad’s Dean Norris, Seth Green and Director M Night Shyamalan.