Bruce Willis’ stunt double says actor changed and seemed ‘sidetracked’ over past year as aphasia diagnosis revealed

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is aphasia?

Aphasia is defined by the NHS as when “a person has difficulty with their language or speech”.

People with aphasia may make mistakes with the words they use, perhaps using the wrong word, using the wrong sounds in a word, or putting words together incorrectly.

Most people with aphasia have some trouble with their speaking, and a mixture of issues with writing, reading and perhaps listening.

It is not clear what led to Willis’ diagnosis.