Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with a rare brain disorder and plans to retire from acting

The Die Hard actor is 'stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him'

Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with aphasia, a rare brain disorder that affects one’s ability to communicate, and will step away from acting. The Die Hard actor's ex-wife Demi Moore broke the news on Instagram, writing: “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,” she wrote. “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.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbu-mD7LMPg/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=56913889-3d92-4c53-a83a-99bbb1c47e89 Moore then quoted Wills' 'live it up' mantra, which “together we plan to do just that.” The post is signed by Moore, along with their children, Demi, Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, and Willis’ current wife, Emma Heming Willis, and their two children together, Mabel and Evelyn. According to Johns Hopkins University, aphasia is a language disorder that results from damage in the area of the brain that controls language expression and comprehension. The disorder "leaves a person unable to communicate effectively with others," the university notes. Willis, 67, is best known for his Die Hard movies and Pulp Fiction, after initially gaining notoriety in the comedy-drama series Moonlighting, which aired from 1985-1989.

Related links:

• Shocking Jim Carrey moment resurfaces following his comments on Will Smith’s Oscar slap
• Jeremy Kyle is returning to television after controversial Channel 4 documentary Death on Daytime
• Batman star Zoë Kravitz's 'inappropriate' comments on Will Smith's son Jaden emerges following Oscar slap dig