Bruce Willis Aphasia News Sparks Support From Hannity, Kevin Smith, Others

Bruce Willis is "stepping away" from his acting career because of his health, according to a family statement posted on social media by his daughter Rumer.

Moments after the news broke, tributes and well-wishes began pouring in for the star of hit films like Die Hard, Pulp Fiction and The Sixth Sense.

Rumer revealed her father was recently diagnosed with aphasia, noting it "is impacting his cognitive abilities." Aphasia is a disorder caused by damage to a part of the brain that controls language and affects communication skills, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

"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," said the statement. It was signed by Emma Heming Willis (Bruce's wife), Demi Moore (his ex-wife) and his five children.

The message added, "As Bruce always says, 'Live it up' and together we plan to do just that."

The tributes that followed came from political figures, writers and, of course, other Hollywood stars.

"I was a big Bruce Willis fan—so this is really heartbreaking to read," director Kevin Smith wrote on Twitter. "He loved to act and sing and the loss of that has to be devastating for him."

Fox News host Sean Hannity also praised Willis.

"It's hard to convey what a jolt of adrenaline Bruce Willis was when Moonlighting premiered in 1985, in an era when TV could still make you a star overnight—or how skeptical about him the industry was when he got $5 million to make Die Hard," journalist/author Mark Harris tweeted.

"So heartbreaking! Honored to have starred in one of his last movies!" singer/actor Eric West wrote. "He was a real pro. Sometimes you never know what someone is going through. Bruce Willis will always be one of the greatest of all time."

Actress Dana Delany recalled knowing Willis in New York City in the '80s before his massive stardom.

"If you love movies, you love #BruceWillis. He has embodied everything good about the word 'entertainment' for decades," actor James Woods wrote. "Kudos to his loving family for handling difficult news with dignity and grace. I speak for the world when I say, 'We love you, Bruce.'"

Political commentator Meghan McCain sent love and prayers to Willis' family, adding that advances in medicine could offer hope for the star's condition.

"I have so much love for Bruce Willis, and am grateful for every character he's given us," actor Seth Green tweeted. "Hugs and love for the whole family—thank you for sharing him with us all."

Former Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle "Gabby" Giffords, who suffers from aphasia as a result of being shot in the head during a 2011 assassination attempt, also addressed the news about Willis.

"I'm thinking of Bruce Willis and his family today. Aphasia makes it hard for me to find the right words," Giffords tweeted. "It can be lonely and isolating, but @FriendsAphasia is trying to change that. To everyone living with aphasia, I'm here for you. We got this."

Update 03/30/22, 4 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to include a tweet from Gabby Giffords.