Friends guest star Bruce Willis retiring from acting due to aphasia

Long-time actor Bruce Willis is retiring from the profession due to his health conditions. In an Instagram post, his daughter Rumer shared the news in a joint family statement.

The family said the 67-year-old actor has been diagnosed with aphasia. The language disorder affects a person’s ability to communicate, express, and understand written and spoken language. It can occur suddenly after a stroke or head injury, or develop slowly from a growing brain tumor or disease. The Willis family did not share what caused his declining health.

Willis’ family includes ex-wife Demi Moore and their three daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah. He is currently married to Emma Heming who he shares daughters Mabel and Evelyn. The Instagram post reads:

"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. As Bruce always says, “Live it up” and together we plan to do just that."

Willis got his breakthrough role as a leading man in the comedy-drama series Moonlighting in 1985. He’s most famously known for the 1988 film Die Hard, having played John McClane in the franchise through 2013. While his action hero role is one of his most notable works, Friends fans also know the actor for his work on the hit comedy.

Bruce Willis Friends role

Willis appeared at the end of the sixth season of the popular sitcom series. He guest-starred as Paul Stevens for three episodes, starting in season 6 episode 21 titled “The One Where Ross Meets Elizabeth’s Dad.”

Paul is Elizabeth’s father, one of Ross’s college students. He strongly dislikes Ross and disapproves of his relationship with his daughter. Elizabeth’s mother died when she was a baby so her father had to raise her on his own. This is one of the reasons why he’s so overprotective.

But he becomes somewhat of a hypocrite when he takes a liking to Rachel and they start a relationship in the three-episode story arc. He’s a very private man and doesn’t like to share his feelings. When Rachel gets him to open up, well the tears just keep coming! She can’t really handle all of his emotions and breaks it off with him.

Was this a favorite story arc for me? Not really. But it did get Bruce Willis on the show! And actually, the whole reason the famous actor even appeared in the series is that he lost a bet to Matthew Perry.

The two worked on a film together, The Whole Nine Yards. Perry felt it would be a great success, but Willis thought the opposite. They bet if the movie opened at number one at the box office, then Wills would have to appear on Friends for free. Well, Perry’s instincts were right and the movie was a hit. Willis came on as Paul Stevens and donated his entire salary from the role to charity. It’s all thanks to the Chandler actor we got Willis on the show!

I’m sure all you awesome fellow Friends friends will join me in sending love to Willis and his family.