‘Bruce Willis will always be remembered as a great star’

Movies

Through Nika Shakhnazarova

May 30, 2023 | 3:16 a.m

Arnold Schwarzenegger has shared some heartfelt words about his longtime friend Bruce Willis following the actor’s recent retirement from acting.

The family of the 68-year-old “Die Hard” and “The Sixth Sense” star last year said he was “walking away” from his decades of filmmaking after being diagnosed with aphasia.

Aphasia is a condition that can affect a person’s ability to speak, write and understand language, with treatment including speech and language therapies, according to Mayo Clinic.

His family announced in February 2023 that his condition had worsened, and he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.

Speaking to CinemaBlend about his new Netflix series “FUBAR,” Schwarzenegger called Willis a “nice guy.”

“I think he’s fantastic,” the 75-year-old told the outlet. “He was, always for years and years, a huge, huge star. And I think he will always be remembered as a great, great star.

“And a nice guy. I understand that under his circumstances, health-wise, he needs to retire. But generally, you know, we never really retired. Action heroes, they reload,” added the “Terminator” star.

The two silver screen legends met several years ago and became involved in Planet Hollywood in 1991.

In 2010, the pair starred opposite each other in the hit film “The Expendables.”

Willis’ family wrote a touching note to fans on Feb. 2022, announcing that the actor’s condition “affected his mental faculties” — forcing him to quit acting.

“To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we would like to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and was recently diagnosed with aphasia, which affects his cognitive abilities. ,” his family wrote.

“As a result of this and with great consideration Bruce is stepping away from a career that means so much to him.”

“This is a very challenging time for our family and we greatly appreciate your continued love, compassion and support,” said a statement signed by his wife Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore and his other four son

“We are moving here as a solid family unit, and we want to bring his fans 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.”