John Travolta has paid tribute to Bruce Willis following the news of his aphasia diagnosis, describing his Pulp Fiction co-star as a ‘generous soul’.
In a statement released by Bruce’s family, they announced that the Hollywood icon would be stepping away from his acting career, as the medical condition was affecting his cognitive abilities.
In the message signed by his wife Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore and children Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn, it said: ‘This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support.’
John, 68, – who starred with Bruce, 67, in the Quentin Tarantino classic Pulp Fiction and comedy Look Who’s Talking – shared a post on social media featuring two throwback pictures of them together, the second of which also included Demi and John’s late wife Kelly Preston in a group shot.
‘Bruce and I became good friends when we shared 2 of our biggest hits together, Pulp Fiction and Look Who’s Talking,’ the actor wrote in the caption.
‘Years later he said to me, “John, I just want you to know that when something good happens to you, I feel like it’s happening to me.” That’s how generous a soul he is. I love you Bruce.’
John is one of several A-listers who have expressed their support for Bruce, with Haley Joel Osment, who starred alongside the actor in the 1999 psychological thriller The Sixth Sense, saying on Instagram that ‘it’s been difficult to find the right words for someone I’ve always looked up to – first on the big screen, and then by some wild stroke of luck, in person’.
‘He’s a true legend who has enriched all of our lives with a singular career that spans nearly half a century. I am so grateful for what I got to witness firsthand, and for the enormous body of work he built for us to enjoy for years and years to come,’ the 33-year-old wrote.
‘I just wanted to express the respect and deep admiration I have for Bruce and his family as they move forward with the courage and high spirits that have always defined them.’
Matthew Perry, who appeared alongside Bruce in Friends as well as The Whole Nine Yards and The Kid, wrote on Twitter: ‘Dear Bruce Willis, I’m so sorry to hear what you are going through, but you’re still the coolest man I’ve met in my entire life.
‘You will remain in my prayers for a long long time. Maybe we should get together and watch the whole 10 yards and get a couple of hours of sleep.’
Director M Night Shyamalan, Breaking Bad star Dean Norris, Seth Green and Jamie Lee Curtis are among the other stars who have expressed their support for Bruce on social media.
‘All my love and respect to my big brother Bruce Willis. I know his wonderful family is surrounding him with support and strength. He will always be that hero on that poster on my wall as kid,’ M Night said.
‘Grace and Guts! Love to you all!’ Jamie Lee commented on Demi’s Instagram post.
Best-known for playing action hero John McClane in the Die Hard franchise, Bruce’s career has seen him star in blockbusters including Armageddon, Looper, Death Becomes Her, Sin City and Unbreakable.
The NHS explains that aphasia causes a person to experience difficulty with their language of speech, with the health service explaining that it’s ‘usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain’.
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