Photo: Getty
Haley Joel Osmentis expressing his “deep admiration” forBruce Willis.
One day after Willis' family revealed the news that he would beretiring from acting due to his aphasiadiagnosis, hisSixth Sensecostar Osment posted a tribute to the 67-year-old actor on social media, alongside a dapper black-and-white throwback snapshot of Willis.
TheExtremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vileactor, 33, went on to say heconsiders Willis “a true legendwho 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,” Osment added. “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.”
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Shyamalan, 51, also shared support for theDie Hardstar amid his diagnosis reveal, writingin a Wednesday tweet, “All my love and respect to my big brother Bruce Willis. I know his wonderful family is surrounding him with support and strength.”
The director added of Willis, “He willalways be that heroon that poster on my wall as [a] kid.”
Shyamalan and Willis have collaborated multiple times in the past. Willis appeared in multiple films from Shyamalan, including 1999’sThe Sixth Sense,in which he played Dr. Malcolm Crowe, and 2000’sUnbreakable,in which he played David Dunn.
He reprised his role as Dunn in two of Shyamalan’s later films, making an uncredited cameo inSplit(2016) and playing Dunn again inGlass(2019).
RELATED VIDEO: Bruce Willis Has Aphasia and Is “Stepping Away” from Acting, Family Reveals
Willis' family shared the news ofhis diagnosis and subsequent retirementon Instagram Wednesday, writing alongside a photo of him on Instagram, “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 considerationBruce is stepping away from the careerthat has meant so much to him,” the caption added.
Willis' family’s Instagram posts went on to say that it “is a really challenging time” for them all, “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,” they concluded, signing the note from the actor’s daughtersRumer Willis,Scout Willis,Tallulah Willis,Mabel WillisandEvelyn Willis, plus Bruce’s wifeEmma Heming Willisand his ex-wifeDemi Moore.
source: people.com
