Sylvester Stallone shares a Bruce Willis health update. Willis, who got his start on the comedy-drama series Moonlighting in 1985, is best-known for his role as wise-cracking John McClane in the Die Hard franchise. The Emmy Award-winning actor has over 100 acting credits to his name, starring in various successful films, including Armageddon and The Sixth Sense. He's also lent his voice to Looks Who's Talking and Over The Hedge. In March, Willis' family revealed on Instagram that the star had been diagnosed with aphasia, affecting his cognitive function and ability to understand speech. The announcement coincided with his retirement from acting, which his family also shared in the same post.
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Sylvester Stallone, a good friend and past co-star of the Die Hard actor, shares an update on Willis' health battle. The actor reveals that although the pair have not spoken due to his inability to communicate, he still is thinking of him through it all. Read Sylvester's full update below:
"Bruce is going through some really, really difficult times... So he's been sort of incommunicado. That kills me. It's so sad."
Sylvester Stallone & Bruce Willis' Friendship Explained
Willis' family continues to share special glimpses of the Golden Globe winner's ongoing health battle through social media. His wife, Emma, often posts sweet photos and videos of Willis spending time with his children on Instagram. Though not related, Stallone and Willis' relationship is almost as special, as the two have been close friends for over a decade since their time together starring in The Expendables. However, the pair have a slightly complicated relationship history.
Willis and Stallone teamed up for the action franchise The Expendables in 2010, which centers around a team of mercenaries recruited by the CIA to defeat an international security threat. The action flick featured an all-star cast of Jason Statham, Jet Li, and Dolph Lundgren, and was a smash hit with audiences. Willis cameoed in The Expendables and starred in its sequel as CIA agent Mr. Church, but in 2013, for The Expendables 3, Stallone caused a stir online when he claimed that Willis was "greedy" and "lazy". Stallone alleged that Willis had tried asking for an additional $1 million during negotiations to his contract, already having $3 million secured for just a few days of work. Stallone publicly addressed the drama on Twitter, calling out Willis, and slyly announced Harrison Ford as Willis' replacement in the third installment of the series.
Willis denied the claims, crediting his absence in The Expendables 3 to pursuing other creative avenues. Thankfully, Stallone apologized on Twitter just a year later in 2014, confirming the two were on good terms. The duo have been friends since, and although Willis will not be returning in his role as Mr. Church in the upcoming Expendables 4, his last project, Paradise City, is sure to be a special send-off to the legendary actor. While Stallone and Willis will not reunite on the big screen, it's special to know his fellow actors are thinking of him, and remembering his legacy during this time.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter